Fordyce angiokeratoma

Theocharis Koufakis, Ioannis Gabranis

PAMJ. 2014; 19:376. Published 12 Dec 2014 | doi:10.11604/pamj.2014.19.376.5874

A 55 year-old Caucasian man, with Diabetes Melitus type 2 history, presented to our department with complaints of multiple, dark redpapules located on the scrotum. The diagnosis of Fordyce angiokeratoma was clinically established. No special treatment was recommended, apart from patient's reassurance for the benign nature of this clinical entity. Fordyce angiokeratoma or angiokeratoma of the scrotum was first describedin 1896 by John Addison Fordyce. Its etiology remains unclear, while its incidence is believed to increase with age. Genetic background of the disease has not been documented. Complications are generally uncommon, however bleeding of the papules can occur. Differential diagnosis mainly includes angiokeratomacorporisdiffusum, malignant melanoma and nevomelanocytic nevus. In cases of diagnostic dilemma, dermoscopy can be useful, but biopsy of the lesion is the gold standard method for the establishment of the diagnosis. Specific treatment is unnecessary, still, excision, electrodessication and laser therapy have been described in complicated cases or for aesthetic reasons.
Corresponding author
Theocharis Koufakis, Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece (thkoyfak@hotmail.com)


The Pan African Medical Journal (ISSN: 1937-8688) is a subsidiary of the Pan African Medical Journal. The contents of this journal is intended exclusively for professionals in the medical, paramedical and public health and other health sectors.

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