Laser treatment of localized squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.

PURPOSE

We evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of laser and conventional treatment in 32 men with penile cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 32 men treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis observed for an average of 44 months 19 were treated with the combined carbon dioxide and neodymium: YAG lasers. The 13 patients treated conventionally had more advanced disease and they were a mean 17 years older than those in the laser treated group.

RESULTS

All laser treated patients were disease-free after a mean of 31 months. Among the 13 conventionally treated patients there were only 5 long-term survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

The cosmetic and functional outcome of laser treatment for stages Tis to T2N0M0, grades 1 and 2 squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is excellent, and the associated morbidity rate is low.