Rare association between penile squamous cell carcinoma and parathyroid related peptide (PTH-rP) secretion.

Abstract

We report on a rare case of an adult with severe hypercalcemia secondary to the ectopic secretion of parathyroid-related peptide (PTH-rP) from a penile squamous cell cancer (PC). A patient of 47 years old was admitted with warty lesions and areas of ulceration covered by purulent material in a large area of the groin, scrotum and penis. Laboratory tests revealed severe hypercalcemia and elevation of PTH-rP; the biopsy reported PC. Hypercalcemia was successfully treated with zoledronic acid, however, the tumor displayed aggressive behavior, which resulted in a poor prognosis for the patient.