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Differential Diagnosis for 8yo Penile Shaft Swelling without Injury

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cellulitis: This is a common cause of penile shaft swelling in children, often resulting from a bacterial infection. The absence of injury makes a traumatic cause less likely, pointing towards an infectious etiology.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Contact Dermatitis: Allergic reactions or irritant dermatitis from soaps, lotions, or other substances can cause swelling and inflammation of the penile shaft.
  • Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis, which can extend to the shaft, often due to poor hygiene, infection, or an allergic reaction.
  • Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, which can cause swelling and discomfort in the penile area, though it's less common in prepubertal boys without a history of sexual activity.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Testicular Torsion: Although it primarily affects the testicles, severe cases can lead to swelling that might be perceived as involving the penile shaft. It's a surgical emergency.
  • Epispadias or Hypospadias Complications: Though these are congenital conditions, complications or undiagnosed cases could present with swelling, especially if there's an associated urinary tract infection or obstruction.
  • Malignancy: Rare in children, but penile cancer or other malignancies affecting the genital area could present with swelling and must be considered to ensure prompt treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A systemic vasculitis that can cause skin lesions, joint pain, and abdominal pain, and rarely, genital swelling.
  • Behçet's Disease: A rare condition characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and uveitis, which could potentially cause penile swelling.
  • Sarcoidosis: A condition that can affect multiple parts of the body, including the skin, and very rarely might cause genital swelling.

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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