Balanitis xerotica obliterans
| Balanitis xerotica obliterans | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Micrograph showing the characteristic subepithelial fibrosis and loss of the rete pegs seen in balanitis xerotica obliterans; these changes are identical to those of lichen sclerosus, which is seen in women. H&E stain. | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | urology |
| ICD-10 | N48.0 Leukoplakia of penis |
| DiseasesDB | 31995 |
| eMedicine | derm/46 |
Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), also known as lichen sclerosus of penis is a dermatological (skin) condition affecting the male genitalia. It was first described by Stuhmer in 1928, though earlier reports describe what may have been the same condition. BXO commonly occurs on the foreskin and glans penis.Atrophic white patches appear on the affected area, and commonly, a whitish ring of indurated (hardened) tissue usually forms near the tip that may prevent retraction.
It has been regarded as identical to lichen sclerosus of penis, though this may be incorrect. It has also been named leukoplakia of penis and kraurosis of penis.
What causes balanitis xerotica obliterans is uncertain. However, some possibilities have been suggested.
Some studies have shown that patients with the condition also show signs of suffering from autoimmune disorders. However, this finding is not repeated in every study.
Infection from "human papilloma virus (serotype 16 in particular), spirochetes and atypical mycobacteria" has also been suggested as a cause. Additional suggestions include "pemphigus vulgaris and chronic nonspecific bacterial balanitis".
Balanitis xerotica obliterans is a common cause of pathological phimosis.
Kiss et al. report that 40% of boys with phimosis suffered from Balanitis xerotica obliterans. Shankar and Rickwood reported Balanitis xerotica obliterans in 84% of phimosis patients. Evans reported Balanitis xerotica obliterans in 10.5% of phimosis patients. Clemmensen et al. reported Balanitis xerotica obliterans in 14.2% of phimosis patients. Bale reported that Balanitis xerotica obliterans was found in 19% of circumcisions performed for diseases of the prepuce and penis. Mattioli observed Balanitis xerotica obliterans in 60% of patients with acquired phimosis and 30% of patients with congenital phimosis. Rickwood reported Balanitis xerotica obliterans in 20 of 21 patients circumcised for pathological phimosis.
Many researchers regard Balanitis xerotica obliterans as lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) of the penis, LSA is also known as lichen sclerosus (LS). Lately Balanitis xerotica obliterans was coded as part of LSA by Medical literature search tool Medline. However, Mallon et al. suggest that Balanitis xerotica obliterans "may be a consequence of other fibrosing dermatoses, such as lichen planus and cicatricial pemphigoid." When occurring on the male genitals, the term 'Balanitis xerotica obliterans' is traditionally used.
...
Wikipedia