Zoon's balanitis: presentation of 15 patients, five treated with a carbon dioxide laser

Abstract

Background: Zoon's balanitis is a chronic erosive process of the penis. The lesions are refractory to conservative topical and some surgical therapy, and frequently require circumcision as a curative measure.

Methods: Fifteen patients with a clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of Zoon's balanitis were studied between October 1991 and October 2001. Five were treated with a carbon dioxide laser.

Results: The ages of the patients ranged from 36 to 69 years (average, 50.8 years). All the men were uncircumcised and presented with a discharge and erythematous lesions on the glans penis; the balanopreputial fold was affected in 10 patients and eight had a lesion on the internal surface of the prepuce. One patient was human immunodeficiency virus positive. Five were treated with a carbon dioxide laser. Two relapsed 1 and 3 years later, respectively, and the remaining three have been followed up for 2, 5, and 6 years, respectively, without relapse. One patient developed lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the prepuce.

Conclusions: We have presented our case study of 15 patients with Zoon's balanitis, and emphasize the possible use of a carbon dioxide laser as an alternative therapy.