A penile biopsy is a minor procedure that involves taking a small tissue sample from the penis - the external male genital area. It is typically done for diagnostic purposes, mainly when there are concerns about abnormal changes in the penile tissue or suspicious lesions.

There are two common methods of obtaining a penile biopsy:

1. Punch Biopsy: In a punch biopsy, a special instrument called a punch biopsy tool is used. This tool has a circular cutting edge. The clinician will press the punch tool against the abnormal or suspicious area on the penis and twist it, creating a small, cylindrical piece of tissue that is removed.

2. Excisional Biopsy: An excisional biopsy involves cutting out a larger piece of tissue from the penis. This is typically used when a more extensive sample is needed for diagnosis.

The tissue sample obtained through either method is then placed in a sterile container.

Patients may experience some discomfort or mild bleeding at the biopsy site, which should subside within a few days.

The collected tissue sample is sent to a pathology laboratory, where it is processed, sliced into thin sections, stained, and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The pathologist will assess the tissue for abnormalities, such as cancerous cells or other pathological conditions.

The decision to undergo a penile biopsy is typically made after a thorough assessment of symptoms and clinical history.

There are several reasons why a penile biopsy may be recommended, such as:

• Where malignancy is suspected
• An autoimmune blistering disorder is suspected
• Lesions have atypical vascular patterns, pigmentation or texture
• The condition has not been resolved with standard treatment
• Results have implications for the diagnosis and management of systemic illness or local severe disease (eg, Behcet disease, Crohn disease)
• Removal of a lesion is requested for functional or aesthetic reasons
• Follow-up on previous biopsies

Typical penile conditions that undergo biopsy include: Lichen sclerosis, Lichen planus, Squamous intraepithelial lesions, Penile squamous cell carcinoma, and Melanoma.

It is crucial to discuss the reasons for considering a penile biopsy with your clinician and understand the potential benefits and risks.

For the Penile Biopsy test, the sample is taken from the penis - the external part of the male genitalia. The specific area from which the sample is taken depends on the suspected condition or symptom.

It is important to note that like any medical procedure, penile biopsy has potential risks and complications. Although they are generally uncommon, it is essential to be aware of them. Some potential risks and complications of penile biopsy include pain or discomfort, bleeding, infection, scarring, allergic reactions, delayed healing, discomfort during sexual activity, nerve damage, and inadequate sample. It is important to follow your clinician post-biopsy care instructions and to contact them immediately if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, signs of infection, or other unusual symptoms after the biopsy. It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with your clinician before undergoing a penile biopsy to weigh the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Some of the limitations of penile biopsy include:

• Sampling Error,
• Small Sample Size
• False-Negative Results
• Inconclusive Results
• Variability in Pathologist Interpretation
• Cannot Always Identify Specific Pathogens
• Limited for Deep Tissue Evaluation

Despite these limitations, penile biopsy remains an essential tool for diagnosing a range of penile health conditions, including precancerous lesions and penile cancers. It provides valuable information to guide treatment decisions. However, clinicians often consider these limitations and may recommend additional tests or procedures when necessary to supplement or confirm the biopsy findings. It is important to interpret the results in conjunction with other clinical findings and consider additional tests if necessary.

There are alternative tests that can be considered depending on the specific condition or symptom. These may include a colposcopy, a skin biopsy, a blood test, or a swab for cultures. Your clinician will determine the most appropriate test for your situation.

Penile Biopsy tests are typically not performed on children, as they are generally reserved for specific diagnostic purposes in adults. However, if there is a specific medical need, your clinician will discuss the risks and benefits with you and make an informed decision.

A general guide on how to prepare for a penile biopsy is to:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to the penile area during the procedure.
• Maintain good personal hygiene before and after the biopsy.
• Avoid using any creams, lotions, or other topical products on the penis before the biopsy.
• Empty your bladder before the procedure for comfort.
• Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure.

Yes.

Everything you share with us is confidential and will not be shared with the NHS or any other healthcare provider, including your GP unless you specifically ask us to do so.

You can receive your penile biopsy results by email.

The results of your Penile Biopsy test will provide information about any abnormalities or changes in the penile tissue. The interpretation of penile biopsy results depends on various factors, including the reason for the biopsy, the type of biopsy performed, and the specific findings. Your clinician will interpret the results and explain their significance to you.

Avoid any activities that may irritate the penile area, such as using harsh soaps or applying creams or lotions. It is also advisable to avoid sexual intercourse until you receive your test results.

If your clinician has provided any specific post-biopsy care instructions, follow them closely. This may include guidelines for wound care or managing any discomfort.

In some cases, a penile biopsy may reveal abnormal cells or tissue in the penile area. This could be due to a variety of conditions, including infections, inflammation, precancerous changes, or cancerous cells.

Your clinician will discuss the findings with you in detail, explain what they mean in the context of your health, and provide guidance on any necessary next steps. If the results indicate a need for further treatment or monitoring, your clinician will discuss the available options and work with you to develop an appropriate care plan.

There are several common scenarios where a repeat biopsy might be considered, such as inconclusive results, monitoring changes, treatment follow-up, persistent symptoms, confirmation of treatment response, and clinical changes. It is important to discuss the reasons for a repeat biopsy with your clinician.

It is important to inform your clinician about all the medications you are currently taking as certain medications may potentially affect penile biopsy test results.