Male genital lichen sclerosus and associated symptoms range and severity: Results of a questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: Male genital lichen sclerosus (MGLS) is a chronic inflammatory condition most often seen in uncircumcised men. It has an association with squamous cell carcinoma of the penis and causes significant morbidity in many men. It may present with a range of symptoms, notably male dyspareunia. The full range of symptoms in individuals has yet to be elucidated.

AIM: To identify the range and severity of patient's symptoms using a questionnaire to quantify symptoms, including sexual function and urinary symptoms. Patients with MGLS were compared against patients diagnosed with other genital skin conditions (non-MGLS).

METHODS: Retrospective review of patients attending a specialist male genital skin clinic. A questionnaire, where symptoms were ranked between 0 (not present/no effect) and 10 (severe effect) was presented as part of the clinical assessment. Clinical diagnosis of MGLS or non-MGLS was made at the assessment.

RESULTS: Sixty four patients attending the clinic completed the questionnaire, and 50 patients were diagnosed with MGLS. Splitting of skin (61.0%), soreness (61.0%), and unusual appearance or colour of penis (57.8%) were the most frequently reported physical symptoms in patients with MGLS. Non-MGLS patients reported these same symptoms in 35.7%, 35.7%, and 50.0% of cases respectively.

CONCLUSION: Administering a simple numeric questionnaire for patients with MGLS has revealed multiple symptoms experienced by most patients. Scoring these symptoms allows the clinician to focus on the problems that most concern the individual patient, rather than just focussing on the physician's assessment of clinical disease.