Plaque causes tethering of penis during erectionPEYRONIE'S DISEASE
Plaque causes tethering of penis during erection
Synonyms
Penile Induration
Penile Fibrosis
Plastic Induration Corpora Cavernosa
Plastic Induration of the Penis
Fibrous Cavernositis
Chronic Cavernositis
Fibrous Sclerosis of the Penis
Fibrous Plaques of the Penis
Penile Fibromatosis
Peyronie Disease is a condition characterized by fibrous plaques in the
soft tissue of the penis of adult males. Cord- like lesions in the penis,
pain, and abnormal penile curvature during erection make it impossible for
many patients to have normal sexual intercourse unless treated. Symptoms
may be chronic, or may spontaneously resolve in some cases.
Peyronie Disease is characterized by dense infiltration of fibrous tissue
into the soft tissue of the penis. These strands of fiber may also appear
in patches of various sizes on the penis (plaques). Formation of the plaques
limit the elasticity of the penis, and cause pain upon erection. Symptoms
may eventually lead to impotence in a few cases. In some cases, the affected
tissue may become calcified. Some Peyronie's patient's have~been found to
have deposits of excess collagen in connective tissue in other parts of
the body as well. A contracture of fibrous tissue (Dupuytren's Contracture)
in the hand has also been associated with some cases of Peyronie Disease.
Symptoms may spontaneously resolve over long periods of time. Approximately
four years is the average duration of the course of the disorder, although
some symptoms may clear up more quickly.
The exact cause of Peyronie Disease is not known. This disorder was first
identified in 1743 by Dr. de la Peyronie. Some researchers believe it may
be a genetic disorder. More recent scientific evidence suggests that the
disorder may possibly be induced in some cases by the use of beta-adrenergic
blocking drugs such as propranolol or practolol which are used for the control
of high blood pressure. It may also be caused by recurrent injury limited
to a very small section of the male external genitalia. In other cases,
Peyronie Disease may occur in combination with Diabetes Mellitus.
Peyronie Disease is a disorder which affects adult males, usually during
the fourth and fifth decades of life. Patients have been diagnosed with
this disorder ranging from eighteen to eighty years of age. According to
one 1966 study, approximately 3,600 cases were noted in the world medical
literature.
Related Disorders
Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Peyronie
Disease.
Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans is the result of chronic inflammation and
is characterized by a hardened (indurated), pale area surrounding the end
of the penis which may cause constriction. Treatment with antibacterial
and anti- inflammatory drugs may be useful, but surgery may be required
in some cases.
Erythroplasia of Queyrat is a premalignant lesion characterized by an area
of reddish, velvety discoloration on the penis. Biopsy should be considered
for diagnostic purposes. Treatment consists of local application of fluorouracil
cream.
The following disorders may precede the development of Peyronie Disease.
They can be useful in identifying an underlying cause of some forms of this
disorder:
Dupuytren's Contracture is characterized by contracture of the connective
tissue of the palm of the hand caused by fibrous overgrowth. This condition
results in flexion deformities and loss of function of the fingers.
Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough
insulin and is, therefore, unable to convert sugar and other nutrients into
the energy necessary for daily activity. The disorder is not rare and it
affects females and males in equal numbers. Although the exact causes of
insulin- dependent diabetes are not known, genetic factors seem to play
a role.
Standard - In some cases, treatment of Peyronie Disease may not be required
since symptoms can resolve spontaneously over an average period of one to
four years. In other cases, the condition may persist and become disabling.
Conservative treatment which may be useful in treating lesions include steroid
treatments in combination with surgical incision of plaques. Skin grafts
have been found helpful in a few severe cases which failed to respond to
drug treatment. Surgery to correct the curvature of the penis may be effective,
although undesirable side effects may develop. Surgery may involve removing
the plaque and replacing the defect with a skin graft, shotening the penis
on the opposite side to reduce the curvature, implantation of a penile prosthesis
to straighten the penis. Vitamin E therapy or the use of a drug called POTABA
(potassium paraminobenzoate) may be helpful.
Information above from The National Organization for Rare Disorders
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