Penile metastasis in rectal cancer with pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: The first case report and literature review

Peno-scrotal metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide and may present as metastatic disease involving the liver, lungs and bones, and pelvic organs. Penile and scrotal metastasis may occur secondary to primary tumors originating from the genito-urinary tract.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of rectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the penis and scrotum s/p chemotherapy and radiotherapy. His metastatic involvement was complicated by infections, necrosis and growth of maggots. Patient underwent wide excision and debridement of the metastatic deposits in the pubic, penile, scrotal and perineal region in addition to split-tissue skin graft from the right anterior thigh to cover the pubic region, the remainder of the penile shaft, and the scrotum.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Peno-scrotal metastasis secondary to rectal adenocarcinoma is a rare condition. It may present as malignant priapism, hematuria, obstructive urinary symptoms occurring when there is urethral involvement. The mechanism of metastasis may be due to retrograde venous flow from the vesical, pudendal, hemorrhoidal plexuses, and the prostatic venous plexus draining the cavernosal veins of the penis. Additionally, lymphatic involvement and spread may play an important role in the spread of the disease. Treatment of such conditions relies on chemotherapy and radiotherapy and surgery for local control and symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSION

This article describes the rare occurrence of peno-scrotal metastasis of rectal adenocarcinoma and provides an overview on diagnosis, etiology, and management of the disease.

A Case Report and Review of the Literature of Penile Metastasis From Rectal Cancer

Background

Metastatic involvement of the penis in cases of rectal cancer is exceptionally rare condition. Our clinical case report and review of the literature will contribute in complementing currently limited data on penile metastasis from rectal cancer.

Case report

We report a case of a 64-year-old male diagnosed with penile metastasis from rectal cancer. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). However, penile metastasis developed 3 years later, clinically presenting as penile pain and solid formations along the entire length of the penis with visible tumor in the head of the penis. The amputation of penis was performed, and adjuvant chemotherapy was prescribed. The patient survived only 6 months.

Conclusion

Penile metastasis from rectal cancer in most cases is a lethal pathology that indicates wide dissemination of oncological disease and has a very poor prognosis. Aggressive surgical treatment is doubtful in metastatic disease as this will negatively affect the quality of life.