Clinical Manifestations
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- The disease may cause pain; hardened, big, cord-like
lesions (scar tissue known as "plaques"); or
abnormal curvature of the penis when erect due to chronic
inflammation of the tunica albuginea (CITA). Although
the popular conception of Peyronie's Disease is that
it always involves curvature of the penis, the scar tissue
sometimes causes divots or indentations rather than curvature.
The condition may also make sexual intercourse painful
and/or difficult, though many men report satisfactory
intercourse in spite of the disorder. Although it can
affect men of any race and age, it is most commonly seen
in Caucasian males above the age of 40, especially those
of blood type A+, but has been seen in men as young as
18.
The disorder is confined to the penis, although a substantial
number of men with Peyronie's exhibit concurrent connective
tissue disorders in the hand, and to a lesser degree,
in the feet. About 30 percent of men with Peyronie's
Disease develop fibrosis in other elastic tissues of
the body, such as on the hand or foot, including Dupuytren's
contracture of the hand. An increased incidence in genetically
related males suggests a genetic component.
- Characterized by painful benign tumors in the shaft
of the penis
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