Cystic lesions occurring on the ventral surface of the penis have been
classified as median raphe cysts of the penis. They are lined by pseu
dostratified, columnar or stratified squamous cell epithelium, mimicki
ng the epithelial lining of the male urethra. Ciliated cysts of the hu
man skin are unusual. Cystic lesions containing ciliated cells have be
en noted to occur in the chest, neck, or head, and bronchogenic origin
has been the most accepted explanation for its origin. Other reports
show the presence of ciliated cysts on the lower extremities, and the
mechanism of formation is Still a debated question. A case of median r
aphe cyst of the penis containing ciliated epithelium is presented. Th
e existing literature about these cutaneous lesions is reviewed, inclu
ding the possible mechanisms believed to be involved in its origin.