Self injection of foreign materials into the penis

Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2017 Feb;99(2):e78-e82. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2016.0346. Epub 2016 Nov 21.

Abstract

Injection of the subcutaneous tissues of the penis for enlargement of penile girth has been practised for many years by laypeople and medical practitioners alike. However, with recognition of the complications, the practice has died out. We report a series of five patients who presented having injected foreign materials into the subcutaneous tissues of their penises, including paraffin and mineral oils. Our patients had a variable time course of presentation ranging from 1 day following injection to over 26 years. Self-injection of the subcutaneous tissues of the penis is an unusual presentation for a penile mass but should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with a long latent period to presentation or with characteristic magnetic resonance imaging and histological appearances.

Keywords: Andrology; Disease; Penis; Self-Injurious Behaviour; Silicones.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Foreign Bodies*
  • Humans
  • Injections / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penile Diseases*
  • Penis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Penis* / injuries
  • Penis* / pathology
  • Self Administration / adverse effects*