Balanoposthitis Workup

  • Author: Vladimir O Osipov, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 25, 2012
 

Laboratory Studies

  • Potassium hydroxide (KOH) slide preparation and culture for Candida species
    • A KOH preparation allows for the rapid visualization of the candidal hyphae.
    • Culture often isolates candidal species in these cases and helps to direct proper treatment.
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Imaging Studies

  • No imaging studies are indicated.
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Other Tests

  • Rarely, serologic tests for candidal species may be indicated, particularly in unclear cases and for academic interest.
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Procedures

  • Biopsy from the involved area
    • Biopsy is performed in doubtful cases and if antifungal treatment fails to produce a favorable response.
    • A biopsy is especially warranted if premalignant or malignant lesions, such as erythroplasia of Queyrat or Bowen disease, are suspected and need to be excluded.
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Histologic Findings

The histologic findings are nonspecific and eczematous in nature. Dermis contains lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. Special stains for fungi, such as the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, may exhibit fungal elements characteristic of candidal organisms.

See the image below.

Dermis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and dilaDermis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and dilated blood vessels.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Vladimir O Osipov, MD  Staff Pathologist, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Labtests Auckland, New Zealand

Vladimir O Osipov, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society for Clinical Pathology, College of American Pathologists, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, and United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Scott M Acker, MD  Associate Professor, Director of Dermatopathology, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Scott M Acker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Medical Association, American Society for Clinical Pathology, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Peter Langenstroer, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin

Peter Langenstroer, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Urological Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Milton W Datta, MD  Assistant Professor, Departments of Pathology, Urology, and Hematology-Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine

Milton W Datta, MD is a member of the following medical societies: College of American Pathologists and United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Abdul-Ghani Kibbi, MD  Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey Meffert, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE  Medical Director, Clinical Studies Unit, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Associate Scholar, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: AMGEN Consulting fee Consulting; AMGEN Grant/research funds Investigator; Genentech Grant/research funds investigator; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Abbott Grant/research funds investigator; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Novartis investigator; Pfizer Grant/research funds investigator; Celgene Consulting fee DMC Chair; NIAMS and NHLBI Grant/research funds investigator

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Dermis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates and dilated blood vessels.
 
 
 
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