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.
