Zoon's balanitis: presentation of 15 patients, five treated with a carbon dioxide laser.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Zoon's balanitis is a chronic erosive process of the penis. The lesions are refractory to conservative topical and some surgical therapy, and frequently require circumcision as a curative measure.

METHODS:

Fifteen patients with a clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of Zoon's balanitis were studied between October 1991 and October 2001. Five were treated with a carbon dioxide laser.

RESULTS:

The ages of the patients ranged from 36 to 69 years (average, 50.8 years). All the men were uncircumcised and presented with a discharge and erythematous lesions on the glans penis; the balanopreputial fold was affected in 10 patients and eight had a lesion on the internal surface of the prepuce. One patient was human immunodeficiency virus positive. Five were treated with a carbon dioxide laser. Two relapsed 1 and 3 years later, respectively, and the remaining three have been followed up for 2, 5, and 6 years, respectively, without relapse. One patient developed lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the prepuce.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have presented our case study of 15 patients with Zoon's balanitis, and emphasize the possible use of a carbon dioxide laser as an alternative therapy.

• Authors: Roberto Adrián Retamar, M C Kien, E N Chouela
• Journal: International journal of dermatology (Int J Dermatol) Vol. 42 Issue 4 Pg. 305-7 (Apr 2003) ISSN: 0011-9059 [Print] England
• PMID: 12694501 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carbon Dioxide

Topics

• Aged
• Balanitis (pathology, surgery)
• Carbon Dioxide (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Plasma Cells (pathology)
• Treatment Outcome