Rectal adenocarcinoma infiltrating the bulbar urethra and metastasising to the penis

BMJ Case Rep. 2016 Jun 16:2016:bcr2015214193. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2015-214193.

Abstract

Secondary penile tumours from rectal carcinoma is a known clinical entity but can be missed unless carefully evaluated. We report a case of rectal adenocarcinoma with synchronous painless penile nodules. A patient presented with constipation and rectal bleeding. He had an anorectal growth as well as palpable nodules on his penis. Rectal biopsy yielded adenocarcinoma. Imaging revealed direct infiltration of tumour into the bulb of the penis as well as distal shaft lesions. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of the penile nodule showed metastatic adenocarcinoma. Diversion colostomy was performed and the patient referred for chemoradiation. Since he did not have any urinary symptoms, the penile lesions were left unaltered. Repeat imaging after concurrent chemoradiotherapy showed no response. The prognosis was explained and the patient was given palliative clinic care.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnosis*
  • Penile Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Penile Neoplasms / secondary
  • Penile Neoplasms / therapy
  • Penis / pathology
  • Rectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Urethra / pathology*