Progression of penile cutaneous horn to squamous cell carcinoma: A case report

Abstract

The current report presents the case of a 43-year-old male suffering from a penile cutaneous horn. A surgical excision of the lesion was performed and histopathology demonstrated hyperkeratosis, dyskeratosis and epithelial hyperplasia. The cutaneous horn progressed to squamous cell carcinoma <1.5 months following surgery and a partial penectomy was conducted. The International Index of Erectile Function 5 questionnaire was used to assess the patient and the score had decreased in the one-month postoperative follow-up compared with that of the preoperative period. These findings indicate that undergoing a partial penectomy on initial diagnosis of a penile cutaneous horn should be considered in order to conserve a greater quantity of the penile tissue and improve the postoperative quality of life.

Cutaneous Horn: A Devil Not Only in Appearance

“…Cutaneus horns are conical projection of dense hyperkeratotic material that resembles the horn of an animal but do not have a central bony core like that of animals (1). Although 80% of the lesions are associated with benign lesions at the base of the horn like verruca or seborrheic keratosis, 20-30% may be associated with malignancies, most common of which being squamous cell carcinomas (2)(3)(4)(5). Although the exact etiology is not known it usually occurs in sun exposed areas of the skin with hyperkeratosis over the surface of the hyperproliferative lesions.…”

Penile cutaneous horn: a rare case report and review of the literature

“…Penile cutaneous horn is uncommon and has been rarely reported ( Table 1 ). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 The first case of penile cutaneous horn was described in 1854. To date, however, its etiology is still uncertain.…”

“… 10 Chronic preputial inflammation, phimotic foreskin, the trauma of circumcision, and viral infection have been implicated in penile cutaneous horn formation. 6 11 …”

Cutaneous Penile Horn

“…Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment, and follow-up physical examinations to assess for metachronous penile carcinoma are recommended. [1][2][3] …”