Early penile metastasis from primary bladder cancer as the first systemic manifestation: a case report

Metastatic involement of penis is an exceptionally rare condition. 77% of the metastases are originated from the pelvic region; prostate and bladder are the most frequent primary locations. Retrograde venous route, retrograde lymphatic route, arterial spread, direct extension, implantation and secondary to instrumentation are the mechanisms of metastasis. Approximately two thirds of all penile metastasis are detected at a mean time of 18 months after the detection of the primary tumor and the remaining one third is presented at the same time with primary tumor. Diagnosis is usually made by biopsy and also non invasive methods as MRI or colour-coded duplex ultrasonography. Treatment options in these patients are local excision, partial or complete penectomy, external beam radiation therapy and chemotheraphy. Despite these alternatives prognosis is usually poor. We present a case of urethelial carcinoma of the bladder and coincidental prostate adenocarcinoma with penile metastasis which is presented with priapism 6 months after radical cystectomy as the first systemic manifestation. We performed biopsy initially for staging and the patient underwent MRI showing the extension of the disease. The patient underwent radiotherapy of 56 gy and priapism partially resolved after the treatment. Chemotheraphy was also planned but the patient died 3 months following radiotheraphy.