What are the differential diagnoses for penile pain in an uncircumcised male?

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Differential Diagnosis for Pain in an Uncircumcised Penis in a 36-Year-Old Male

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Balanitis: This is an inflammation of the glans penis, which can be caused by poor hygiene, infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral), or allergic reactions. It's more common in uncircumcised men due to the warm, moist environment under the foreskin, which can foster bacterial and fungal growth.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty with hygiene, increasing the risk of infections.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more common in women, men can also experience UTIs, which can cause pain in the genital area, including the penis.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis, which can cause pain, discharge, and other symptoms in the genital area.
  • Foreskin tears or fissures: Small tears in the foreskin can be painful and may occur due to forceful retraction, sexual activity, or other forms of trauma.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Penile cancer: Although rare, penile cancer can present with pain, and it's crucial to diagnose early for effective treatment. Risk factors include poor hygiene, smoking, and HPV infection.
  • Epididymitis or orchitis: Inflammation of the epididymis or testes, respectively, which can cause severe pain and have serious complications if not treated promptly.
  • Testicular torsion: A medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It involves the twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Peyronie's disease: A condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections.
  • Lichen sclerosus: A rare skin condition that can cause thinning and scarring of the skin on the penis, leading to pain and discomfort.
  • Fixed drug eruption: A condition where certain medications cause skin lesions that can appear on the penis, among other areas, and may be painful.

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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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