[Epidemiology of penile cancer]

Urologe A. 2018 Apr;57(4):408-412. doi: 10.1007/s00120-018-0593-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Background: Penile cancer represents a rarity in daily clinical practice.

Objectives: The aim is to identify global differences concerning the incidence, social and risk factors.

Methods: The past and current epidemiologic literature is analyzed concerning incidence rates and risk factors. The latter are discussed concerning their potential with regard to disease prevention.

Results: Globally, incidence rates of penile cancer range from low to nonexistent. Distinct differences are found when comparing industrialized countries with emerging and developing countries. Phimosis seems to be a crucial risk factor in the formation of penile cancer. Additionally, chronic inflammatory diseases of the penis were found to be associated with a higher risk.

Conclusions: Preventive measures should be considered in relation to the rarity of the disease, especially in the valuation of circumcision during early childhood. Regular clinical examination of the penis is a sensible measure of early detection.

Keywords: Circumcision; Inflammation, chronic; Papillomavirus, human; Phimosis; Risk factors.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease
  • Circumcision, Male
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Developed Countries
  • Developing Countries
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Male
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Penile Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Penile Neoplasms / etiology
  • Penile Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Phimosis / complications
  • Phimosis / epidemiology
  • Risk Factors