Penile cancer--is lymphadenectomy necessary in all cases?
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study examines the need for lymphadenectomy in all cases of penile cancer.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients were followed up regularly by the same person between 1986 and 1992.


RESULTS
Nine (25%) patients presented with positive groin lymph nodes and underwent immediate ilioinguinal node dissection. Of the 27 (75%) patients who presented with negative groin lymph nodes, 10 had a delayed lymph node dissection. Four of these patients are alive at 3.7 years. Three died within 1 year of surgery and 3 are lost to follow-up. Seventeen patients (47%) did not require lymphadenectomy and 14 (82%) of these patients are alive at 3.8 years, the other 3 being lost to follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
A careful, closely monitored, follow-up protocol can eliminate the need for lymphadenectomy in select patients with penile cancer.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies