Differential Diagnosis for an 11-year-old with Penile Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Phimosis or Paraphimosis: This condition is common in pre-teen boys and can cause penile pain due to the inability to retract the foreskin or its retraction behind the glans penis, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can cause dysuria, frequency, and penile pain, especially if the infection involves the urethra.
- Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis, often due to poor hygiene or infection, which can cause pain, redness, and swelling.
- Trauma: Accidental injury to the penis, such as a zip injury or direct blow, can cause pain and swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Testicular Torsion: Although testicular torsion typically presents with testicular pain, it can sometimes radiate to the penis. This is a surgical emergency that requires immediate attention to preserve the testicle.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, which can cause severe pain that may radiate to the penis, and is often associated with UTIs or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in sexually active males.
- Penile Fracture: A rare but serious condition that occurs when the penis is erect and is subjected to a sudden, forceful bending, causing a tear in the tunica albuginea. It requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A systemic vasculitis that can cause penile pain and swelling, along with the characteristic purpuric rash, abdominal pain, and joint pain.
- Behçet's Disease: A rare condition characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, which can cause penile pain and swelling, along with other systemic symptoms.
- Penile Cancer: Extremely rare in children, but any persistent or unexplained penile lesion or pain should be evaluated for malignancy.