A review of primary malignant penile neoplasms at Kenyatta National Hospital over a 20 year period (January 1970 - January 1989)

Abstract

Primary malignant neoplasms of the penis are rare in this country. A total of 20 patients were seen at Kenyatta National Hospital between January 1970 and January 1989 and all were histologically havinq squamous cell carcinoma of varying grades. Total number of malignancies reported over this period was 29,218, hence penile malignancy accounted for 0.1% of all malignancies. The peak age incidence was 31-60 years with a mean age of 50. 74.4% of the patients were not circumcised and 51.6% of the patient.s presented \\fit.h signs and symptoms of over one year duration. The commonest presenting sign was a penile ulceration commonest on the glans penis. 24.1% of the patients presented with clinical low-stage (Jackson Stage I) while 75.9% patients with clinical high-stage (Jackson Stage II and above) carcinoma of the penis. Four patients were offered no definitive treatment either due to advanced" disease, refusal or died before any form of treatment was instituted. Eighteen patients were offered surgery followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Eleven patients were lost for follow-up while seven were alive after one year, three after two years and three for more than two years.