Secondary carcinomatous infiltration of the penis: palliation with radiotherapy

Secondary carcinomatous involvement of the penis is surprisingly uncommon considering its proximity to the site of many common primary malignancies. Management of this unpleasant condition is difficult and should be primarily aimed at palliative relief of symptoms. Four cases are presented, two with primary prostatic adenocarcinoma, one rectal carcinoma and one carcinoma of the caecum. Three of these patients, on developing penile involvement, were subjected to a single course of radiotherapy. This resulted in marked relief of pain and reduction in tumour bulk allowing an improvement in micturition, where obstructive symptoms were present. Due to the small number of cases available treatment cannot be prospectively evaluated. A logical palliative treatment for metastatic penile disease is suggested.