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Clinically unapparent melanocytic nevi on the prepuce
J Fernando Val-Bernal1, Daniel Val, M Francisca Garijo
1Department of Anatomical Pathology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain. apavbj@humv.es
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|March 13, 2009
Summary
Melanocytic nevi, or moles, can uncommonly appear on the male prepuce. This study found these incidental findings in 1.1% of patients undergoing circumcision for phimosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Urologic Pathology
Background:
- Melanocytic nevi on the genitalia are rare, with limited data on male preputial nevi.
- Vulvar nevi are better documented than those on the male genitalia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of clinically unapparent melanocytic nevi in preputial excisions.
- To characterize the histological features of these incidental findings.
Main Methods:
- Prospective histological study of 372 consecutive preputial excisions for phimosis.
- Data collected between January 2000 and December 2002.
Main Results:
- Incidental melanocytic nevi were found in 4 patients (1.1%).
- Lesions were dermal, pigmented, and lacked atypia or mitotic figures.
- Mean lesion diameter was 1.08 mm; mean patient age was 41.5 years.
Conclusions:
- Melanocytic nevi can be incidentally found in the prepuce, particularly in adults.
- These benign lesions may present a diagnostic challenge, especially if co-occurring with malignant melanoma.
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