“Bone in the penis” or fasciitis ossificans of the penis – a first time description of a pseudo-tumor at an extraordinary site

Abstract

Abstract Background: Fasciitis ossificans is a rare subtype of nodular fasciitis, a benign soft tissue tumor of reactive character. It is often misdiagnosed as a malignant tumor due to its rapid growth. Most commonly fasciitis ossificans originates from the subcutis with appearance throughout the whole body, but it may arise from extraordinary sites, too. Case presentation: We report the first case ever described of this entity deriving from the penis in a male patient presenting with a tumor on the glans penis. The tumor was resected because of a suspicion of penile cancer. Initial histopathological analysis misled to diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Pathologic counseling finally led to the diagnosis of fasciitis ossificans of the penis deriving from the glans penis by showing ossification. Conclusion:This case shows that diagnosis of fasciitis ossificans can originate from any soft tissue, even from penile soft tissue.