Epidermoid carcinoma of the penis

One hundred and twenty-two cases of penile carcinoma at the Medical University of South Carolina from 1945 to 1979 have been analysed. The age and race distribution of these patients, initial clinical staging and surgical treatment have been recorded. In addition, clinical inguinal involvement, results of inguinal lymphadenectomy and survival data based on retrospective staging are listed. The role of adjunctive lymphadenectomy is discussed and the importance of pelvic lymphadenectomy in addition to inguinal node dissection is emphasised. A treatment plan is outlined for the management of penile carcinoma in order to increase survival without increasing patient morbidity.