Diseases and ConditionsErectile Dysfunction (ED)/Impotence
Peyronie's disease is characterized by a plaque, or hard lump,
that forms on the erection tissue of the penis. The plaque often
begins as an inflammation that may develop into a fibrous
tissue. Peyronie's disease was first described in 1743 by a
French surgeon, François de la Peyronie. It was classified as a
form of impotence. However, now impotence is recognized as one
factor associated with Peyronie's disease, but it is not always
present. Some researchers believe Peyronie's disease develops
following a trauma that causes bleeding inside the penis. This
trauma may explain acute cases of Peyronie's disease, but does
not explain why most cases develop slowly, or what causes the
disease after no apparent traumatic event. Generally, when the
disease heals within a year or so, the plaque does not advance
beyond an initial inflammatory phase. However, when the disease
lasts for years, the plaque often becomes a tough, fibrous
tissue, and calcium deposits