Erythroplakia of Queyrat is a rare type of skin cancer, which can appear on the glans or foreskin of the penis, being more common in uncircumcised men, causing symptoms such as a red, velvety and well-defined spot or plaque, which can be single or multiple.
The cause of this type of cancer, also called squamous cell carcinoma on site of the mucocutaneous epithelium of the penis, is unknown, however, it is believed that some factors may contribute to its development, such as irritation, inflammation or chronic infections in the penis, caused by trauma, friction, smegma, bacterial infection or even poor hygiene.
The treatment of erythroplakia of Queyrat must be carried out by a urologist who may recommend the use of chemotherapy in the form of topical creams, radiotherapy or surgery, for example, which depends on the severity of the symptoms, location and size of the lesions on the penis. See other causes of penis injury.
Symptoms of eritroplasia of Queyrat
The symptoms of erythroplakia of Queyrat are:
- Reddish, velvety and well-defined spot on the glans or foreskin of the penis;
- Red, slightly elevated plaques that do not cause pain;
- Single or multiple lesion on the penis that does not heal;
- Red plaques with a crusty or scaled appearance;
- Irritation on the skin of the penis;
- Bleeding or ulcer at the site;
- Itch;
- Pain when urinating;
- Difficulty retracting the foreskin;
- Discharge that comes out of the urethra.
It is important to consult a urologist whenever symptoms of erythroplakia of Queyrat appear, so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of erythroplakia of Queyrat is made by a urologist through evaluation of symptoms, physical examination of the skin of the penis, health history, lifestyle habits or trauma in the region.
Additionally, the doctor may order a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other health conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as balanoposthitis, pemphigoid, contact dermatitis or lichen planus, for example.
Possible causes
The exact cause of erythroplakia of Queyrat is not completely known, however, it is believed that some factors may contribute to its development, such as:
- More hygiene;
- Lack of circumcision;
- Balanite the Son;
- Esmegma;
- Traumas;
- Herpes genital;
- HIV infection;
- Phimosis;
- Smoking habit;
- Lichen planus;
- Multiple partners.
Furthermore, some studies link the risk of developing erythroplakia of Queyrat with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of erythroplakia of Queyrat must be guided by a urologist who can recommend treatment according to the severity of the symptoms and size of the lesion.
The main treatments that may be recommended by your doctor are:
- Topical chemotherapy, with fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod, in the form of a cream;
- Carbon dioxide laser therapy;
- Surgery, in cases of small injuries;
- Circumcision, in the case of injuries only to the foreskin;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radiotherapy;
- Photodynamic therapy, with aminolevulinic acid.
In addition, the doctor must monitor regularly during and after treatment, as the disease has a potential risk of cancer.
Bibliography
- ANTONIO, JR; et al. Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated with topical 5-fluorouracil. An Bras Dermatol. 91. 5 suppl 1; 42-44, 2016
- MARANDA, EL; et al. Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated by laser and light modalities: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. 31. 9; 1971-1976, 2016
- SKROZA, N.; et al. Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated with methyl aminolevulinate-photodynamic therapy. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 155. 1; 103-106, 2020
- YOKOYAMA, M.; et al. Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated with imiquimod 5% cream: The necessity of regimen guidelines. Clin Case Rep. 7. 4; 723-725, 2019
- GUEDES, R.; et al. Erythroplakia of Queyrat – CO2 Laser Treatment. SPDV Magazine. 69. 3; 455-459, 2011
- FANNING, D. M.; FLOOD, H. Erythroplasia of Queyrat. Clin Pract. 2. 3; e63, 2012
