ABSTRACT
Tumors of the penis comprise several histologic types, ranging from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, sarcomas, and lymphomas to secondary metastasis. Penile SCC typically arises from the epithelium in the inner prepuce or the glans, and behaves similarly to SCC at other sites. such as the anus, oropharynx, and female genitalia. The incidence of penile cancer increases with age, and while the disease does occur in young men, its incidence reaches its peak during the sixth decade of life. Major risk factors for the development of penile cancer include premalignant lesions, chronic inflammation, poor hygiene, low socioeconomic status, photochemotherapy (PUVA), tobacco use, lack of circumcision, and HPV infection. Diagnosis of penile cancer involves a history review and physical exam (for visible lesion and palpable inguinal lymphadenopathy), radiographic imaging, and biopsy. Guided by the TNM staging, treatment for penile cancer consists of excision of a primary lesion, and if metastatic disease is present, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, as well as palliation.
