Penile carcinoma arising in balanitis xerotica obliterans

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is an uncommon cancer, though in one study it accounted for 90% of all penile cancers. Its association with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a rare though recognized occurrence. We describe a case of a 46-year-old Caucasian male who first presented to our open-access clinic with a mild phimosis. An elective circumcision was performed and histological examination of the circumcision specimen showed BXO. He was lost to follow-up but re-presented three years later with a persistent tender penile ulcer which on biopsy showed no obvious sinister pathology. He returned a further two years later with a short history of bleeding from the ulcer, and another biopsy now confirmed penile squamous cell carcinoma. Our case emphasizes the importance of regular review of patients with BXO, in particular those with persistent symptoms.