Priapism due to solid malignancy

Although priapism secondary to hematologic malignancies has been well described,review of the literature reveals 75 case reports of priapism due to local corporeal involvement by solid tumors. Our recent experience with 6 cases of local invasion of the corporeal bodies is reviewed. Three transitional cell carcinomas, one prostatic adenocarcinoma, one rectal carcinoma, and one sarcoma comprise the series. Three patients presented with priapism as their chief complaint, and 3 patients presented with priapism as their first sign of recurrence. Therapy included corporeal curettage, surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. None of the modalities was entirely effective, although chemotherapy seemed to offer the best palliation.