Management of Pearly Penile Papules: A Review of the Literature

J Cutan Med Surg. 2020 Jan/Feb;24(1):79-85. doi: 10.1177/1203475419887730. Epub 2019 Nov 5.

Abstract

Pearly penile papules (PPPs) are benign, dome-shaped lesions found around the corona of the penis. Despite being asymptomatic and benign in nature, the appearance of PPPs may cause a great deal of psychological distress to both the patient and their sexual partner. While patient reassurance may be the first-line treatment, several other treatment modalities including cryotherapy, electrodessication and curettage, and laser therapy have all been used to treat PPPs in order to achieve a cosmetic outcome that satisfies the patient. Based on the evaluation of the existing literature, ablative laser therapies offer satisfactory cosmetic outcomes with good long-term results.

Keywords: cryotherapy; electrodessication and curettage; laser therapy; pearly penile papules.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cryotherapy / methods*
  • Disease Management*
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Penile Diseases / pathology
  • Penile Diseases / therapy*
  • Penis / pathology*