Primary penile sarcoma is an extremely rare condition. The incidence of penile sarcoma is described as 0.6 to 1 out of 100,000 patients in developed countries, and leiomyosarcoma is the predominant histological type.1 Given such a low incidence, treatment for this condition is very controversial. The authors could not find in the literature any other case of penile sarcoma with such histological findings (Pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma).
CASE REPORTJ.M. is a 78 year-old male who was experiencing discomfort and pain in the perineal region for one month. Physical examination revealed a 5 centimeter perineal nodule right below the scrotum. The ultrasound examination showed a solid mass with intense vascularization arising from the corpora cavernosa, while the MRI showed no evidence of invasion into adjacent structures (Figure 1). Core biopsy of the lesion revealed a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma originating from the corpora cavernosa. Abdominal and chest work-ups were negative. The patient was submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Doxorubicin (25 mg/m2/day) and Iphosphamide (1.7mg/m2/day) from D1 to D3, followed by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (total dose of 66 Gy) of the pelvic area, lymph nodes, and the base of the corpora cavernosa. The result demonstrated good response and partial regression of the mass. The patient was then submitted to total penectomy, as well as intraoperatory radiation at a dose of 6 MeV of electrons and 10 Gy, with a 51 mm cone.
Histopathological findings revealed a pleomorphic, high-grade sarcoma and negative margins upon resection (Figure 2A). All immunohistochemical panels were negative (Figure 2B). Four months later, the patient presented inguinal pain and a CT scan showed a lymph node mass of 2.4 cm. The mass was promptly removed, revealing the presence of an undifferentiated sarcoma invading the adjacent fat tissue. The patient received an extra course of chemotherapy consisting of Taxotere at 36 mg/m2 and Gencitabine at 800 mg/m2 from D1-D8. Systemic progression occurred during the chemotherapy, with the appearance of pulmonary and hepatic nodules. The patient was then administered Thalidomide with no response, and died from the disease 17 months after the initial diagnosis.
DISCUSSION
Primary sarcoma of the penis is a very rare condition, and to date there are only around 44 cases described in the medical literature, of which 30 are leiomyosarcomas and 14 are epithelial sarcomas.2 Different types of sarcomas are even rarer and, after extensive literature searches, we were unable to find any other cases of primary pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma of the penis. One possible explanation for these histological findings could be the occurrence, at some point, of a de-differentiation. On the other hand, the tumor could have been pleomorphic from the start.3
The therapeutic approach to such cases is very challenging and remains controversial. We do know that these lesions originate from the base of the corpora cavernosa and are usually treated by total penectomy with or without associated radiation and chemotherapy.3 Regardless of the therapeutic modality used, the majority of patients die in less than two years due to systemic dissemination3. The most appropriate approach to treating such conditions remains to be determined.