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. 2012;65(1):17-20.
doi: 10.5173/ceju.2012.01.art5. Epub 2012 Mar 19.

Normal variants in patients consulted in the Dermatology Clinic for lesions of the male external genitalia

Igor Michajłowski  1 , Michał Sobjanek  1 , Jerzy Michajłowski  2 , Adam Włodarkiewicz  3 , Marcin Matuszewski  2
Affiliations

Normal variants in patients consulted in the Dermatology Clinic for lesions of the male external genitalia

Igor Michajłowski et al. Cent European J Urol. 2012.

Abstract

Introduction: So far there have been no papers analyzing the incidence of 'non-pathological' lesions or normal variants on the male external genitalia. Subsequently, the number of patients consulted due to the presence of such lesions remains unknown. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of normal variants in patients who were consulted due to lesions on the skin or mucosa of the male external genitalia.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 400 males, aged 3-91, who were consulted due to lesions on the genitalia in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology of the Medical University of Gdańsk.

Results: The most common lesions were hyperpigmentation of the median raphe of the penis and scrotum (85.6%), pearly penile papules (24%), and prominent veins (24%). Sebaceous hyperplasia or ectopic sebaceous glands were revealed in 9% of patients, respectively. Melanocytic nevi were diagnosed with similar frequency (9.5%), whereas skin tags more rarely (7%). Other 'non-pathological' lesions were diagnosed in a considerably lower number of patients. In 32 patients (8% of all patients) the reason of admission to the Clinic was just the presence of some 'non-pathological' lesions. Pearly penile papules were found to be the most common condition, occurring in 78.1% patients.

Conclusions: Normal variants represent a substantial percentage of generally asymptomatic lesions and the only indication for their removal is cosmetic discomfort or venerophobia.

Keywords: normal variants; pearly penile papules; penis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hyperpigmentation of the median raphe of the penis.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Hyperpigmentation of the median raphe of the scrotum.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Prominent veins of the penis.
Fig. 4, 5
Fig. 4, 5
Multiple pearly penile papules on the coronal margin of the glans.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Several millimeters in diameter, distally directed pearly penile papules resembling genital warts.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Single pearly penile papule on the glans penis. Diagnosis is based on the dermatoscopic examination.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Sebaceous hyperplasia on the internal lamina of the prepuce.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Ectopic sebaceous glands on the glans penis.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Typical melanocytic nevus on the shaft of the penis.
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Hyperpigmented skin tags on the shaft of the penis.
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Single angioma on the internal lamina of the prepuce.
Fig. 13
Fig. 13
Multiple hemorrhagic keratomas on the scrotum.
Fig. 14
Fig. 14
Bier's spots.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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