[Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis]

Abstract

Penile tumors are the rarest male urogenital tract tumors (1%). Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histologic type (95%). Radical surgical excision, though often mutilating, remains the best treatment for localized stages, in terms of local control (6% local recurrence). There are other therapeutic weapons and their possible indications should be adapted to the locoregional extension and at a distance from the primary tumor. We report the case of Mr AS aged 61, without particular pathological antecedents, who consulted, 6 years before, for an ulcerated burgeoning in the anterior surface of the penile bleeding on contact, which extended along the penis, without involving the glans penis. Evolution was marked by tumor progression with extension to the anterior pelvic wall. The patient went into a critical state of hemorrhagic shock. After stabilizing the hemodynamic status, a biopsy of the penis lesion confirmed the diagnosis of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. An evaluation of the extent of loco-regional recurrence and distant metastasis showed pulmonary micronodules in the right lung. The case was discussed at the Multidisciplinary Consultative Meeting and patient was deemed inoperable and offered palliative chemotherapy. The prognosis of advanced stages of penis cancer is reserved; their frequency in our context is related to the modesty of patients, which explains the causes of delay in medical examination. Only socio-cultural awareness allows early diagnosis and, therefore, a better prognosis.

Keywords: Epidermoid carcinoma; chemotherapy; penis.

Figure 1

(A) tumeur ulcéro-bourgeonnante du pénis épargnant le gland; (B) tumeur du pénis étendue sur la paroi abdominale antérieure sous ombilicale