Differential Diagnosis for Tip of Penis Pain with Erection
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peyronie's Disease: This condition is characterized by the formation of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections. The pain is often localized to the area of the scar tissue, which could be near the tip of the penis, especially if the curvature or scar is more pronounced in that area.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans penis. This can cause pain, especially during erection, as the foreskin is stretched.
- Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans penis, which can be caused by infection or irritation. It often presents with pain, redness, and swelling at the tip of the penis.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, which can cause pain during urination and, in some cases, pain with erection, especially if the inflammation is severe or involves the distal urethra near the tip of the penis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Penile Fracture: A serious condition that occurs when the penis is subjected to severe stress, causing a rupture of the tunica albuginea. It is a medical emergency and can present with severe pain, swelling, and deformity of the penis during erection.
- Malignancy (e.g., Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Although rare, cancer of the penis can cause pain, especially if it involves the glans or the distal shaft. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Neurogenic Causes (e.g., Neuroma): Rarely, pain at the tip of the penis can be due to nerve damage or a neuroma (a growth on a nerve). This would be an unusual cause of pain with erection but should be considered if other diagnoses are ruled out.
- Reiter's Syndrome ( Reactive Arthritis): A form of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body, often presenting with a combination of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. It can cause genital lesions and pain, including pain at the tip of the penis.