Penis cancer and sex with animals: Presentation of a case

Introduction A 52-year old farmer consulted due to superinfected genital lesions of 2 months onset, corresponding to an invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. His past history included the frequent practice of zoophilia with various animal species since youth. Human papillomavirus 16, 33, and 58 were identified. Methods A literature search was conducted to evaluate the possibility of a link between zoophilia and penis cancer. The RIPS database (official national registry) was reviewed for this diagnosis in Colombia, with estimates by age group and geographic origin. Results A case-control study conducted in Brazil, which included 118 men with penile cancer and 374 controls, showed zoophilia as a risk factor. According to RIPS, the highest rates of penile cancer locally are in Cordoba and Sucre, areas with a culturally accepted zoophilic practice (with female Equus asinus). Discussion We propose and discuss possible relationships between zoophilia and penile cancer: There could be a confounding factor associated with other sexual practices, probably more common in these patients, or there could be a sexually transmitted virus between species (human papillomavirus, bovine or equine papilloma viruses). More research is required in this field.