A 63-year-old man in New York got quite the surprise after visiting the hospital for a routine check-up following a fall. While he expected the doctors to examine his hip, they discovered something much more unusual — his penis was turning into bone. The man was diagnosed with a rare condition called penile ossification, where calcium builds up and forms bone-like structures in the soft tissue.
Penile ossification is extremely rare, with fewer than 40 recorded cases in medical history. The man didn’t show any typical symptoms, such as swelling or discharge, and left the hospital against medical advice without undergoing further treatment. Doctors noted that medical and surgical treatment options exist depending on the severity of the condition.
The most common cause of penile ossification is Peyronie’s disease, where fibrous scar tissue develops in the penis. Other causes include trauma, late-stage kidney disease, or any condition that leads to a buildup of calcium in the body. Treatments can range from medications to surgery, depending on the symptoms.
Though the man decided not to pursue treatment, doctors recommend close monitoring for similar cases.
