We investigated the treatment results and outcomes of patients with pathological node positive penile carcinoma who experienced an inguinal recurrence after therapeutic lymphadenectomy, and determined the clinicopathological features predictive of such recurrences.

Data of 161 patients with pN+ penile carcinoma were analyzed. Ipsilateral postoperative radiotherapy was given if histopathology revealed 2 or more metastases and/or extranodal extension. Medium observed followup was 60 months. The 5-year incidence of inguinal recurrence was estimated using a competing risk analysis considering death a competing risk.

An inguinal recurrence developed in 26 patients following lymphadenectomy after a median of 5.3 months. The overall estimated 5-year inguinal recurrence rate was 16%. Of the 26 patients with inguinal recurrence ipsilateral adjuvant radiotherapy was indicated in 22 but given in 11. The other 11 patients had recurrence in the groin before the start of adjuvant radiotherapy. Median survival after inguinal recurrence was 4.5 months. Only 2 of 26 patients (8%) underwent successful salvage after inguinal recurrence. Pronounced differences in estimated recurrence rates were found among several clinicopathological variables indicating extensive penile cancer. Patients with 3 or more unilateral metastatic inguinal nodes and/or extranodal extension and/or pelvic nodal involvement defined a subgroup with high risk pN+ penile cancer.

Most inguinal recurrence following therapeutic lymphadenectomy in pN+ penile carcinoma occurs within a short time. Patients experiencing such a recurrence have a poor outcome with limited salvage options. Patients with 3 or more unilateral metastatic inguinal nodes and/or extranodal extension and/or pelvic nodal involvement represent a high risk group that may benefit from multimodality treatment.