Blood

Imaging

Not necessary

Diagnostic Work-Up

Table 27-1 lists the likely causes of penile lesions (differential diagnosis). Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) serology can be performed to rule out syphilis. Investigational approach for delineating the etiology may include

TABLE 27-1 Differential Diagnosis and Rationale for Inclusion (consideration)

Rationale: The differential diagnosis is very similar to that described in Case 26. Multiple etiologies should be considered in any patient with genital lesions. However, painful vesicular lesions are typical of sexually transmitted virus infection and are not associated with syphilis. Chancroid may produce painful ulcers, whereas the remaining infections generally produce painless ulcers.