Hirsuties Coronae Glandis: What are Pearly Penile Papules?

What is Hirsuties Coronae Glandis?

Hirsuties Coronae Glandis or Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) are asymptomatic, painless, benign lesions that develop on the corona of the glans penis. It mostly occurs post-puberty amongst adolescents and young adults. The condition often occurs in uncircumcised men.

The lesions look similar to those in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like condyloma acuminata, but are otherwise not the same. Hence, PPP removal treatment is restricted only to patients with excessive concern. The condition also has a low level of recurrence. 

Hirsuties coronae glandis is associated with several other names, including:

• Pearly penile papules
• Hirsutis papillary corona of the penis
• Hirsutoid papillomas
• Corona capilliti 
• Tyson glands
• Hirsutoid papillomas
• Papillae coronis glandis
• Papilla in the corona glandis
• Pink pearly papules
• Hirsuties coronae glandis
• Hirsutoid papillomas

Pearly papules of the penis are small, asymptomatic, filiform, or dome-shaped lesions that develop along the coronal rim of the penis. These papules appear in one or several rows along the glans penis, primarily on its dorsal aspect. There can be one row or many rows. In most cases, there are one or two rows of these lesions on the rim. The papules may have ectopic locations on the penile shaft or may develop all along the entire glans.

Hirsuties Coronae Glandis: Symptoms

The prominent symptoms of PPP are:

• Spiny, uniform, dome-shaped papules around the coronal rim of the penis
• Fleshy lesions
• Smooth in texture
• Ranges from 1 to 4 mm in size
• White or skin-colored spots
• Multiple rows of warty papules around the rim of the corona
• Resemble the appearance of sexually transmitted infections

Hirsuties Coronae Glandis: Causes

Pearly papules are NOT caused by sexually transmitted infections or poor hygiene. The condition does not occur due to other infections or any other underlying causes. The bumps are benign or pre-malignant in nature.

Hirsuties Coronae Glandis: Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose PPP after conducting a physical examination and investigation of the patient’s personal medical history and lifestyle habits. Here’s a closer look at the diagnostic process.

Physical investigation: The doctor will thoroughly examine the affected site. As discussed earlier in the article, the lesions here may resemble the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. However, he/she will take note of the fact that your lesions are painless, which is usually not true for STIs. Your doctor may also ask whether it is a recurrent condition. If these lesions have occurred earlier as well, there is a comparatively lesser risk of it being pearly papules. This is because they have a low risk of recurrence.

Investigation about personal medical history and lifestyle: The resemblance to STIs may raise questions about the patient’s lifestyle and sexual practices. Your doctor will most probably also inquire whether you have a personal medical history of sexually transmitted infections and diseases. 

Hirsuties Coronae Glandis: Treatment

Since the condition is painless, benign, and does not have any negative side effects, doctors do not usually recommend treatment. However, treatment is available if it is a cause of excessive concern.

The following are the available treatment options, if they must be prescribed:

• Cryotherapy: The lesions are frozen off using liquid nitrogen.
• CO2 laser ablation: This is a laser therapy that works by creating a thermal injury through continuously directing waves of the CO2 at the affected location. This is conducted under the administration of anaesthesia. 
• Pulsed dye laser: This type of non-ablative laser treatment also ensures PPP removal with minimal discomfort and pain. The number of laser sessions necessary depends on the severity of the lesions. This laser treatment also does not lead to scarring or infections, along with a low risk of recurrence and adverse effects.

Key Takeaway

Hirsuties coronae glandis or pearly penile papules are benign, painless, lesions that develop on the corona of the penis. While it may look like an STI, it is not, and does not usually require treatment.

Learn more about Other Men’s Health Issues here.