Epidemiological study of penile cancer in Pernambuco: experience of two reference centers

Objectives To investigate and analyze the epidemiological profile of penile cancer in the state of Pernambuco and compare this information with other studies related to the issue. Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational and descriptive study of all patients with penile cancer in two reference centers in Pernambuco - Brazil, from 2007 to 2012. The variables studied were: age, region from the state, socio-economic situation, previous postectomy, smoking, time from the beginning of injury to diagnosis, staging of the primary lesion, tumor differentiation, treatment performed and death due to cancer. Results The total number of patients was 88. The highest prevalence was seen in those aged between 66 and 75 years. About the socio-economic situation, 67% worked informally and 64.8% received up to two minimum wages. Of all patients, 57% were married and 50% illiterate. The Metropolitan Region of Recife was the one with the highest number of cases, 41%. Tobacco smoking was reported in 48.9% of cases and prior postectomy in 3.4%. Most often it was observed an average period of six months from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. And when the lesion was diagnosed, it usually had 2 to 5 cm (64.7%), stage T2 in 50% and well differentiated in 79.6%. Partial penectomy was performed in 76.1% and total in 17%. Death was observed in 27.3%. Conclusion The clinical profile and epidemiological characteristics found in this study are similar to other national and international studies related to the issue, i.e., typical of underdeveloped or developing countries