Penile cysts: A review of clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis

Roselyne Choiniere; Jeffrey Damman; Geert J L H van Leenders

doi:10.1016/j.humpath.2025.105822

Penile cysts: A review of clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis

Hum Pathol. 2025 Nov:165:105822. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2025.105822. Epub 2025 May 30.

Authors

Roselyne Choiniere¹, Jeffrey Damman², Geert J L H van Leenders³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: r.choiniere@erasmusmc.nl.
² Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: j.damman@erasmusmc.nl.
³ Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: g.vanleenders@erasmusmc.nl.

PMID: 40451391
DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2025.105822

Abstract

Uncommon and seldom discussed in the literature, the diagnosis of penile cysts relies on morphology and clinical correlation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of benign cysts encountered on penile glans, foreskin and shaft. We discuss in more detail the median raphe cyst with its many names and patterns. The aim of this review is to outline the diagnostic considerations and provide practical guidance for pathologists in diagnosing benign penile cysts.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis; Histopathology; Median raphe cyst; Morphology; Penile cyst; Penis; Review.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cysts* / diagnosis
Cysts* / pathology
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Male
Penile Diseases* / diagnosis
Penile Diseases* / pathology
Penis* / pathology