Grade, local stage and growth pattern as prognostic factors in carcinoma of the penis

Objectives: To assess the management of adenopathies and the determination of prognostic factors in the treatment of squamous carcinoma of the penis, Materials and Methods: We reviewed 81 cases treated at our Institution between 1980 and 1994. In 62 cases, we review the pathologic samples according to the growth patterns proposed by Cubilla et al. Results: We find that both the grade of cellular differentiaton and the local stage of the tumor are statistically significant with respect to the presence of positive adenopathies. We obtain results similar to Cubilla's work and different survival rates for the patterns of tumor growth. Conclusions: On the basis of our results, we propose 3 differentiated follow-up and treatment groups. We suggest that the new growth pattern classification is useful as prognostic factor in carcinoma of the penis. We corroborate that prophylactic lymphadenectomy is indicated in tumors of vertical growth, while a conservative management should be considered in tumors of verrucous growth.