A Challenging Surgical and Reconstructive Approach to Locally Advanced Squamous Perineal Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Perineal carcinoma of unknown primary origin (CUP) is a rare entity and represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. These tumors may respond well to a combination of surgical resection, when feasible, local radiotherapy, and platinum-based systemic chemotherapy. A 67-year-old male patient consulted for urinary discomfort associated with perineal abscess. The perineal abscess was drained, and the patient was diagnosed with perineal carcinoma of unknown origin. Computed tomography (CT) scan shows a large perineal mass that involves both corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. CT and bone scan excluded the metastatic spread of the disease. Inguinal lymph nodes were not identified. The surgical treatment consisted of two different phases. Phase I: the perineal mass exeresis with total penectomy. Phase II: perineal neourethrostomy with double oral mucosa graft. Coverage of the perineal defect and morphological reconstruction of the penis with fasciocutaneous and gracilis flap. The surgical intervention lasted for nine hours and the estimated blood loss was 500cc. The patient was discharged twelve days after the intervention. Later he received adjuvant treatment with immunotherapy (Cemiplimab) because was not subsidiary to treatment with platinum for renal failure. The patient died after nine months of follow-up due to pulmonary and abdominal metastatic spread.