Metastasis to the penis. Case reports and review of the literature

Metastasis to the penis is rare, despite rich vascularization and complex circulation. Less than 200 cases have been reported. Three new cases of penis metastasis from primary tumours in the bladder and prostate, respectively, are described. The most common symptoms are penile induration and swelling. Treatments, all of which must be considered merely palliative, consist of local tumour excision, radiation therapy, cytostatic and hormone therapy, possibly with partial or total penis amputation. The prognosis is poor, irrespective of the therapy and site of the primary tumour. More than 80% of the patients die within six months after the occurrence of penis metastasis, as a result of disseminated cancer disease.