Penile squamous cell carcinoma and lichen planus

Abstract

Background Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSSC) has some non-PHV associated precursos and lichen planus is not considered one of them. Case presentation A 78-year-old patient sought the urologist due to a history of erythema on glans for 12 months and growing mass for 6 months treated with different topical medications. Partial penectomy was performed with finding of squamous cell carcinoma usual / keratinizing type with invasion of glans (pT2) and presence of extensive differentiated PeIN in adjacent areas. Adjacent to PeIN areas, there was an inflammatory reaction typical of lichen planus. This lichenoid reaction was present in the periphery of the large mass and also in a separate hyperkeratotic plaque at the glans. No features of HPV infections or balanitis xerotica obliterans were detected on histologic analysis. Conclusion We report a case with rapid evolution (6 months) between inflammatory signs of penile disease to mass forming lesion. This report call attention to this potential association – describing the association with invasive squamous carcinoma. Treatment-resistant longstanding cases of lichen planus should be biopsied. Prospective studies of patients with penile lichen planus are warranted to evaluate the magnitude of the risk of progression to penile carcinoma.