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Questions posted in the
The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.
Question Title: Penile Melanosis?Forum: The Urology Forum
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I am a 30 year old white male, circumcised since age 7. For at least the past 10 years, I have noticed tan/brown pigmentation, unilateral, on the bottom of the glans. My physician called it an irregularly shaped naevis and an oncologist friend of mine dismissed it as "nothing." I know that penile melanoma is very very rare. This "naevis" is neither raised or iritated, and if it is growing, it is doing so very slowly. It is more like a patchy pigmentation - hence the question: is brownish/tan pigmentation on the glans at all common? Is it pre-cancerous? Or is it to be ignored? And finally, can it be removed/faded by laser? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A nevus is the correct term for what most people refer to as a mole. They are derived from a cluster of neuroectodermal cells, and the dark cells that form this are referred to as nondendritic melanocytes. They are usually flat, tan to black, usually less than 5 mm in diameter, and have sharp borders. These lesions are usually recognized as nevi and followed to make sure they are not enlarging. If they begin to enlarge, start developing irregular borders, start to itch, or ulcerate, then the lesion should be resected and sent for histopathological examination under the microscope to differentiate this from a melanoma. Penile melanosis is refers to rare benign pigmented lesions of the penis which usually appear on the shaft and/or glans of the penis. They are usually large, have irregular borders, and can vary from tan and light brown to blue and black. They are thought to occur in response to sunlight or photosensitizing agents. Although these lesions are benign, it is important that a sample of the lesion be resected and sent for histological evaluation to differentiate this from a melanoma. Melanoma of the male genitalia is relatively uncommon. Although it has been described on the shaft of the penis and scrotum, it is more commonly found on the glans penis. It usually presents as a raised or flat irregular lesion that may or may not be pigmented, but usually contains shades of red, blue, brown, or black. They may ulcerate or itch. The only method for diagnosis is histopathologic examination as described above. I think that the lesion you describe is most likely a nevus or pigmentation related to your circumcision, although I have not examined you and am not in the position of making any diagnoses over the internet. I recommend you either have your urologist follow this lesion, or see a dermatologist who may elect to obtain a biopsy sample or just follow it as recommended to you by others who have evaluated you. Wish you the best. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568). Sincerely,
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