Penis auto-amputation and chasm of the lower abdominal wall due to advanced penile carcinoma: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Penile cancer is uncommon. When penile cancer is left untreated, at an advanced stage it can have tragic consequences for the patient. CASE PRESENTATION: Our case report does not concern a new manifestation of penile cancer, but an interesting presentation with clinical significance that emphasizes the need to diagnose and treat penile cancer early. It is an unusual case of a neglected penile cancer in a 57-year-old Greek man that led to auto-amputation of the penis and a large chasm in the lower abdominal wall. The clinical staging was T4N3M0 and our patient was treated with a bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Our patient died 18 months after his first admission in our clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Emphasis must be placed on early diagnosis and treatment of penile cancer, so further development of the disease can be prevented.