Extramammary Paget's disease of the penis: a case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Extramammary Paget's disease is a rare cutaneous, slow growing, intraepithelial adenocarcinoma developing in the apocrine gland-bearing areas. Isolated Paget's disease of the penis is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of an 87-year-old Caucasian male who presented with a non-healing erythematous plaque on the shaft of the penis previously misdiagnosed as Bowen's disease. The diagnosis was made histologically on the excised specimen and was supported by immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSION: Extramammary Paget's disease is a rare disease which can mimic various types of dermatosis. A high index of suspicion is required, combined with biopsy and immunohistochemical staining in order to make the correct diagnosis. Long-term follow-up is mandatory in these patients in order to identify and treat any subsequent recurrence or concurrent malignancy.