In general, penile leukoplakia is not well understood, but it is known to be a chronic mucosal disease . Leukoplakia is detected in the form of spots, focal keratinization of the epithelium in the affected area is also observed. Leukoplakia affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, close sections of the anus, the external genitalia and respiratory organs. This disease can be observed both in men and in women, mainly in middle and old age.
Leukoplakia is considered a precancerous disease, in some cases, the consequences of penile leukoplakia are malignant tumors. But sometimes this defeat may remain so - a simple leukoplakia.
Causes of pathology
As noted, penile leukoplakia is found in men in middle and old age, that is, after 40 years. The development of this disease begins due to irritation of the mucous membranes. It is also believed that the hereditary factor plays a large role in the development of this disease. These and other possible factors that can trigger penile leukoplakia are listed below. They are divided into internal and external.
Internal factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- disorders and imbalances in the hormonal background of a person;
- lack of vitamin A, or retinol, in the body;
- chronic infectious diseases in the genitourinary system and changes that occur under their influence;
- endocrinological diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus, genital pathology;
- changes related to age;
- chronic diseases of the digestive organs.
Internal factors lead to a weakening of immunity, and also reduce the body's resistance to external factors.
External factors:
- tight clothing that damages the glans penis;
- constant exposure to mechanical, chemical and other external factors;
- chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the penis.
Symptoms of the disease
Foci of leukoplakia are white in color, with clear contours, of various shapes and sizes. The contours of these foci are sometimes elevated. These foci develop slowly, without causing discomfort, therefore, many find them by chance, with a histological examination or biopsy. Penile leukoplakia is also characterized by erosion. Erosion is progressing rapidly. In addition, in the affected area, unevenness and densification of the epithelium is felt. These symptoms suggest that leukoplakia progresses, transforms into a malignant form and degenerates into a malignant neoplasm.
Diagnostics
The disease is diagnosed visually, confirmed by a thorough examination. The survey is carried out using the following methods:
- taking a biopsy (a piece of the affected area is taken);
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- immunogram (study of the immune system);
- general blood analysis;
- cytology (see a smear taken from the focus of leukoplakia).
Disease development
As noted above, leukoplakia of the glans penis in the initial stage develops asymptomatically, after which the disease goes through several stages. In most cases, leukoplakia develops against the background of typical phimosis, which lasted a long time.
At the initial stage, the inflammatory process begins on the mucous membrane of the penis. Over time, semen accumulates in the mucous tissues of the penis next to the foreskin, after which the development of penile leukoplakia starts. White spots with raised edges form in these areas. Sometimes penile leukoplakia occurs in the area near the urethra. For this reason, the channel narrows and urination is difficult, and sometimes delays occur.
Types of leukoplakia of the penis
The disease has several forms, they differ from each other in certain signs. Penile leukoplakia can be:
- simple;
- verrucous or verrucous;
- erosive;
- hairy.
Consider them all. Simple penile leukoplakia resembles a film similar to a membrane with clear boundaries. The film cannot be removed mechanically. Sometimes there is a feeling of constriction in the affected area.
Verrucous form is also called warty. This form of lesion is characterized by smooth white plaques, the edges of the plaques are raised above the skin, sometimes tuberous lesions in the form of warts are observed. This form of leukoplakia is most common.
The hairy form of leukoplakia can be found in people who suffer from immunodeficiency virus. This form is characterized by many small villi. When viewed under a microscope, the affected area of the penis is similar to a carpet. Such leukoplakia can develop due to constant mechanical irritation. To have an idea of how this disease looks, take a look at the photo of penile leukoplakia, which is presented above. There is nothing pleasant about it.
Penile Leukoplakia Treatment Methods
To cure this disease, you need to carry out complex treatment. It should be aimed at eliminating the root cause due to which leukoplakia has arisen. With a simple form of disease, you can choose a conservative treatment (drug therapy) without resorting to radical methods.
Surgery
For radical treatment, the method of removal of the affected area of the penis is selected. The focus can be removed in the traditional way - by cutting, covering adjacent tissues. Also, in some cases, removal with liquid nitrogen is used, but doctors believe that after this removal method, scars remain on the mucous membrane of the penis. If there is a suspicion of the development of a malignant process in the lesion, then a piece of removed tissue is sent for histological examination.
Folk methods of treating leukoplakia include the use of medicinal herbs such as St. John's wort and calendula. Tea tree and juniper essential oils are also used. But it is worth noting that before treating this disease with alternative methods, you need to consult your doctor, as these methods are not suitable for everyone and can harm your health.