Your browser version may not work well with NCBI's Web applications. More information here...
1: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2006 Oct;20(9):1046-54.Click here to read Links
Comment in:
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008 Jan;22(1):131; author reply 131-2.

The carcinogenicity of smegma: debunking a myth.

Van Howe RS, Hodges FM.

Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University School of Human Medicine, Marquette, MI, USA. rsvanhowe@mgh.org

BACKGROUND: Smegma is widely believed to cause penile, cervical and prostate cancer. This nearly ubiquitous myth continues to permeate the medical literature despite a lack of valid supportive evidence. METHODS: A historical perspective of medical ideas pertaining to smegma is provided, and the original studies in both animals and humans are reanalysed using the appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: Evidence supporting the role of smegma as a carcinogen is found wanting. CONCLUSIONS: Assertions that smegma is carcinogenic cannot be justified on scientific grounds.

PMID: 16987256 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]