Peyronie's disease: current management.

Peyronie's disease is an acquired inflammatory condition of the penis associated with penile curvature and,in some cases, pain. It primarily affects men between 45 and 60 years of age, although an age range of 18 to 80 years has been reported. If left untreated, Peyronie's disease may cause fibrotic, nonexpansile thickening of relatively discrete areas of the corpora tunica, typically resulting in focal bend, pain or other functional or structural abnormalities of the erect penis. Many cases resolve without treatment. Medical therapies, including antioxidants (such as vitamin E and potassium aminobenzoate) and corticosteroids injected directly into the plaque, lack adequate scientific support. Surgery remains a mainstay when conservative measures fail.