Most are relatively harmless, such aspimplesoringrown hairs.
But others may be more serious and require treatment by a healthcare provider.
These include sores and ulcers caused bysexually transmitted infectionsor a connective tissue disorder known asPeyronie’s disease.
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The following are 11 common causes of a lump on the penis.
Lymphatic fluid is the fluid that carries waste and germs from cells to be filtered by thelymphatic system.
Fordyce Spots
Fordyce spotsare small, raised bumps brought on by enlarged oil-producing glands calledsebaceous glands.
Fordyce spots are harmless and generally do not causes symptoms or require treatment.
While some people may want to remove them for cosmetic reasons, there is a risk of scarring.
The bumps are normal, harmless, and not contagious.
These include:
Genital herpes cannot be cured but can be managed withantiviral drugs.
Most pimples will go away on their own in a few days or weeks.
By contrast, ingrown hairs can often become infected and may need to be extracted by a healthcare provider.
They typically appear as soft, fleshy bumps on the genital or anus.
On the penis, the bumps are often flatter.
Genital warts may be unsightly but often go away over time.
Do Genital Warts Cause Cancer?
Genital warts rarely lead to cancer.
In some cases, the lesion can appear as a hardened bump.
Peyronie’s disease does not require treatment if it doesn’t cause pain orerectile dysfunction (ED).
If needed, an injectable drug called Xiaflex can help dissolve the hardened lesion.
Medications likeViagra (sildenafil)orTrimix (alprostadil injection)can be used to treat ED.
Molluscum contagiosum does not always require treatment and may resolve on its own after six to 12 months.
If the penis is affected, treatment is usually recommended to prevent the spread of infection.
This can be done with cryotherapy, laser therapy, or topical medications.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two topical agents for the treatment of MC.
Ycanth (cantharidin) is a topical treatment for people aged 2 and older.
It is applied in the office every three weeks until the affected area is cleared.
This is especially true if you do not consistently use condoms or have a new sexual partner.
If you could’t, use a condom and inform your sexual partners about your concern.
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Ogunbiyi A.Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
2019;12:241-247. doi:10.2147/CCID.S149250
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).About genital HPV infection.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of molluscum contagiosum.
