Excision of Penile Paraffinoma (Foreign Body Removal)

The Severe Dangers of Penile Foreign Body Injections: Symptoms and Risks

Injecting unapproved foreign substances into the penis—such as olive oil, paraffin, or liquid silicone—is a critical medical emergency and a highly prevalent issue in reconstructive urology. The human body cannot absorb or break down these materials, which inevitably triggers a severe and destructive foreign body reaction.

1. Symptoms of Penile Foreign Body Injections (Penile Paraffinoma)

Symptoms rarely appear immediately after the injection. It can take months or even years for the body's immune system to initiate a foreign body reaction. The symptoms range from early inflammatory signs to severe tissue destruction:

Early Stage (Onset of Inflammation):

Penile Deformity: The penis develops an irregular, asymmetrical, and distorted shape.

Hard Lumps (Granulomas): Palpable, hard, and bumpy nodules form under the skin, feeling highly unnatural to the touch.

Skin Discoloration: The skin around the injection site becomes abnormally dark, red, or bruised.

Severe Stage (Advanced Tissue Destruction):

Intense Pain and Inflammation: Severe pain, swelling, redness, and localized heat. Pain becomes excruciating, especially during an erection.

Skin Rupture and Ulcers: The penile skin thins out until it tears, leading to chronic, non-healing open wounds.

Infection and Discharge: Foul-smelling pus or lymphatic fluid continuously oozes from the ruptured skin.

Substance Migration: The injected material travels (migrates) down into the scrotum or pubic area, causing massive, abnormal swelling.

2. Severe Complications: The Risks of Avoiding Surgical Removal

If left untreated, failing to undergo a proper foreign body excision (surgical removal of the injected material) will lead to catastrophic complications, potentially resulting in the loss of the organ itself:

Penile Necrosis (Tissue Death): The foreign substance constricts local blood vessels, cutting off the vital blood supply to the penis. The tissue will turn black and die, which may ultimately require partial or complete penile amputation.

Sepsis (Bloodstream Infection): Open ulcers and necrotic tissue act as a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria. If the infection spreads into the bloodstream, it becomes a life-threatening emergency.

Permanent Erectile Dysfunction (ED): The severe inflammation creates dense scar tissue (fibrosis) that tightens around the penile shaft and damages crucial nerves. This makes achieving an erection physically impossible, or makes erections so painful that sexual intercourse is no longer an option.

Urinary Retention and Urethral Stricture: If the migrating substance compresses the urethra, it causes extreme difficulty urinating or constant dribbling. This urinary blockage can cause severe backward pressure, ultimately damaging the bladder and kidneys.

Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: Enduring chronic, severe inflammation over many years significantly increases the risk of cellular mutation, potentially leading to skin cancer in the affected genital area.