Noninfectious Penile Lesions.

ABSTRACT

Noninfectious penile lesions are classified by clinical presentation as papulosquamous (e.g., psoriasis), inflammatory (e.g., lichen sclerosus, lichen nitidus, lichen planus), vascular (e.g., angiokeratomas), or neoplastic (e.g., carcinoma in situ, invasive squamous cell carcinoma). Psoriasis presents as red or salmon-colored plaques with overlying silvery scales, often with extragenital cutaneous lesions. Lichen sclerosus presents as a phimotic, hypopigmented prepuce or glans penis with a cellophane-like texture. Lichen nitidus usually produces asymptomatic pinhead-sized, hypopigmented papules. The lesions of lichen planus are pruritic, violaceous, polygonal papules that are typically systemic. Angiokeratomas are typically asymptomatic, well-circumscribed, red or blue papules, often with annular or figurate configurations. Carcinoma in situ should be suspected if there are velvety red or keratotic plaques on the glans penis or prepuce, whereas invasive squamous cell carcinoma presents as a painless lump, ulcer, or fungating mass. Some benign lesions, such as psoriasis and lichen planus, may mimic carcinoma in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Biopsy is indicated if the diagnosis is in doubt or neoplasm cannot be excluded. The management of benign noninfectious penile lesions usually involves observation, topical corticosteroids, or topical calcineurin inhibitors. Neoplastic lesions generally warrant organ-sparing surgery.