Obliterating xerotic balanitis - signs, diagnosis, treatment depending on the degree

Balanit One form of lichen, damaging the genitals is called obliterating xerotic balanitis.This disease has a second name - sclerosing lechen.When the disease affects the glans penis and foreskin.It often develops in men and differs from other forms of penile cancer.

Pathology requires competent diagnosis, as it is similar to balanoposthitis.

Men over 50 are at risk.

Important! More often the disease has a chronic character and is prone to relapse.However, treatment at an early stage allows you to stop and reduce the number of relapses.

Table of contents: Classification and types of pathology Major symptoms of the disease Causes of obliterating xerotic balanitis Diagnosis Treatment of obliterating xerotic balanitis Possible complications Prevention of pathology

Classification and types of pathology

Based on this or that stage of inflammation development, balanitisDivided on the stage:

initial - the mucosa of the penis is covered with whitish spots, connected in a ring;

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the second - the skin becomes denser, scar formation occurs;
the third - is accompanied by a rupture of foreskin, an infectious process.

In advanced cases, the process of urination is impaired due to narrowing of the urethra.

The main symptoms of the disease

The initial stage is manifested by minor lesions of the prepuce and the head in the form of whitish spots.In some places, the surface atrophies.After that a continuous band is formed, which will be connected to the ring.

In the second stage, the skin becomes condensed, it loses its elasticity, which can lead to mechanical damage.Discontinuities occur constantly, due to irritation of the skin with urine and clothing.There is inflammation.

Phimosis is then formed - constriction and scar tissue.At this stage, infection occurs, pain, redness and difficulty in urinating the appear.

Causes of obliterating xerotic balanitis

To date, specialists can not unequivocally say what causes obliterating xerotic balanitis.

The most common factors are:

Heredity.Often cases are identified when the disease was observed in close relatives of the patient.The study showed that the development of pathology and the degree of its severity are associated with the inheritance of a number of genes.
Hormonal disorders.Some forms of violations of the assimilation of the tissues of male genital organs lead to the development of balanitis.
Various urinary infections are a common cause of the disease.
In 80% of patients, the analysis showed the presence of the papilloma virus.
Permanent mechanical damage.For example, regular injuries of the prep for sexual intercourse, due to the loss of its elasticity.Also, injuries can be caused by irritation with urine, personal hygiene products, linen or allergies.
Low testosterone level.Patients with reduced testosterone production are more likely to have balanitis.
Patients who are registered with psoriasis, polymyalgia, diabetes mellitus, pathology of the endocrine system, cirrhosis, obliterating xerotic balanitis are diagnosed more often.

It is very important to identify the true reason for treatment to be effective.Therefore, additional studies are planned to help clarify the situation.

Diagnostics

For the successful recognition of pathology, consultation of such specialists is necessary:  of dermatologist, andrologist and urologist.

First of all, it is necessary to exclude other diseases with similar symptoms: herpes, balanoposthitis of different etiology, usual phimosis, chlamydia.

At the doctor's office, a survey and a primary examination are conducted.The is then assigned a series of analyzes and studies:

complex diagnostics of urethral canals;
PCR study;
biopsy specimens of pathologically altered skin;
histology for the exclusion or confirmation of cancer;
study of smears for the detection of bacterial pathogens.

Urethrography and urethroscopy are prescribed if there are problems with urination.

Methods of treatment of obliterating xerotic balanitis

The choice of method depends on the degree of development of pathology, and is carried out in stages.

In the first stage, a surgical procedure is performed, by removing the affected areas of the foreskin.

With a narrowing of the urethra, a metotomy is performed.During the operation, cut the meatus.In the postoperative period, a set of healing ointments is prescribed.

The duration of application depends on the healing speed.

Important! All affected areas should be removed to prevent recurrence of the disease.

In the neglected case, when not only the foreskin and urethra are affected, but also the urethra, plastic is used.The excision of atrophied tissue and scars is performed.After this, a set of healing ointments is also used.

Some experts still designate a complex of antibiotics and drugs, which, alas, do not bring positive results.This method is effective in the treatment of background diseases.

Possible complications

Balanit Without treatment, in the third stage urination is impaired due to constriction of the urethra.In the future this leads to the development of infectious lesions of the genitourinary and reproductive systems.As a result, cystitis, urethritis, urolithiasis and kidney failure may develop.

Important! If at the time of not starting treatment, the obliterating xerotic balanitis can trigger the development of penile cancer.

Prevention of pathology

For the protection and prevention, the following preventive measures are recommended:

regular personal hygiene;
annual examination by a specialist;
Elimination of injuries to the penis;
rejection of bad habits.

Attention! It is impossible to infect an obliterating xerotic balanitis through hygiene and sexual means.

Obliterating xerotic balanitis is a chronic disease in which relapses often occur despite proper treatment.Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner.This will stop the development of pathology and significantly reduce the number of relapses.

Radevich Igor Tadeushevich, doctor of sexopathologist-andrologist of the 1st category