treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
Radiotherapy is used to treat early stage disease and for palliation. It is given either by radio-active implants, by external X-rays, or as a radio-active mould fitted around the shaft of the penis. The results are good, with a sixty to seventy-five percent 5 year survival. Radiotherapy may also be used to treat fixed malignant inguinal nodes, or be given as the treatment of first choice to young patients.
Surgical excision is indicated if:
- radiotherapy has been ineffective
- the corpus cavernosum is involved
Amputation will not interfere with micturition since both the internal and the external sphincters are preserved.
If the inguinal lymph nodes remain enlarged 1 month after surgery, deep X-ray therapy or a block dissection is given.