Sclerosing lipogranuloma of male genitalia

Abstract

Sclerosing lipogranuloma of the male genitalia is a rare condition presenting with subcutaneous masses on the penis and scrotum. The cause and pathogenesis of this lesion have been the subject of considerable interest as it still lacks a well defined etiology. The main hypothesis about the pathogenesis is exogenous lipid degeneration related to subcutaneous injection of foreign bodies such as paraffin or topical use of oily drug preparations for penile augmentation. However, in some cases this granulomatous inflammatory lesion may be due directly to allergic mechanisms induced by heat, cold, or trauma. We present the case of a 32-year-old man with penile sclerosing lipogranuloma and discuss the cause and mechanisms of this process. © Springer-Verlag 2004.