Pediatric leiomyoma of the glans: a case report

The leiomyoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor originating from smooth muscle cells therefore its location is ubiquitous. The genitourinary system is not a common site and the glans localization in pediatric age has been described only three times in the literature to date.

We describe a case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with a painless, non-bleeding or itchy tumor of the glans. The surgical procedure consisted in the total removal of the mass. The histological study showed spindle cells with an eosinophilic cytoplasm while the immunohistochemical studies proved cells stained strongly positive for smooth muscle actin. The clinical follow-up for more than 5 years after surgery demonstrates the absence of recurrence and discomfort for the patient and a good aesthetic appearance of the glans.

Leiomyoma is a benign tumor that can originate anywhere there is smooth muscle. However, localization at the level of the glans can be treated with a total excision due to the presence of a cleavage plane with the surrounding tissues that allows a good reconstruction of the glans itself.

We propose that leiomyoma ought to be considered in the differential diagnosis of any glans mass in children.