Tuberculosis of the penis: rare clinical entity
Abstract
Sir,
A 35-year-old male presented to the surgical outpatient department with an ulcerated growth over the penis for one year. No history of recent sexual exposure was available. On examination of the penis, an ulcerated foul-smelling growth was present. The inguinal nodes on both sides were palpable, firm in consistency and non-tender. Serum testing for VDRL and HIV were negative. Biopsy was taken and showed changes of chronic granulomatous inflammation (tuberculosis). No other source of tuberculosis was found.
Tuberculosis of penis is a rare clinical entity even in developing countries (1). Primary tuberculosis of the penis has been reported after sexual exposure (2). Diagnosis of tuberculosis requires a high index of suspicion. All cases of tuberculosis usually respond very well to anti-tubercular treatment.
Fig.: Growth over the prepucial skin with site of incisional biopsy