What is the diagnosis for a 91-year-old male with scrotal hyperkeratosis?

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Differential Diagnosis for a 91-year-old Male with Thickened Rough Scrotum

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Lichen sclerosus: This condition is characterized by thinning and whitening of the skin, often accompanied by itching and pain. It can lead to scarring and thickening of the skin if left untreated, which fits the description of a thickened rough scrotum.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Eczema/Dermatitis: Chronic eczema or dermatitis can cause thickening and roughening of the skin due to repeated scratching and inflammation.
    • Psoriasis: This autoimmune condition can cause thick, scaly patches on the skin, including the scrotum, leading to a rough texture.
    • Seborrheic keratosis: These benign growths can appear as rough, thickened patches on the skin, including the scrotum.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Squamous cell carcinoma: Although less common, skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma can present as thickened, rough skin lesions and must be ruled out due to their potential for malignancy.
    • Extramammary Paget's disease: A rare skin cancer that can appear as a thickened, red, scaly patch on the scrotum, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Scleroderma: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause thickening and hardening of the skin, potentially affecting the scrotum.
    • Mycosis fungoides: A rare type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that can cause skin lesions, including on the scrotum, which may appear as thickened and rough.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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