Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumour of the penis. It is a rare disease in Western countries, and occurs in patients after the sixth decade. The pattern of spread is loco-regional, and prognosis is poor when nodal metastases appear. The etiology of penis cancer is discussed, however human papillomavirus infection, tobacco, poor hygiene and phimosis are often associated with this disease. Radical surgery gives the best control of the primary tumour, but it is mutilating. Conservative therapies (laser, radiotherapy, and particularly brachytherapy.) are an attracting option. Regional lymph nodes management is extremely controversial. Lymph node metastases, invasion of corpus cavernosum, and poor differentiation are pejorative prognostic factors. More than half patients are responsive to modern polychemotherpy combinations. However responses are transient and chemotherapy alone is not curative for metastatic disease. Etiologic factors, clinical presentation, staging work-up requirements, prognostic factors and therapeutic modalities are detailed.