Review of in situ and invasive penile squamous cell carcinoma and associated non-neoplastic dermatological conditions

Abstract

Penile carcinoma is a rare genitourinary malignancy in North America and Europe with highest rates recorded in South America, Africa and Asia. Recent classifications have refined the terminology used in classifying intraepithelial/in situ lesions and additionally newer entities have been recognised in the invasive category. While increasing recognition of a bimodal pathway of penile carcinogenesis has facilitated understanding and classification of these tumours, handling and subtyping of penile malignancies presents a challenge to the reporting pathologist, in part due to their rarity. This article reviews the terminology and classification of in situ and invasive carcinomas and their relationship to human papilloma virus status. In addition, associated non-neoplastic dermatological conditions of relevance and appropriate ancillary investigations will be addressed.

Dermatoscopic findings of penile intraepithelial neoplasia: Bowenoid papulosis, Bowen disease and erythroplasia of Queyrat

“…There are three clinically distinct variants of PeIN – Bowenoid papulosis, Bowen disease and EQ. Lesions can have variable clinical presentations and resemble many other dermatoses, compromising recognition and diagnosis . In addition, dermatoses such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus and genital warts can coincide .…”

“…Lesions can have variable clinical presentations and resemble many other dermatoses, compromising recognition and diagnosis . In addition, dermatoses such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus and genital warts can coincide . Bowenoid papulosis tends to affect younger males in their 30s, typically affecting the shaft of the penis and characterised by multiple red or brown papules or plaques .…”

“…Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) histopathologically describes a clinical spectrum of rare pre‐malignant genital dermatoses affecting the penile epithelium . Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the necessity for extensive mutilating surgery.…”

Diagnosis and management of penile cancer

“…1 While squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the dominant pathology, other subtypes including basaloid, warty and adenosquamous also exist. 2 Human papillomavirus (HPV) and phimosis are the most important risk factors for the development of penile cancer.…”

Penile Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising on Bowenoid Papulosis – Case Report

“…Once the tissue diagnosis is confi rmed, penile tumors may be successfully treated with surgical excision (circumcision, partial or total penile amputation), Mohs micrographic surgery, radiotherapy with iridium, chemotherapy (17).…”