Researching the link between lichen sclerosus, penile precancer and cancer

Dr George Kravvas is a dermatology registrar and first year MD student funded by an anonymous donation to the British Skin Foundation. He works under the supervision of Professor Chris Bunker at University College, London (UCL) and Dr Magnus Lynch at Kings College, London (KCL). His research focuses on the genetic alterations that link male genital lichen sclerosus, penile intraepithelial neoplasia and penile squamous cell carcinoma.

Male genital lichen sclerosus (MGLSc) is an uncommon skin disease of uncircumcised individuals. Prof. Bunker’s previous work suggests that MGLSc is due to the combination of a) long-term exposure of susceptible skin to urine, and b) occlusion caused by the foreskin. MGLSc leads to inflammation and scarring, which can then result in sexual and urological difficulties, as well as an increased risk of developing penile precancer and cancer (penile squamous cell carcinoma or PSCC).