Pearly Penile Papules: Treatment with the Carbon Dioxide Laser

Abstract

Pearly penile papules are frequently occurring lesions located over the corona and sulcus of the penis. They are asymptomatic and are considered to be acral angiofibromas. Some individuals, disturbed by their presence, request removal of the lesions. Even after patients are assured of the benign nature of the process and its relatively high incidence, prominent lesional involvement may still cause significant psychological distress. Two patients with pearly penile papules have been successfully treated with the carbon dioxide laser. A review of the literature and description of treated cases are presented.

Fractional Resurfacing for the Treatment of Pearly Penile Papules

“…CO 2 laser is yet another modality that has been employed in the treatment of PPPs, and it has demonstrated encouraging results. 15,16 Specifically, the continuous-wave CO 2 laser has demonstrated superior results to the pulsed CO 2 laser. 17 Complications limiting the use of this treatment, however, include an increased risk of scarring and infections as raw skin is produced after laser ablation.…”

Treatment of Pearly Penile Papules with CO2Laser

“…Pearly penile papules are benign angiofibromas 5 . They are typically flesh‐colored to pearly, 1–2 mm smooth or dome‐shaped papules located circumferentially around the corona and sulcus of the glans penis 1,2 . Histologically these are characterized as angiofibromas 5 .…”

“…PEARLY PENILE papules are benign flesh‐colored to pearly papules that occur circumferentially about the corona and sulcus of the glans penis 1,2 . These occur most frequently in the second and third decades and there is no racial predilection; however, these do occur more commonly in uncircumcised men 1,2 . Although this condition is benign and typically asymptomatic, cosmetic and psychological concerns often prompt patients to seek treatment.…”

“…Although this condition is benign and typically asymptomatic, cosmetic and psychological concerns often prompt patients to seek treatment. Numerous therapeutic modalities, including circumcision, podophyllin, electrodessication and curettage, cryotherapy, and CO 2 laser have been utilized 1–4 . Use of CO 2 laser has demonstrated the most effective results thus far.…”

The Clinical Superiority of Continuous Exposure versus Short-Pulsed Carbon Dioxide Laser Exposures for the Treatment of Pearly Penile Papules

“…The incidence has been reported in the range of 8-30%. 1 There is no racial predilection, however the condition occurs more commonly in uncircumcised men. Although asymptomatic, benign, and noninfectious, PPP removal is occasionally requested for cosmetic reasons.…”