Myiasis associated with penile carcinoma: a new trend in developing countries?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Penile cancer is a rare malignancy.
• Myiasis, infestation by fly larvae, can present unusually in genitourinary cases.
• Co-occurrence of penile cancer and myiasis poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an uncommon presentation of penile cancer.
• To detail the association with myiasis infestation.
• To report treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 10 patients with suspected penile cancer and genital myiasis was studied.
• Diagnostic methods included clinical assessment, biopsy, larvae identification, and CT scans.
• Staging followed the 2002 TNM classification; radical inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed based on tumor and nodal status.

Main Results:

• All 10 patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the penis with myiasis caused by Psychoda albipennis.
• Surgical interventions ranged from partial penectomy to emasculation.
• Radical inguinal lymphadenectomy was performed on all patients, with varied prophylactic, therapeutic, and palliative approaches.

Conclusions:

• Genital myiasis is more prevalent in individuals with poor hygiene and lower socioeconomic status.
• Treatment for penile cancer associated with myiasis is individualized based on tumor characteristics and lymph node involvement.