Urothelial carcinoma involving the distal penis

• Published in: Canadian Urological Association journal 2012-12, Vol.6 (2)
• Main Authors: Dason, Shawn, Sheikh, Adeel, Wang, Jing Gennie, Tauqir, Syeda, Davies, Timothy O., Shayegan, Bobby
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1911-6470; 1920-1214
• DOI: 10.5489/cuaj.167

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) rarely metastasizes to the penis and skin. We report the case of a 73-year-old man with UC metastases to the corpus spongiosum and dermis of the distal penis. We also review the clinicopathologic characteristics and management options for UC metastasizing to the penis. The patient presented with priapism and edema of the genital region. This follows a 5-year history of urothelial carcinoma in situ that progressed to invasive cancer despite intravesical immunotherapy. Seventeen months prior to presentation, the patient underwent a radical cystectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy. The cystectomy specimen demonstrated a pT4a N2 M0 G3 UC and margins were positive for carcinoma in situ. Follow-up had been negative for recurrence until his presentation with priapism. Incisional biopsy of the glans revealed UC and radical penectomy was performed with negative margins. The penile specimen demonstrated extensive involvement of the corpus spongiosum by UC with lymphovascular invasion and subepidermal involvement. Three months after penectomy, the patient presented with inguinal nodal recurrence. Palliative radiotherapy was administered and the patient passed away eight months after surgery.