Epithelioid hemangioma of the penis: case report and review of literature

Abstract

IntroductionEpithelioid hemangioma is a rare vascular tumor found in the penis. It is essential to avoid misdiagnosis with Peyronie's disease and penile cancer, as management differs significantly.Case presentationWe present a case of epithelioid hemangioma of the penis in a 50-year-old Caucasian man. We also review the literature to evaluate the incidence of benign vascular anomalies of the penis and their management.ConclusionsEpithelioid hemangioma of the penis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with painful penile lumps. A thorough histological and immunohistochemical examination is required to make the diagnosis. Optimal management is complete local excision and periodic physical examination for local recurrence.

Painful erections secondary to rare epithelioid hemangioma of the penis

“…In prior case reports, this tumour has most commonly presented as a solitary painful nodule on the dorsum of the shaft of the penis, occasionally with induration or multiple lesions. 1,[5][6][7][8][9] There is one previous case of associated painful erections, and a second with reported dyspareunia; however, these were associated with a palpable lesion. 5,8 Ours is the first reported case of an epithelioid hemangioma that was neither visible nor palpable on the penis that required imaging to discover.…”

“…1,2 First described in 1969 as superficial angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, the lesion is microscopically typified by well-formed capillary-sized vessels, epithelial-like endothelial cells with large nucleoli and prominent nucleoli, absent nuclear atypia, and often secondary inflammatory infiltrate. [3][4][5] The pathogenesis has been subject to debate with suggestions that many cases are reactive in nature, secondary to vascular damage and repair, rather than neoplastic. 4 Involvement of the penis is rare, with fewer than 30 reported cases in the English literature.…”

Multifocal Epithelioid Hemangioma of the Penis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

“…Epithelioid hemangioma presents as variably painful, firm, indurated papules and nodules that may develop anywhere on the penis. They are most commonly solitary and rarely multifocal . Onset most frequently occurs in the mid‐forties, but involvement has occurred as young as 7 years and as old as 75.…”

“…Epithelioid hemangioma, also known as angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, represents a rare vascular proliferation with a predilection for the ear, forehead and scalp . Occurrence on the penis is rare and all but two reported cases have been solitary or 2 closely grouped nodules treated with surgical excision . Histopathologically, it may be misdiagnosed as an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, epithelioid angiosarcoma, cutaneous epithelioid angiomatous nodule (CEAN), or Kaposi sarcoma …”

“…Epithelioid hemangioma (angiolymphoid hyperplasia) was first recognized in 1969 . It most commonly develops in middle‐aged Asian females, and has rarely been reported in African‐Americans .…”