Giant seborrheic keratoses on penis

Seborrheic keratoses are very common benign epidermal tumors. Despite the high frequency, the pathogenesis is still unknown. They are extremely rare in the genital area. The participation of human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in pathogenesis of seborrheic keratoses is being discussed.

The aims of this case report are to inform about extremely rare lesion in genital area in a young man and evaluate the association of HPVs in the development of seborrheic keratoses.

We used histopathological examination to establish the correct diagnosis, which revealed signs of seborrheic keratosis. The real-time polymerase chain reaction method confirmed low-risk HPV 6 from the lesions.

HPVs may play a role in pathogenesis of seborrheic keratoses.

The patient was successfully treated with shave excision under spinal anesthesia. Six-month follow-up was without any recurrence. We suggest that HPVs can be considered as etiologic factor in creation of seborrheic keratosis.

Seborrheic keratoses are very common on sun-exposed skin, but they are rare in the genital area, such as on the shaft of penis. This localization may lead to misdiagnosis. Seborrheic keratoses in genital area might negatively influence the sexual life of the patient. Containing HPV 6 low-risk virus, they never lead to malignant transformation.