Fine needle aspiration cytology of penile tumors

OBJECTIVE: Penile tumors are unusual and can represent neoplastic or inflam matory processes. We report a series of penile tumors diagnosed by fine nee dle aspiration (FNA) cytology. STUDY DESIGN: Files from the Division of Clinical Cytology, Karolinska Hosp ital, were searched, and cases of FNA cytology of the penis selected. Clini cal information and cytologic diagnoses were recorded and observations from aspiration smears made. RESULTS: Eleven patients had presented to Karolinska Hospital for FNA cytol ogy of the penis. They ranged from 46 to 89 years of age; all were uncircum cised. Tumors were present in various locations, including the glans and sh aft. Five patients had squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) of the penis; three w ere primary, one locally recurrent and one metastatic from primary lung SCC A. There were three carcinomas metastatic from primary colon, prostate and bladder tumors. There was one each of locally recurrent malignant melanoma, locally metastatic testicular mesothelioma and Peyronie's disease. Discomf ort associated with the procedure was tolerable, there were no complication s, and each biopsy provided sufficient material for a cytologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION: FNA cytology of penile tumors is a successful, well-tolerated p rocedure capable of providing a cytologic diagnosis and useful information for patient management.