Demographic characteristics, presentation, risk factors and treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)of the penis is a rare cancer that affects mainly elderly men. Presence of fore skin in the uncircumcised, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, tobacco smoking and Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) infection are known risk factors. Objective: To describe the demographic characteristics, presentation and risk factors and treatment of patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the penis in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret, Kenya. Design: This was a ten-year retrospective study. Setting: Urology unit and oncology departments at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya Results: A total of 41 patients were treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis at MTRH. Mean age 51.2 years (SD15.2) and range of 31-79 years. Of these 81.6% (31) were uncircumcised, 86.1% (31) were HIV positive and 70% (14) were tobacco smokers. About 63.9% (23) presented with a glanular lesion of the penis. Penectomy was performed in 76.5% (13) of the patients. Conclusion: Patients treated for SCC of the penis at MTRH are about 10 years younger than the those in developing countries. Being uncircumcised, HIV infection, use of Tobacco and low socioeconomic status were common risk factors in this study. The glans penis is the commonest site for primary lesion and penectomy is the most common mode of treatment as most cases presented at advanced disease stages.