Pilonidal sinus of the penis. A report of two cases, one of them associated with actinomycosis

Abstract

Pilonidal sinus is a long-standing chronic inflammatory condition which occurs most commonly in the sacrococcygeal area and it is rare in the penis. Two cases of penile pilonidal sinus in patients aged 25 and 28 years are reported and the literature is reviewed. The lesion is acquired and has to be distinguished from balanoposthitis, epidermal cyst and carcinoma. For pilonidal sinus to occur at this site, it is hypothesized that the coronal sulcus acts as a cleft where hair may accumulate and be driven into the shaft and prepuce by the natural movement between these two surfaces. One of our cases was associated with actinomycosis. Actinomycosis associated with pilonidal sinus of the penis is extremely rare and there are only two previous reports. It is suggested that pilonidal sinus may have been predisposed to the infection with the actinomyces organisms. Information stating that penile pilonidal sinus and actinomycosis may occur simultaneously is necessary to accomplish an early diagnosis.

Comparison of the classic limberg flap and modified limberg flap in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease: A retrospective analysis of 416 patients

“…1,2 Rare occurrences such as in a fi ngertip pulp, penis, and in the ends of amputated extremities have been reported. [3][4][5] Pilonidal sinus disease typically affects young male patients after puberty. It appears to have a higher frequency in males (male/ female ratio 3-4 : 1).…”

Nd:YAG Laser (1064 nm) in Management of Pilonidal Sinus

“…The same condition can be seen in the clefts between fingers in those persons dealing with hair such as barbers and hairdressers (6,7). It has been reported in other areas such as the umbilicus (8)(9)(10), the interdigital spaces of the foot (11), the finger pulp (12), the clitoris (13,14), penis (15)(16)(17), the intermammary (18), the periungual (19) and the perineal regions (20).…”

“…Moreover, septic arthritis was reported in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis after the resection of PNS (32). Although Actinomycosis associated with PNS of the penis is extremely rare, few cases have been reported (16,17,33). Neglected PNS can lead to unusual and life-threatening consequences.…”

A pilonidal sinus on the penis presenting with erectile dysfunction

“…The aetiology of the condition remains controversial but most authors agree that it is acquired. To occur on the glans penis, it is hypothesized that the coronal sulcus acts as a cleft in which hair may accumulate and be driven into the shaft and prepuce by the natural movement between these two surfaces (3). Malignant transformation of a pilonidal sinus, most frequently into squamous cell carcinoma, is recognized as a rare complication and must be excluded in all cases (4).…”