Abstract
Although relatively rare in the United States, penile squamous cell carcinoma is encountered worldwide at a higher rate. Initial diagnosis is often made on clinical exam, as almost all of these lesions are externally visible and amenable to biopsy. In distinction to other types of malignancies, penile cancer relies heavily on clinical nodal staging of the inguinal lymph node chains. As with all cancers, imaging plays a role in the initial staging, restaging, and surveillance of these patients. The aim of this manuscript is to highlight the applications, advantages, and limitations of different imaging modalities in the evaluation of penile cancer, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography.
Highlights
Post-Treatment Surveillance of PenileSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents the vast majority (≥95%) of penile cancers [1]
We investigate the utilization of different imaging modalities such as ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging
Following surgical resection and inguinal lymph node dissection, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines recommend serial clinical exams to evaluate for recurrence [20]
Summary
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents the vast majority (≥95%) of penile cancers [1]. Patients usually present due to the presence of a palpable penile lesion, which may be associated with pain, discharge, bleeding, or foul odor These lesions can be nodular, ulcerating, or fungating in appearance. Upwards of 30% of men will present with palpable inguinal lymph nodes, of which about 60–80% represent regional metastatic spread of penile SCC, with the remainder of patients with inguinal lymphadenopathy representing an inflammatory reaction etiology [13]. Most of these penile cancers are superficial and low stage upon presentation with less than 10% of men having distant metastatic involvement upon presentation. We investigate the utilization of different imaging modalities such as ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging
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