Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Peyronie's disease involves taking a complete medical history, including any circumstances surrounding the onset of symptoms, and a physical examination. The hardened tissue caused by the disorder can be felt upon examination (palpable). Sometimes, it is necessary to perform the examination with the penis erect. This is achieved by injecting a vasoactive substance that affects the blood vessels in the penis, causing erection. Photographs (digital or Polaroid) of the deformity may eliminate the need to produce an erection in the physician's office. Calcified plaque can be identified using x-ray or ultrasound.
If the physical examination does not support the diagnosis of Peyronie's disease, or if the condition develops rapidly, the physician may perform a biopsy. Biopsy involves removing plaque cells for microscopic examination and is used to detect cancer.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 15 Jun 1998
Reviewed by: Barton H. Wachs, M.D., F.A.C.S., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 17 Jul 2007
Peyronie's Disease, Diagnosis reprinted with permission from urologychannel.com
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