Introduction and Objectives
In the differential diagnosis of pearly penile papules (PPP) there should be considered: ectopic sebaceous glands, genital warts, molluscum contagiosum and rarely lichen nitidus. In connection with wide spreading of human papilloma virus, pearly penile papules are often misdiagnosed as genital warts. The aim of this study was to research the specific, typical features of pearly penile papules in dermoscopy and assess usefulness of this method in differential diagnosis of pearly penile papules and genital warts.
Material and Methods
Seven patients with isolated PPP and 5 patients with coexisting PPP and genital warts were subjected to clinical and dermoscopic examination.
Results
Pearly penile papules in dermoscopy were observed as a pink and whitish cobblestone situated in one or several rows. Each papule contained central dotted or comma-like vessels and was surrounded by crescent-shaped structures. The dermatoscopic picture of genital warts was dominated by irregular vascular system which contain many punctate (dotted vessels) or more bigger vessels (red globules). As well pathognomonic feature was the presence of red or black dots corresponding with intravascular clots.
Conclusions
Find the above-mentioned dermatoscopic features of pearly penile papules allows to establish diagnosis and to restrict use of therapy. Also differentiation of pearly penile papules and genital warts in patients with coexisting both diseases allows to restrict the area of treatment.
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Copyright
© 2009 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
