New insights into the aetiology of scrotal cancer, a nationwide case-control study in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background: Although scrotal cancer is traditionally regarded as an occupational disease, there is increasing evidence that factors which are involved in cutaneous and genital carcinogenesis might play a role in the carcinogenesis of scrotal cancer.

Objective: This exploratory study aimed to detect exposures that might have an aetiological relation with scrotal cancer.

Methods: A nationwide population-based case-control study was conducted in the Netherlands. The patients were identified through the Netherlands cancer registry. Controls were recruited among acquaintances of the cancer registry registrars. The participants completed a questionnaire that included questions on occupational exposures, naked sunbathing, use of sunbeds, skin diseases and their treatments, treatments for cancer and sexually transmitted diseases. Age-adjusted odds-ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Results: Forty-seven scrotal cancer patients and 125 controls completed the questionnaire. The patients were categorized according to histology of the scrotal tumours. Having had a skin disease (OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 1.8-22), especially psoriasis (OR = 8.7), increased the risk of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the scrotum. A previous cancer diagnosis may affect the risk of scrotal basal cell carcinomas (BCC; OR = 4.9, 95% CI = 0.9-27.3). Furthermore, an association between the number of sexual partners and the occurrence of scrotal sarcoma was found.

Conclusion: Scrotal SCCs may be related with skin diseases or skin disease treatments. Having had cancer may be a risk factor for a BCC of the scrotum. Scrotal sarcomas seem to be correlated with the number of sexual partners. This study suggests that scrotal cancer has characteristics of both cutaneous and genital carcinogenesis.