Penile cancer in Burkina Faso: epidemiology and difficulties of management about 21 cases

To present our experience in the management of penile cancer (PC) in the context of a country with limited resources.

This was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection and descriptive aim. It was conducted over a 20-year period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2024.

The frequency was 1.05 cases per year. The mean age of the patients was 60.23±13.10 years. A proportion of 76.19% (n=16) of patients were uncircumcised. One patient was HIV positive. Ulceration of the penis was the main reason for consultation (88.23%). The average time to consultation was 11.7±11.37 months. Phimosis was observed in 2 patients. The histological type found was squamous cell carcinoma in all cases. Stage cT3 was the most common (71.42%), followed by stage cT4 in 28.58%. Twelve patients underwent surgical treatment. Total penectomy was performed in 5 patients, partial penectomy in 6 patients and emasculation in one patient. Node dissection was performed in 3 patients. The one-year survival rate was 83.33%.

Penile cancer is rare and consultations are made at advanced stages. Awareness of the population on risk factors remains essential for early diagnosis and prevention.