Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis
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Synopsis
Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis (PKMB) is an extremely rarely reported condition of the glans penis characterized by one or more slow-growing, white hyperkeratotic plaques, typically in older circumcised men. PKMB can also affect uncircumcised men. It has not been recorded in men younger than 30 years.
The pathogenesis of PKMB is unknown, but it may be a response to chronic inflammation or infection. Some studies implicate prior phimosis or untreated lichen sclerosus, although the data is insufficient.
Around half of patients are asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients may experience pain or soreness, itching, irritation, urinary symptoms, or sexual dysfunction. Symptom duration varies greatly (2 months to 30 years) and has not been found to be associated with stage at initial presentation or disease severity. The presence of inguinal lymphadenopathy has not been reported and should indicate a diagnosis other than PKMB.
PKMB may progress to verrucous carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) if untreated. Historically, 50% of patients presenting at an initial or late tumor stage progressed to verrucous carcinoma, SCC, or Bowen disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ). PKMB is reported to appear as an initial plaque stage then thicken (late tumor stage) before progression to the verrucous stage (verrucous carcinoma) and SCC.
The pathogenesis of PKMB is unknown, but it may be a response to chronic inflammation or infection. Some studies implicate prior phimosis or untreated lichen sclerosus, although the data is insufficient.
Around half of patients are asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients may experience pain or soreness, itching, irritation, urinary symptoms, or sexual dysfunction. Symptom duration varies greatly (2 months to 30 years) and has not been found to be associated with stage at initial presentation or disease severity. The presence of inguinal lymphadenopathy has not been reported and should indicate a diagnosis other than PKMB.
PKMB may progress to verrucous carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) if untreated. Historically, 50% of patients presenting at an initial or late tumor stage progressed to verrucous carcinoma, SCC, or Bowen disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ). PKMB is reported to appear as an initial plaque stage then thicken (late tumor stage) before progression to the verrucous stage (verrucous carcinoma) and SCC.
Codes
ICD10CM:
N48.1 – Balanitis
SNOMEDCT:
403466004 – Micaceous and keratotic balanitis
N48.1 – Balanitis
SNOMEDCT:
403466004 – Micaceous and keratotic balanitis
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Last Reviewed:08/27/2022
Last Updated:08/28/2022
Last Updated:08/28/2022
Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis