Understanding Penile Sclerosing Lymphangitis

Many diseases in men are caused by the penis, so you should pay more attention to your personal hygiene. However, many male friends are not very familiar with some diseases, such as penile sclerosing lymphangitis. Many male friends are not very familiar with this disease, so let the authoritative experts explain penile sclerosing lymphangitis in detail.

Disease classification

Dermatology and Venereology

Disease Overview

Penile sclerosing lymphangitis is characterized by subcutaneous cord-like swellings of the penis. The main pathological feature is lymphangitis. Some people also believe that it is Mondor's phlebitis that occurs in the penis. This disease generally occurs after local abrasion caused by mild mechanical injury, masturbation, and excessively frequent and forceful sexual intercourse. Local trauma leads to obstruction of large lymphatic vessels in the subcutaneous tissue of the penis, resulting in local damage. Local infection of the penis is also related to this disease. It has been found that viral infections such as herpes simplex virus, chlamydia and tuberculosis can cause this disease. Recently, it has been found that condyloma acuminatum can cause sclerosing lymphangitis, suggesting that human papillomavirus may also be a cause of this disease.

This disease is more common in young men aged 20 to 40. The most common site of occurrence is the coronal sulcus, followed by the back of the penis. Typical skin lesions are curved and raised cord-like objects, resembling earthworms, about 2cm to 3.5cm long, purple and shiny on the surface, translucent, slightly hard like cartilage, slidable, and not adhered to the surface skin; generally there are no conscious symptoms or mild pain. The course of the disease is self-limited, and most of them can be absorbed and disappeared after 4 to 6 weeks, but some may take several years to disappear, and occasionally ulcers may form.

Symptoms and signs

It is common in men aged 30 to 40, and generally has no conscious symptoms. The course of the disease is self-limited, and most cases can disappear and be absorbed on their own, so this disease generally does not attract the attention of patients. The common site is the coronal sulcus, and sometimes it can also be seen on the back of the penis. Clinically, curved, earthworm-like, cartilage-hard cords can be seen, which are not adhered to the surface skin and can slide under the skin. Generally, they are tightly attached to the subcutaneous tissue, and the rash is translucent. Sometimes it is mildly painful, and occasionally ulcers can form.

Causes of Disease

The cause is unknown. Trauma, local mechanical stimulation, viral infection, and tuberculosis are all possible causes.

Differentiation and development process

The differentiation and development process of the penis is divided into four stages:

Pregnancy Week 10-12

The penis is just differentiated and is only 3.5 mm long. At this time, testosterone is produced under the action of hCG secreted by the placenta.

The second and third trimesters of pregnancy

The penis grows very fast, reaching 2.5-3.5 cm at birth. At this time, the fetal pituitary gland begins to secrete gonadotropins LH and FSH.

From birth to pre-puberty (around 7 years old)

The penis grows slowly because the hypothalamus and pituitary gland develop slowly and testosterone levels are low.

After puberty begins

The secretion of pituitary and testicular hormones is vigorous, and the penis grows rapidly, reaching the adult level in only about 5 years, growing longer and thicker. When the sex hormone level of the elderly is significantly reduced or after surgical castration, the penis may degenerate secondary to the penis. If secondary impotence stops sexual contact for many years, it may also cause pathological degeneration. This is not a problem of use and waste as generally said, but the consequence of degenerative changes in smooth muscle fibers.

In short, the differentiation and development of the penis depends entirely on the testosterone level in the body. If testosterone secretion is insufficient during the 6th to 9th month of pregnancy, the penis will develop slower than normal and the penis will be smaller at birth.

Pathophysiology

Large lymphatic fibrosis can be seen, and the lymphatic vessels show sclerotic and hypertrophic changes. Sometimes accompanied by thrombotic vasculitis changes. Inflammatory cell infiltration is rare.

Treatment options

It is benign and self-limiting, and no special treatment is needed. Generally, no special treatment is needed and it can heal on its own. Hot compresses can be applied when it hurts. Ultrasound, diathermy or ultraviolet irradiation can also be used for treatment.

For patients who require treatment, local physical therapy can be used, and very few stubborn skin lesions can be removed surgically.

The above is the relevant article about penile sclerosing lymphangitis. I hope that after reading the above article, everyone can have a comprehensive understanding of penile sclerosing lymphangitis, so that when this disease occurs, they will know how to deal with it.