[Penile verrucous carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience with verrucous carcinoma of the penis.

METHODS

Our series of penile carcinoma over the last 25 years were reviewed; 13 cases of verrucous carcinoma were found. The histological and clinical features, course and treatment of these patients are discussed and current literature reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 95 cases of penile carcinoma diagnosed in our hospital, 13 were verrucous carcinoma of the penis (13.7%). Patient mean age was 64.7 years (range 33 to 93). The urethra was compromised in 2 (15.4%) and the corpora cavernosa in 4 (30.7%) patients. Five patients presented with inguinal lymphadenopathy. Treatment was by posthectomy in 3, resection of the glans penis in 2, partial penectomy in 6 and total penectomy in 2. One patient showed local recurrence at a mean follow-up of 7 years. No lymph node or distant metastasis from the primary penile tumor was observed.

CONCLUSION

Verrucous carcinoma of the penis shows an aggressive behavior locally, but not biologically. Treatment continues to be by surgery. Patients undergoing surgery aimed at organ preservation should be carefully followed. In most of the patients, early diagnosis could have avoided more aggressive surgical techniques.