Circumcision scar

In males who have been circumcised, the circumcision scar refers to the scar after a circumcision has healed. In some cases, the scar can be darker-colored, and, in all cases, it will encircle the shaft of the penis.

Appearance

The scar is located at the boundary of the outer foreskin and the inner foreskin remnant, which is the portion of the foreskin that was not removed during circumcision. This foreskin remnant is mucosa that lies between the glans and the circumcision scar, which results in dissimilar tissue healing together. In adult circumcision part of the frenulum may remain intact. The foreskin remnant can often have a different color and texture than the rest of the penile skin. It can be pinkish or light-colored, and it can be covered with keratin to protect it from a dry environment.

The circumcision scar is visible about one inch below the head

Distinctive brown ring scar resulting from neonatal circumcision using the Gomco clamp method

Errors in circumcision may cause a gap in the circumcision scar

The type of circumcision scar is dependent on the technique that was used. Some circumcised men have a prominent or uneven scar, whereas in others it is less noticeable. There are creams available which, when applied regularly to a recent circumcision, can significantly diminish the visible scar line, sometimes to the point that it becomes effectively unobservable except to a medical professional.^{[citation needed]} The appearance of the scar can be reduced through the process of foreskin restoration. A completed restoration normally results in the circumcision scar being completely hidden from view on the inner surface of the regrown prepuce.^{[citation needed]}

Problems with the scar

Occasionally, the scar can swell or become irritated during intercourse^{[citation needed]}. Some men with significant amounts of scarring have used cream or silicone scar pads to cause the scar to fade.

There is some controversy as to what happens to the severed nerves of the foreskin at the scar. Xin et al. suggest that nerves regenerate, forming new receptors .^[1] However, pathologists Cold and Taylor assert: "Histology of the male circumcision scar shows amputation neuromas, Schwann cell proliferation and the bulbous collection of variably sized neurites. Amputation neuromas do not mediate normal sensation and are notorious for generating pain."^[2][3]

Penile cancer can occur on the scar.^[4][5] In some cases, the scar can form a tight constricted ring causing preputial stenosis.

See also

• Foreskin
• Scar
• Circumcision

References

1. ^ Xin ZC, Choi YD, Rha KH, Choi HK (August 1997). "Somatosensory evoked potentials in patients with primary premature ejaculation". J. Urol. 158 (2): 451–5. doi:10.1016/S0022-5347(01)64499-9. PMID 9224321. http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022-5347(01)64499-9. 
2. ^ Cold CJ, Taylor JR (January 1999). "The prepuce". BJU Int. 83 (Suppl 1): 34–44. doi:10.1046/j.1464-410x.1999.0830s1034.x. PMID 10349413. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=1464-4096&date=1999&volume=83&issue=&spage=34. 
3. ^ The Prepuce: Anatomy, Physiology, Innervation, Immunology, and Sexual Function
4. ^ Bissada NK, Morcos RR, el-Senoussi M (February 1986). "Post-circumcision carcinoma of the penis. I. Clinical aspects". J. Urol. 135 (2): 283–5. PMID 3944860. 
5. ^ Fetsch JF, Davis Jr CJ, Miettinen M, Sesterhenn IA (January 2004). "Leiomyosarcoma of the penis: a clinicopathologic study of 14 cases with review of the literature and discussion of the differential diagnosis". Am. J. Surg. Pathol. 28 (1): 115–25. PMID 14707873. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0147-5185&volume=28&issue=1&spage=115.