Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum

Back

Background

In 1896, John Addison Fordyce first described angiokeratomas of Fordyce on the scrotum of a 60-year-old man.[1] Angiokeratomas are typically asymptomatic, 2- to 5-mm, blue-to-red papules with a scaly surface located on the scrotum, shaft of penis, labia majora, inner thigh, or lower abdomen. Histologically, they are composed of ectatic thin-walled vessels in the superficial dermis with overlying epidermal hyperplasia.[2, 3, 4, 5]

"Angiokeratoma" is a broad term that encompassing various asymptomatic hyperkeratotic vascular disorders accompanied by a histologic combination of hyperkeratosis and superficial dermal vascular ectasia.[6] More specifically, angiokeratomas can be categorized into localized and systemic forms.

There are four major localized forms with different presentations. First, solitary papular angiokeratomas typically occurs on the legs. Second, Fordyce-type angiokeratomas are usually localized to the scrotum and vulva. Third, angiokeratoma circumscriptum naviforme is the congenital form that presents as multiple, hyperkeratotic, papular, and plaquelike lesions, usually unilaterally on the lower leg, foot, thigh, buttock, and occasionally elsewhere. Finally, bilateral angiokeratomas, also known as the Mibelli type, occur on the dorsa of the fingers and toes.

The generalized systemic form, angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, is usually associated with metabolic disorders, the most common being Fabry disease or fucosidosis. Although Fabry disease is associated with the generalized presentation, a case report in 2010 recommends considering Fabry disease in all male patients with angiokeratomas, even if localized to the scrotum.[7] Although the pathogenesis and clinical presentation vary, the histologic features are similar for all forms.[2, 8, 9]

Precise epidemiological data are lacking, although estimations have been made. The principal morbidity comes from bleeding, anxiety, and overtreatment due to misdiagnosis by physicians. Usually, these lesions do not require treatment. If treatment is needed, locally destructive methods including electrocoagulation, excision, cryotherapy, or laser therapy may be used.[2, 10]

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of angiokeratomas remains unknown, although some authors believe increased venous pressure may contribute to their formation.[11] Many reports describe angiokeratomas occurring in the presence of a varicocele or other conditions of increased venous pressure (eg, hernias, epididymal tumors, urinary system tumors, trauma, and thrombophlebitis).[10] One series reports that up to half of patients with angiokeratomas have associated venous pressure conditions.[12] One report describes treatment of the varicocele followed by resolution of the angiokeratomas,[10] although another report describes varicocele treatment followed by no improvement in the angiokeratomas.[13] Other proposed causative factors include acute or chronic trauma and nevoid or vascular malformations.[14]

However, some authors contend that the coexistence of varicoceles and angiokeratomas is coincidental, as many cases have been described in which no cause for increased venous pressure was found.[13] In a study of 435 military recruits aged 18-19 years, 10% (n = 46) were found to have varicoceles, but no angiokeratomas. They also surveyed 30 soldiers aged 45-55 years with varicoceles but again found no angiokeratomas.[13] Similarly, a study of 1552 Japanese males found no history of any venous obstructive disorders.[15]

The literature notes several associated predisposing factors with this disease. In a study of vulval angiokeratomas, 54% of patients were noted to have a predisposing factor (eg, pregnancy, vulval varicosity, post partum, post hysterectomy), while the rest had none.[12] There is also a report of this condition occurring in conjunction with chronic infection with human papillomavirus in a 25-year-old woman.[16] In addition, there may be iatrogenic predisposing factors as well. Several reports detail that radiation therapy for treatment of genitourinary malignancy may be associated with the formation of angiokeratomas of the penis and the vulva.[17] Another case report describes a man with a recurrent penile angiokeratoma after surgery.[18]

Angiokeratomas of Fordyce have also been reported in association with nevus lipomatosus,[19] oral mucosal angiokeratomas,[8, 20] and papular xanthoma.[21]

Interestingly, a case of a 16-year-old boy with congenital lymphangiectasia-lymphedema born to consanguineous parents was found to have angiokeratoma of the scrotum and the penis at an early age.[22]

Epidemiology

Frequency

The precise incidence of angiokeratomas of Fordyce is unknown, but they are considered common, especially with increasing age.[2, 3, 4]

Race

Most reports on the disease include large case series of angiokeratomas from the United States and Japan, which may at first paint a picture of disease predominantly in whites and in Japanese populations. However, cases in patients of other ethnicities exist but may be underreported.

Sex

There are more reports describing males more often than females, although direct figures of comparison do not exist. Some suggest that incidence in females is just as common as in males, but cases are grossly underreported and underrepresented in the literature.[23]

Age

Cases have been reported ranging from children born with lesions to patients in their sixth decade who develop lesions.[24] One publication on vulval angiokeratomas confirmed by pathology reports showed that 68% of lesions occurred in women aged 20-40 years.[5] A study of 1552 Japanese males found that angiokeratomas occurred at all ages but were most prevalent among people older than 40 years.[15] Prevalence according to this report was as follows[25] :

Prognosis

No fatalities have been reported from this condition. The most significant morbidity comes from bleeding.[5] The papules can bleed spontaneously if traumatized or during intercourse. Many of the reports describe patient concern that the lesions represent a sexually transmitted disease.[26]

Spontaneous resolution of angiokeratomas has not been observed in the literature; these lesions persist unless treated. Patients with multiple angiokeratomas are more likely to have recurrences after treatment than those with few or solitary angiokeratomas.

Patient Education

In most cases of angiokeratoma, the patient, and when appropriate the partner, should be reassured that the condition is common, benign, and does not represent any form of sexually transmitted disease. More lesions may develop with increasing age.

History

Patients usually give a history of many years of a progressive appearance of asymptomatic papules on the scrotum. The patient may not be aware of the lesions, and bleeding (spontaneous, after intercourse or scratching) may be the first presentation causing the patient to seek medical help.[2, 10]

Many cases are reported in which help was sought to rule out a sexually transmitted disease or to rule out malignancy.[5, 27, 26]

Bleeding from vulval lesions may occur spontaneously, during pregnancy, or after intercourse.[5]

Most authors report that lesions are asymptomatic; however, a few describe pain or itching.[28]

Physical Examination

Fordyce angiokeratomas appear as black, blue, or dark red, dome-shaped papules ranging from 1-6 mm in diameter, with a mean of 3 mm. The overlying surface may show slight scales (hyperkeratosis).[29]

Reports suggest that in younger patients, the lesions tend to be smaller, more erythematous, and less hyperkeratotic. Older patients have larger, darker lesions (blue/black) with overlying scales.[5]

The lesions can present as singular or multiple. In a study of 25 women with vulval lesions, 50% of the cases had solitary lesions.[5]

Lesions have been reported on the labia majora, shaft of the penis, corona of the glans penis, inner thigh, and lower abdomen. The scrotum is the most common site.[30, 31]

See the images below.



View Image

Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD, and reviewed by Ross Levy, MD.



View Image

Close-up of the eruption. Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD, and reviewed by Ross Levy, MD.

Causes

The role of coexistent venous hypertension, varicocele, or status post radiotherapy remains uncertain and warrants further investigation.

Complications

As mentioned previously, bleeding is the only major complication.

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies are not warranted in the evaluation of angiokeratomas.

Procedures

Dermoscopy can assist with the diagnosis. Angiokeratoma is characterized by large, well-demarcated, round-to-oval, and red-to-black areas, which are lacunar. In addition, a white surrounding veil corresponds to the acanthotic and hyperkeratotic epidermis.[17]

If the diagnosis is in doubt, then a skin biopsy is recommended.

Histologic Findings

Numerous dilated, thin-walled vessels are positioned in the papillary dermis or superficial submucosa, with an intimate relationship to the overlying acanthotic epidermis with overlying parakeratosis.[18] In addition to elongation of the rete ridges, the epithelium is usually hyperkeratotic. Thrombosis of the vascular spaces is common, and, frequently, recanalization of occluded vascular spaces occurs, creating the pathologic pattern known as papillary endothelial hyperplasia (Masson lesion).[17]

Medical Care

The importance of these lesions was well summarized by Bean, "These varicules should be known so that we can allay the fears of old men, many of whom have worries enough already." If the lesions are an incidental finding or are asymptomatic, the patient can be reassured about the lesions’ benign nature. If concern exists regarding bleeding or cosmetic appearance, then several surgical treatment options are available.

Surgical Care

Excision

This is not practical if more than a few lesions exist. However, excision can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia, with a good cosmetic result.[2, 3, 4, 25, 33, 34] Obtaining negative margins has been recommended by authors who have treated recurrent angiokeratomas of the scrotum.[18]

Cryotherapy

Application of liquid nitrogen has been used with resolution of diffuse patterns, but with residual hypopigmentation and scarring.

Electrocautery

Light electrocoagulation has been used with or without local anesthesia to produce effective resolution of diffuse lesions.[2, 3, 4, 25, 33, 34]

Laser

Successful resolution has been reported with single treatments using both the 578-nm copper laser[33] and the argon laser,[34] resulting in minimal scarring.

A 2004 study showed benefit using a 532-nm potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser.[25] Another study in 2006 evaluated the efficacy of pulsed-dye laser in 12 patients with scrotal angiokeratomas.[35] The results demonstrated good-to-excellent response in all patients, with transient purpura and minimal procedural bleeding as the only adverse effects.

In 2009, a study has shown long pulse 1-64 Nd:YAG laser to be effective, with at least 65-100% improvement in 10 patients and only 1 who had had a long-term adverse effect of an atrophic scar.[36]

A second study published in 2009 also using long-pulse 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser described 2 cases (one of the scrotum, one of the vulva) treated successfully with no recurrence in a 2-year and 6-month follow-up, respectively.[37]

More recently, 595-nm variable-pulse pulsed dye laser treatment has proven to be safe and efficient in removing angiokeratomas within 1-7 sessions. Of 24 treated patients, only 4 reported recurrence, with no serious adverse effects reported.[38]

In addition, ablative lasers such as carbon dioxide and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet lasers have been used to remove the hyperkeratotic epidermis before treatment with a vascular laser.[39, 40]

Sclerotherapy

A 2010 article reported 3 cases treated successfully with repeated local injections of 0.5% ethanolamine oleate or 0.25% sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Both therapies had minimal and temporary adverse effects, including mild pain and epithelial sloughing with no scarring.[41]

Consultations

Consult a dermatologist if the diagnosis is in doubt; alternatively, a biopsy can be performed on the lesions and can be submitted to a dermatopathology laboratory for microscopic diagnosis.

Consult a urologist if a varicocele is suspected.

Long-Term Monitoring

If a surgical procedure is performed, follow-up care at 3 months post treatment is indicated to assess the cosmetic result and to look for recurrences.

Medication Summary

Angiokeratomas of Fordyce are a benign neoplasms and are not amenable to drug therapy.[2, 3, 25, 33, 34]

Author

Yoon-Soo (Cindy) Bae, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Ronald O Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine; Procedural Dermatologist, Laser and Skin Surgery Center of New York

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Edward Bae, MD,

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD, Dermatologist, Minars Dermatology; Consulting Dermatologist, Memorial Regional Hospital; Voluntary Instructor in Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Meredith M Hancock, MD, Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology, Marshfield Clinic/Saint Joseph’s Hospital

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editors

David F Butler, MD, Former Section Chief of Dermatology, Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System; Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Founding Chair, Department of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Edward F Chan, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

Timothy McCalmont, MD, Director, UCSF Dermatopathology Service, Professor of Clinical Pathology and Dermatology, Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Cutaneous Pathology

Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Apsara for independent contractor.

Acknowledgements

Vincent A De Leo, MD Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University; Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Director of Dermatology Residency Training Program, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center; Chairman, Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Medical Center

Vincent A De Leo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Contact Dermatitis Society, American Dermatological Association, American Medical Association, American Society for Photobiology, Dermatology Foundation, New York Academy of Medicine, New York County Medical Society, Photomedicine Society, Society for Investigative Dermatology,Society of Toxicology, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: estee lauder Consulting fee Consulting; laroche posay Consulting fee Consulting; schering plough Consulting fee Consulting; pfizer Consulting fee Consulting; orfagen Grant/research funds study – clinical

Amor Khachemoune, MD, CWS Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Dermatopathology, Department of Dermatology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center; Consulting Staff, Department of Dermatology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Brooklyn

Amor Khachemoune, MD, CWS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Wound Management, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joseph J Shaffer, MBBS Fellow, Dermatologic Surgery, Department of Cutaneous Surgery, Fairview University Medical Center

Joseph J Shaffer is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

  1. Fordyce JA. Angiokeratoma of the scrotum. J Cutan Genitourin Dis. 1896. 14:81-7.
  2. Schiller PI, Itin PH. Angiokeratomas: an update. Dermatology. 1996. 193(4):275-82. [View Abstract]
  3. Carrasco L, Izquierdo MJ, Farina MC, Martín L, Moreno C, Requena L. Strawberry glans penis: a rare manifestation of angiokeratomas involving the glans penis. Br J Dermatol. 2000 Jun. 142(6):1256-7. [View Abstract]
  4. Gioglio L, Porta C, Moroni M, Nastasi G, Gangarossa I. Scrotal angiokeratoma (Fordyce): histopathological and ultrastructural findings. Histol Histopathol. 1992 Jan. 7(1):47-55. [View Abstract]
  5. Imperial R, Helwig EB. Angiokeratoma of the vulva. Obstet Gynecol. 1967 Mar. 29(3):307-12. [View Abstract]
  6. Yamazaki M, Hiruma M, Irie H, Ishibashi A. Angiokeratoma of the clitoris: a subtype of angiokeratoma vulvae. J Dermatol. 1992 Sep. 19(9):553-5. [View Abstract]
  7. Hogarth V, Dhoat S, Mehta AB, Orteu CH. Late-onset Fabry disease associated with angiokeratoma of Fordyce and multiple cherry angiomas. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011 Jul. 36(5):506-8. [View Abstract]
  8. Jansen T, Bechara FG, Stucker M, Altmeyer P. Angiokeratoma of the scrotum (Fordyce type) associated with angiokeratoma of the oral cavity. Acta Derm Venereol. 2002. 82(3):208-10. [View Abstract]
  9. Muller C, James WD. Angiokeratoma of Fordyce as a cause of red scrotum. Cutis. 2002. 69:50-51.
  10. Agger P, Osmundsen PE. Angiokeratoma of the scrotum (Fordyce). A case report on response to surgical treatment of varicocele. Acta Derm Venereol. 1970. 50(3):221-4. [View Abstract]
  11. Erkek E, Basar MM, Bagci Y, Karaduman A, Bilen CY, Gokoz A. Fordyce angiokeratomas as clues to local venous hypertension. Arch Dermatol. 2005 Oct. 141(10):1325-6. [View Abstract]
  12. Imperial R, Helwig EB. Angiokeratoma of the scrotum (Fordyce type). J Urol. 1967 Sep. 98(3):379-87. [View Abstract]
  13. Orvieto R, Alcalay J, Leibovitz I, Nehama H. Lack of association between varicocele and angiokeratoma of the scrotum (Fordyce). Mil Med. 1994 Jul. 159(7):523-4. [View Abstract]
  14. McNeely TB. Angiokeratoma of the clitoris. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1992 Aug. 116(8):880-1. [View Abstract]
  15. Izaki M. Angiokeratoma of the Scrotum (Fordyce). Keio J Med. 1952. 1:61-8.
  16. Baruah J, Roy KK, Rahman SM, Kumar S, Pushparaj M, Mirdha AR. Angiokeratoma of vulva with coexisting human papilloma virus infection: a case report. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2008 Aug. 278(2):165-7. [View Abstract]
  17. Leis-Dosil VM, Alijo-Serrano F, Aviles-Izquierdo JA, Lazaro-Ochaita P, Lecona-Echeverria M. Angiokeratoma of the glans penis: clinical, histopathological and dermoscopic correlation. Dermatol Online J. 2007 May 1. 13(2):19. [View Abstract]
  18. Pianezza ML, Singh D, Van der Kwast T, Jarvi K. Rare case of recurrent angiokeratoma of Fordyce on penile shaft. Urology. 2006/10. 68(4):891.e1-3.
  19. Al-Mutairi N, Joshi A, Nour-Eldin O. Naevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis of Hoffmann-Zurhelle with angiokeratoma of Fordyce. Acta Derm Venereol. 2006. 86(1):92-3. [View Abstract]
  20. Karthikeyan K, Sethuraman G, Thappa DM. Angiokeratoma of the oral cavity and scrotum. J Dermatol. 2000 Feb. 27(2):131-2. [View Abstract]
  21. Caputo R, Passoni E, Cavicchini S. Papular xanthoma associated with angiokeratoma of Fordyce: considerations on the nosography of this rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytoxanthomatosis. Dermatology. 2003. 206(2):165-8. [View Abstract]
  22. Pavone P, Lucenti C, Fraggetta F, Micali G, Incorpora G, Ruggieri M. Congenital lymphedema-lymphangiectasia associated with scrotal angiokeratoma (Fordyce Type) and hearing impairment. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2008 Jul. 42(6):715-9. [View Abstract]
  23. Blair C. Angiokeratoma of the vulva. Br J Dermatol. 1970 Sep. 83(3):409-11. [View Abstract]
  24. Patrizi A, Neri I, Trevisi P, Landi C, Bardazzi F. Congenital angiokeratoma of Fordyce. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 1998 Mar. 10(2):195-6. [View Abstract]
  25. Bechara FG, Jansen T, Wilmert M, Altmeyer P, Hoffmann K. Angiokeratoma Fordyce of the glans penis: combined treatment with erbium: YAG and 532 nm KTP (frequency doubled neodynium: YAG) laser. J Dermatol. 2004 Nov. 31(11):943-5. [View Abstract]
  26. Hisa T, Taniguchi S, Goto Y, et al. Scrotal angiokeratoma in a young man. Acta Derm Venereol. 1996 May. 76(3):248-9. [View Abstract]
  27. Malalasekera AP, Goddard JC, Terry TR. Angiokeratoma of Fordyce simulating recurrent penile cancer. Urology. 2007 Mar. 69(3):576.e13-4. [View Abstract]
  28. Taniguchi S, Inoue A, Hamada T. Angiokeratoma of Fordyce: a cause of scrotal bleeding. Br J Urol. 1994 May. 73(5):589-90. [View Abstract]
  29. Atherton DJ, and Moss C. Breathnach S, Cox N, et al (Eds). Naevi and other developmental defects, in Burns T : Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology. Oxford: Blackwell Science; 2004. pp 15.87-15.90.
  30. Panotte DM. Angiokeratoma: a cause of scrotal bleeding. South Med J. 1985. 78:487-488.
  31. Feramisco JD, Fournier JB, Zedek DC, Venna SS. Eruptive angiokeratomas on the glans penis. Dermatol Online J. 2009 Oct 15. 15(10):14. [View Abstract]
  32. Ghosh SK, Ghosh S, Agarwal M. Multiple giant angiokeratoma of Fordyce on the shaft of the penis masquerading as keratoacanthoma. An Bras Dermatol. 2015 May-Jun. 90 (3 Suppl 1):150-2. [View Abstract]
  33. Lapins J, Emtestam L, Marcusson JA. Angiokeratomas in Fabry’s disease and Fordyce’s disease: successful treatment with copper vapour laser. Acta Dermatol Venereol. 1993. 73:133-5.
  34. Occella C, Bleidl D, Rampini P, Schiazza L, Rampini E. Argon laser treatment of cutaneous multiple angiokeratomas. Dermatol Surg. 1995 Feb. 21(2):170-2. [View Abstract]
  35. Lapidoth M, Ad-El D, David M, Azaria R. Treatment of angiokeratoma of Fordyce with pulsed dye laser. Dermatol Surg. 2006 Sep. 32(9):1147-50. [View Abstract]
  36. Ozdemir M, Baysal I, Engin B, Ozdemir S. Treatment of angiokeratoma of Fordyce with long-pulse neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser. Dermatol Surg. 2009 Jan. 35(1):92-7. [View Abstract]
  37. Civas E, Koç E, Aksoy B, Aksoy HM. Report of two angiokeratoma of Fordyce cases treated with a 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2009 Jun. 25(3):166-8. [View Abstract]
  38. Baumgartner J, Šimaljaková M Mha. Genital angiokeratomas of Fordyce 595-nm variable-pulse pulsed dye laser treatment. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2017 Jun 30. [View Abstract]
  39. Seo SH, Chin HW, Sung HW. Angiokeratoma of Fordyce treated with 0.5% ethanolamine oleate or 0.25% sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Dermatol Surg. 2010 Oct. 36(10):1634-7. [View Abstract]
  40. Bechara FG, Jansen T, Wilmert M, Altmeyer P, Hoffmann K. Angiokeratoma Fordyce of the glans penis: combined treatment with erbium: YAG and 532 nm KTP (frequency doubled neodynium: YAG) laser. J Dermatol. 2004 Nov. 31(11):943-5. [View Abstract]
  41. Yang CH, Ohara K. Successful surgical treatment of verrucous hemangioma: a combined approach. Dermatol Surg. 2002 Oct. 28(10):913-19; discussion 920. [View Abstract]
  42. Yigiter M, Arda IS, Tosun E, Celik M, Hiçsönmez A. Angiokeratoma of clitoris: a rare lesion in an adolescent girl. Urology. 2008 Apr. 71(4):604-6. [View Abstract]

Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD, and reviewed by Ross Levy, MD.

Close-up of the eruption. Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD, and reviewed by Ross Levy, MD.

Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD, and reviewed by Ross Levy, MD.

Close-up of the eruption. Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD, and reviewed by Ross Levy, MD.