DOI: 10.7241/ourd.20122.21                                                                          article in PDF
Our Dermatol Online. 2012; 3(2): 109-111
Date of submission: 11.01.2012 / acceptance: 17.02.2012
Conflicts of interest: None
 

PLASMA CELL BALANITIS (ZOON`S BALANITIS): A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF 8 CASES

P. V. Krishna Rao1, Hari Kishan Kumar Yadalla2

1Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
2M.V.J. Medical College & Research Hospital, Hoskote, Bangalore, India
 

Corresponding author: Dr. P.V. Krishna Rao    e-mail: drkrishna1986@yahoo.co.in

How to cite an article: Krishna Rao PV, Yadalla HKK. Plasma cell balanitis (Zoon`s balanitis): A clinicopathological study of 8 cases. Our Dermatol Online 2012; 3(2): 109-111.

 

Abstract
A disorder first described by Zoon in 1952, Zoon`s balanitis or Plasma cell balanitis (PCB), is an uncommon clinical disorder seen in middle-aged uncircumcised men. It is characterized by one or more indolent well demarcated, glazed, reddish brown patches on the glans penis or prepuce. The etiology of this disease is unknown. This balanitis does not respond to routine topical antifungals, steroid creams and systemic antifungals. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy. Herein we report 8 cases of PCB, presenting with a characteristic clinical picture of the disease. In all cases circumcision was done and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of PCB. All patients were followed up for a period of 6 months and no recurrences were observed. Development of malignancy is not seen. In conclusion. We believe that for all cases of balanitis, not responding to routine topical antifungals, steroid creams and systemic antifungals, the diagnosis of Zoon`s balanitis should be considered.
 
Key words: plasma cell balanitis; Zoon`s balanitis; circumcision

 

Introduction
In 1952, J.J. Zoon first recognized balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis or plasma cell balanitis (PCB), which is now recognized as an idiopathic, rare, benign penile dermatosis. It is important to distinguish this benign condition from the clinically similar neoplastic Erythroplasia of Queyrat. PCB affects males, but analogous lesions sharing both clinical and histologic features of PCB have been reported in women as vulvitis circumscripta plasmacellularis. PCB is most common in middle-aged to older men, with cases reported in patients aged 20-88 years. The patient, a male of middle age or older, usually presents with a characteristic plaque on the glans penis or prepuce, present for an average of 1-2 years before diagnosis. Symptoms are minimal, but patients may complain of mild pruritus or tenderness. Some patients present for evaluation because of cosmetic concerns or anxiety [1-5]. Here, we report 8 such cases since very few studies are available on Zoon`s balanitis. This work has been initiated, to study the presenting characteristic clinical and histopathological features of PCB, the importance of histology in differentiating from similarly presenting malignant lesion Erythroplasia of Querat (Squamous cell carcinoma in-situ) and to evaluate the treatment response and follow-up for any recurrences.
 
Case reports
8 cases of chronic recurrent balanitis in uncircumcised men aged 25, 28, 31, 41, 45, 49, 52 & 60 years were studied. 5 were married and 3 were unmarried. The mean duration of balanitis in these 8 cases was 7 months shown in (Tabl. I). There was no history of exposure to sexually transmitted infections, diabetes or urethral symptoms. The first patient gave a history of application of soframycin cream. Examination of these patients showed erythematous plaque over glans penis in six of them and in two, lesions extended onto prepuce (Fig. 1,2). These cases were treated with topical and systemic antifungals and also with mild corticosteroid cream for 3 months with no response. In one case topical tacrolimus 0.03% application cleared the lesions but recurrence was seen within 3 months. In all cases, circumcision was performed and a biopsy was sent for histopathological examination. Results indiucated that the features of these were consistent with Plasma cell balanitis (Fig. 3,3a,4). These cases were followed-up for 6 months and no relapses were observed.opthamologist. Assessment of diabetic neuropathy was done on the basis of the criteria detailed by Foster [7]. Relevant microbiological and histopathological investigations were carried out to confirm the clinical diagnosis.
 
Case
Age
 Duration Clinical feartures Treatment
1 25yrs 3 months Asymptomatic erythematous plaque – penis Circumcision
2 28yrs 4 months Asymptomatic erythematous plaque – penis Circumcision
3 31yrs 5 months Itchy erythematous plaque – penis extending onto prepuce Circumcision
4 41yrs 8 months Asymptomatic erythematous plaque – penis Circumcision
5 45yrs 10 months Asymptomatic erythematous plaque – penis Circumcision
6 49yrs 4 months Asymptomatic erythematous plaque – penis extending onto prepuce Circumcision
7 52yrs 8 months Asymptomatic erythematous plaque – penis Circumcision
8 60yrs 12 months Erythematous plaque – penis with burning Circumcision

Table I. Cases of plasma cell balanitis

 

Figure 1. Erythematous plaque over penis extending onto prepuce
Figure 2. Erythematous plaque with pinpoint purpuric (cayenne pepper) spotting over penis
Figure 3. Attenuated epidermis containing lozenge shaped keratinocytes with dense dermal infiltrate rich in plasma cells (H&E x 40)
Figure 3a. Photomicrograph showing plasma cell infiltrate, dilated capillary and extravasated RBCs in upper dermis (H&E x 100)
Figure 4. After circumcision, complete clearance of lesion
 
 
Discussion
Plasma Cell balanitis (PCB) or “balanitis circumscripta plasma cellularis” is a benign, idiopathic condition first recognized by Zoon in 1952. Zoon described eight cases of chronic balanitis with unique benign appearing histologic findings previously diagnosed as Erythroplasia of Queyrat [1-3]. Plasma cell balanitis typically presents as a solitary, smooth, shiny, red-orange plaque on the glans and or the prepuce of an uncircumcised, middle-aged to older man. The lesion often exhibits pinpoint purpuric cayenne pepper surface spotting with a yellow hue. Vegetative, erosive variants and multiple lesions have been reported [4]. PCB tends to be chronic and is often present for months to years before the patient reports for consultation. Symptoms are minimal, but may include mild tenderness or pruritus. Diagnosis is confirmed by the distinctive histologic findings. Epidermal atrophy with complete effacement of the rete ridges is present. Ulceration may occur. Suprabasal keratinocytes are diamond shaped which are also called “lozenge keratinocytes” are common with uniform intercellular spaces termed “watery spongiosis”. A dense lichenoid subepidermal infiltrate composed largely of plasma cells is characteristic. Erythrocyte extravasation and hemosiderin deposition are often noted [5-9]. The cause of PCB is unclear. All confirmed cases have involved uncircumcised men. Heat, friction, poor hygiene, chronic infection with Mycobacterium smegmatis, trauma, response to an unknown exogenous agent, immediate hypersensitivity response to IgE class antibodies and hypospadiasis have been implicated as predisposing factors. A viral cause of PCB has been rejected after both PCR and electron microscopy failed to show evidence of viral particles in PCB lesions. Kossard et al postulated a causal relation between certain PCB variants and lichen aureus, in the light of similar vascular fragility and histologic abnormalities [4]. The treatment of choice for PCB is circumcision [4,5,10,11]. Successful ablation of PCB has been achieved with carbondioxide laser and Erbium:YAG laser [12,13]. Successful treatment of vulvar anologue of PCB with intralesional interferon α has also been reported. Treatment with topical agents including corticosteroids and antifungals cause mild improvement, but the lesion usually recurs following discontinuation of treatment and are generally not curative [3,4,16]. Petersen et al found topical fusidic acid 2% cream to be beneficial [14]. Chander etal used topical tacrolimus 0.03% with success [15]. Griseofulvin has been tried without success. This case series is being reported to make the treating clinicians aware of the clinical and histopathological features of this uncommon balanitis, and to emphasize the importance of histopathology in distinguishing this benign condition from similar looking malignant conditions and the treatment response.
 
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