Xanthogranulomas belong to non-Langerhans cell
histiocytoses. Juvenile xanthogranuloma occurs in children
clinically presenting as a nodule or papule with a diameter
of 0.5-2 cm, red-yellow, asymptomatic, especially located on
the head and neck. Histology highlights an infiltrate of
foamy histiocytes and giant Touton cells in the dermis.
Immunohistochemistry is positive for vimentin, CD68 and
factor XIII.
A 60 years old patient presents two papules with a
diameter of 4 mm and 6 mm respectively, red-yellow,
asymptomatic, located on the penis. Hematological and
biochemical analyzes were normal. Biopsy revealed an
infiltrate of numerous foamy histiocytes and lymphocytes
in the dermis. Immunohistochemistry was positive for
vimentin, CD68 and factor XIII and negative for S100 and
CD1a protein. Diagnosis of xanthogranuloma has been
established. The lesions disappeared spontaneously after 2
months after the biopsy without relapse within the next 6
months.
Xanthogranuloma in adults is rarely encountered, the
clinical, histological and immunohistochemical aspect being
identical to juvenile xanthogranuloma. In contrast, adult
xanthogranuloma does not show systemic damage and
lesion regression is exceptional. The location of penile
xanthogranuloma is very rare.
Xanthogranuloma should be considered when it comes
to papulo-nodular lesions located on the penis