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Abstract

Erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) is a carcinoma in situ of the mucosal surface of the penis. Poor hygiene and local irritation, as well as coinfection with HPV-8 and HPV-16, are potential risk factors. It presents as a well-demarcated, velvety red plaque of variable size, with smooth surface, involving the glans penis or the inner surface of the prepucial skin and may progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma in 10–33 % of the cases. Treatment of choice for EQ is surgical excision of the lesion, but the preservation of the functionality of the penis and of the sexual activity may pose limitations to the extent and radicality of surgery. Safety margins of 5 mm are generally acceptable for excision, which on most occasions result in large defects. Therefore, Mohs micrographic surgery is suggested as an effort to spare unaffected tissue. Carbon dioxide or neodymium:YAG laser therapy and the application of 5-fluorouracil cream or imiquimod cream are the main alternatives to surgery in order to preserve function and to not affect sexual activity.

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Correspondence to Konstantinos Krasagakis .

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Krasagakis, K. (2015). Erythroplasia of Queyrat. In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D’Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45139-7_30

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45139-7_30

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