Pilonidal Sinus of the Glans Penis Associated withActinomycesCase Reports and Review of Literature

Abstract

Pilonidal sinus is a well-recognized condition that occurs most commonly in the sacrococcygeal area of younger men. It is hypothesized to be an acquired chronic inflammation condition due mainly to hair trapped beneath the surface. A pilonidal sinus in the sacrococcygeal region is associated with recurrent infection, abscess formation, cellulitis, fistulae, and rarely, squamous cell carcinoma. A pilonidal sinus of the penis is a rare entity. The association of a penile pilonidal cyst and Actinomyces is even more uncommon with only three cases reported previously. Two cases of pilonidal sinus are reported in this paper. One of the cases was associated with actinomycosis. Pilonidal sinus of the penis should be considered in the clinical and pathological differential diagnosis and has to be distinguished from balanoposthitis, epidermal cyst, and carcinoma. The knowledge about possible association with actinomycosis is important to ensure early treatment.

Pilonidal sinus cyst of the penis: a rare manifestation of a common disease

“…Few similar cases were found to be reported in the recent literature as rare incidences. Al Chalabi et al 4 reported a 24-year-old man with severe mental illness with a year history of recurrent ulcerating round lump on the penile shaft 5. Two other cases were reported by Chikkamuniyappa et al .…”

“…A sinus will then form to drain the suppuration. In the penis, although rare, the theory of formation is that the coronal sulcus acts as a cleft where the hair accumulates and is pushed into the shaft of the penis by mechanical force between the prepuce and glans penis 1 4…”

Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) in Management of Pilonidal Sinus

“…The same condition can be seen in the clefts between fingers in those persons dealing with hair such as barbers and hairdressers (6,7). It has been reported in other areas such as the umbilicus (8)(9)(10), the interdigital spaces of the foot (11), the finger pulp (12), the clitoris (13,14), penis (15)(16)(17), the intermammary (18), the periungual (19) and the perineal regions (20).…”

“…Moreover, septic arthritis was reported in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis after the resection of PNS (32). Although Actinomycosis associated with PNS of the penis is extremely rare, few cases have been reported (16,17,33). Neglected PNS can lead to unusual and life-threatening consequences.…”

Tubercular infection in the sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus – a case report

“…Pilonidal sinus is a well‐recognised condition that occurs most commonly in the sacrococcygeal area of younger men. It is hypothesised to be an acquired chronic inflammation mainly because of hair trapped beneath the surface (1). The infection is usually chronic and non specific (2).…”