North Texas Research Forum 2026
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Division
North Texas
Hospital
Medical City Fort Worth
Specialty
Dermatology
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Keywords
median raphe cysts, cystic lesions
Disciplines
Dermatology | Medicine and Health Sciences | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases
Abstract
Background: The median raphe cyst is a rare, benign, congenital condition characterized by small, fluid-filled cysts that develop along the ventral midline of male external genitalia. These cysts are usually asymptomatic during infancy and childhood but tend to grow in size as the patient grows. These can become cosmetically concerning or symptomatic due to swelling, irritation, and discomfort. They may also present social and psychological stress to patients and families. We present a case of median raphe cysts in an 8-year-old male.
Case Presentation: An 8-year-old male without a prior medical history who presented to dermatology for penile lesions. He exhibited these penile lesions since birth. The lesions had grown in size. The lesions were initially asymptomatic, but he had begun to scratch at these lesions due to irritation. He denied pain, drainage, and bleeding. His family was concerned that these lesions would affect the patient’s sexual function in the future and that these lesions might continue to grow larger. The patient had also undergone testing several times for sexually transmitted diseases. On physical exam, there were thin, skin-colored, shiny papules along the midline ventral aspect of the penile shaft. Based on the classic clinical presentation, a diagnosis of median raphe cysts was established. Reassurance was provided that these were benign lesions. If there were symptomatic or cosmetic concerns, surgical management with urology was recommended
Conclusion: Median raphe cysts are rare congenital lesions that can cause significant physical and emotional stress to patients. In clinical practice, these cysts must be differentiated from other, more common penile lesions. This condition can be diagnosed based on clinical information, but biopsy can aid in confirmation. It is important for clinicians to recognize these lesions in order to reassure patients and families about the benign nature of the lesions and limit unnecessary testing. While these lesions are benign and typically asymptomatic, they can become a source of pain, are susceptible to secondary infection, and can be a significant cosmetic or sexual concern. Surgical removal is a safe and effective way to remove these lesions when symptomatic.
Original Publisher
HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education
Recommended Citation
Guo, Christina; Hall, Marshall; Furth, Garrett; Lim, Henry; Gruver, Olivia; Wilkes, Dustin; and Weis, Stephen E., "A Case of Median Raphe Cysts in 8-year-old Male" (2026). North Texas Research Forum 2026. 27.
https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/northtexas2026/27