Background: Penile tumors in children are rare. Fibroepithelial polyps are benign neoplasms of mesodermal origin that are well-described in the upper and lower urinary tract. We describe the first series of pediatric fibroepithelial polyps of the penis.
Methods: Pathology records of 204 consecutive penile lesion excisions performed at our institution from 1992-2005 were reviewed by a staff pathologist. We review the medical records and pathologic material in all cases.
Results: 6 patients, ages 2 to 18 were diagnosed with fibroepithelial polyp of the penis. All were treated with local excision. Histologically the polypoid lesions were comprised of fibrovascular stroma with varying degrees of inflammation and sclerosis, lined by squamous epithelium. 2 of the patients had not had any previous surgery, 2 patients were circumcised, 1 patient had undergone hypospadias repair, and 1 patient had undergone exstrophy repair. 1 lesion was located on the glans and 5 were located on the penile shaft. Of the penile shaft lesions, 1 was located at a previous suture line. There are no known recurrences.
Conclusions: Fibroepithelial polyps are benign lesions that may occur on the glans or penile shaft. A history of prior local surgery in most of the cases (4 out of 6) suggests a pathogenesis involving the repair process. They may be treated successfully with local excision. This report of the first pediatric series underscores the importance of considering fibroepithelial polyp in the differential diagnosis of penile lesions.