Malignant tumors of the penis.

BACKGROUND: Although penile cancer is rare in developed countries, it occurs more frequently in other parts of the world and causes significant morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To review the current literature on the pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical presentation, staging, and treatment of premalignant and malignant tumors of the penis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review using PubMed was conducted searching for articles on penile malignancies.

RESULTS: The majority of penile cancers are in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinomas, although other rare tumors of the penis occur, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, extramammary Paget's disease, and soft tissue sarcomas.

CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of the risk factors and clinical presentation of penile malignancies because early diagnosis is essential in effective management and cure. Accurate staging is imperative for risk stratification and treatment planning. Depending on the type of tumor, size of tumor, location, staging, and grading, treatment modalities vary and may include topical chemotherapy, surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, laser excision or ablation, systemic chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.