Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans - from Etiology to Prognosis

Balanitis xerotica obliterans is a disease of undetermined origin, despite strong evidence of autoimmune etiology and association with autoimmune diseases such as hyperthyroidism, vitiligo, hypothyroidism and DM I.BXO mainly affects individuals of Caucasian origin, and its incidence is not very common in patients younger than 2 years of age.The strong association of the pathology with the penis allied to a constant underdiagnosis can contribute to the increased prevalence of complications such as phimosis, meatal stenosis and, less frequently, renal failure, which translates into more expenses with treatment and palliation of the consequences of BXO. Early detection is a key element in the prevention of these complications, and the therapeutic strategy of choice - circumcision - is operationally simple, entails few costs to the National Health System and is extremely effective as a therapeutic and preventive measure. Keywords: Balanitis xerotic obliterans; Circumcision; Phimosis; Lichen sclerosus; Penile carcinoma; Autoimmun