Spontaneous corporeal herniation of the penis: a new abnormality of the tunica albuginea?

A 63-year-old man presented with a penile mass present only during erections. Radiographic evaluation suggested a vascular lesion but the only abnormality identified at exploration was local attenuation of the tunica albuginea with aneurysmal dilatation of the corpora cavernosa. We believe this to be the first report of spontaneous herniation of the tunica albuginea of the penis. The possible etiology of this disorder is discussed.