Treatment of penile squamous cell carcinoma in a gelding

Abstract

A 19 year old Thoroughbred gelding presented to the Cornell University Equine Hospital in October 2008 for evaluation of a mass on his glans penis. Over the summer of 2008, he had dysuria and malodorous discharge from his penis. With progressing signs, an examination by his referring veterinarian was performed and a mass visualized. Bloodwork (CBC and Chemistry panel) at that time showed a mild elevation in glucose and AST. Systemic antibiotics were prescribed for the treatment of his balanoposthitis. He was then referred to Cornell for treatment. Upon presentation at Cornell, only a brief examination of the mass was possible with standing sedation. A rectal examination revealed no gross metastasis to his regional lymph nodes. Given the appearance, location, and clinical presentation, a suspected diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of his glans penis was made. The location of the mass, in combination with its invasiveness, guided a decision to perform a William's phallectomy. Appropriate pre-surgical measures were followed, and the surgery, as well as anesthesia, was without complications. Romeo was discharged to the care of his owners two days following his procedure. Histopathology results confirmed the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. No surgical or post-operative complications are yet to be encountered, and he has continued to do well.