Median Raphe Cyst

Median raphe cyst (MRC), also known as genitoperineal cyst of median raphe, mucoid cyst of penis, or apocrine cystadenoma/hydrocystoma of penis, represents a congenital developmental defect of the male genitalia. MRC is an uncommon lesion most commonly observed in the first decade of life. However, being often asymptomatic, it is probably underestimated and may be noticed later, during the second to third decades. MRC reflects a developmental defect in male genitalia during embryogenesis, but the exact mechanism is clear. It might result from tissue trapping during embryonic fusion of urethral folds for development of urethral groove, anomalous developmental of the periurethral glands of Littre, or aberrant blockage of the paraurethral duct. MRC usually appears as a translucent, yellowish, cystic lesion of various sizes that may occur anywhere on the ventral side of the male genital area between urethral meatus, scrotum, perineum, and anus, along the midline/median raphe.