WHAT IS QUEYRAT'S ERYTHROPLASIA?Erythroplasia of Queyrat is a superficial form of skin cancer on the penis, usually the glans. It appears as a red spot. It is named after a French dermatologist, Louis Queyrat, who first described it. It occurs primarily in men over 40. It is less common in circumcised men than in uncircumcised men. Erythroplasia of Queyrat can be considered a developing squamous cell carcinoma. If left untreated, approximately 30% develop into squamous cell carcinoma.WHAT DOES ERYTHROPLASIA DE QUEYRAT LOOK LIKE?Erythroplasia of Queyrat is a sharply defined, bright red, shiny (or velvety), often slightly thickened area on the penis, usually on the glans penis, sometimes on the inside of the foreskin. The area causes no symptoms or pain. Later, the area can break down and develop scabs and ulcers. It is often confused with a yeast infection, eczema, or psoriasis, and is treated accordingly.
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| erythroplasia of Queyrat |
erythroplasia of Queyrat |
erythroplasia of Queyrat |
HOW DOES ERYTHROPLASIA DE QUEYRAT OCCUR?Squamous cell carcinomas in the genital area are usually caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus that also causes genital warts. Some types of this virus can cause cancer of the mucous membranes. These viruses also play a role in cervical cancer and anal cancer. Nowadays, girls are vaccinated against the human papillomavirus to prevent this type of cancer. Erythroplasia of Queyrat is mainly caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18.HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE?The diagnosis is made by taking a biopsy. A small circular sample is punched out under local anesthesia and examined in the pathology laboratory. A biopsy is necessary because other skin conditions can also occur on the penis and cause a red spot.HOW IS ERYTHROPLASIA DE QUEYRAT TREATED?All treatments are aimed at removing or destroying the abnormal cells that have formed. Sometimes the area can be surgically removed (cut out). This is usually performed by a urologist. The area can also be frozen with liquid nitrogen. This destroys the superficial cell layers, after which new skin or mucous membrane grows back from the edges. The same effect can be achieved with burning (electrocoagulation) or laser treatment (CO2 laser). Radiotherapy (radiation) is also an option.
For superficial variants, creams are also available that destroy the abnormal cells, such as Efudix cream (5-fluorouracil cream) or Aldara cream (imiquimod cream).WHAT ARE THE OUTLOOK?If the area is treated properly, the prognosis is good. However, damage and scarring may occur. Left untreated, the area can develop into a true squamous cell carcinoma. The risk of this is approximately 30%. Squamous cell carcinoma is a dangerous tumor that can grow deeply and metastasize to the lymph nodes. |
