Health Library

Erythroplasia of Queyrat

Erythroplasia of Queyrat is an early form of skin cancer found on the penis. The cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Squamous cell cancer in situ can occur on any part of the body. This term is used only when the cancer occurs on the penis.

Images

I Would Like to Learn About:

Causes

The condition is most often seen in men who have not been circumcised. It is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Symptoms

The main symptoms are a rash and irritation on the tip or shaft of the penis that persists. The area is most often red and does not respond to topical creams.

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will examine the penis to diagnose the condition and will perform a biopsy to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

• Skin creams such as imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil. These creams are used for several weeks to months.
• Anti-inflammatory (steroid) creams.

If skin creams do not work, your provider may recommend other treatments such as:

• Mohs micrographic surgery or other surgical procedures to remove the area
• Laser surgery
• Freezing the cancer cells (cryotherapy)
• Scraping away cancer cells and using electricity to kill any that remain (curettage and electrodesiccation)

Outlook (Prognosis)

The prognosis for cure is excellent in most cases.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

You should contact your provider if you have rashes or sores on the genitalia that do not go away.

Related Information

References

Dinuos JGH. Premalignant and malignant nonmelanoma skin tumors. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 21.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Epidermal nevi, neoplasms, and cysts. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.

Mones H. Treatment of noncervical condylomata acuminata. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 138.

Review Date: 7/1/2023  

Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.