Lumps
and bumps on the penis that are normal
Pearly penile papules are small lumps,
about 1–2 mm across. They look like pimples and are
all roughly the same size and shape. They are in a row
around the margin of the head of the penis, and can be
seen when the foreskin is pulled back. In some men they
are hardly visible at all, and in others they are quite
noticeable. They usually develop in the teens. People often
worry that they are warts or an infection, and pick or
squeeze them. In fact they are perfectly normal tiny glands.
Leave them alone!
Lymphocele.
This is a hard swelling that suddenly appears after sexual
intercourse or masturbation. It is usually on the shaft of
the penis, near the foreskin. It is caused by temporary blockage
of the lymphatic channels at the margin of the head of the
penis. It will go away on its own, and there are no after-effects.
Lumps
and bumps on the penis that are not normal
Genital warts are very common and are caused by a virus. More information about genital
warts can be found in the genital infections section.
Molluscum (correct
name molluscum contagiosum) are pinkish-white round lumps,
each about 1–5 mm in diameter, which are caused by
a virus. More in formation about molluscum can
be found in the genital infections section.
Lichen
nitidus consists of tiny, shiny, flat-topped,
flesh-coloured pimples, which are difficult to distinguish
from warts. The pimples are usually seen on the shaft of
the penis and their cause is a mystery. They may remain
the same for years, or may disappear of their own accord.
They do not usually need any treatment.
Sores (ulcers)
on the glans may be due to genital
herpes, an infection caused by a virus, or less commonly
the ulcer may be a special form of skin cancer. If an ulcer
or ulcers develop, you should consult your doctor without
too much delay.
Lumps
on the scrotum that are normal
Chicken-skin scrotum. It is normal for
the skin of the scrotum to look like the skin of a plucked
chicken. This is because the hair follicles on the scrotum
are quite far apart and prominent, while the hairs themselves
may not be very obvious.
Sebaceous
cysts are swollen, blocked grease glands that
look like yellowish pimples. They often occur on the skin
of the scrotum, and there may be a dozen or more. The skin
contains millions of glands that make grease to keep the
skin waterproof and in good condition. The openings of
these glands easily become blocked, so they become distended
with grease. For some reason, the skin of the scrotum seems
particularly susceptible to this problem. They are harmless,
but if they become infected (red and sore) or you do not
like the look of them, a genitourinary clinic will be able
to treat them.
Angiokeratoma
of Fordyce are tiny, bright-red blood-blisters.
They usually occur on the scrotum, and there may be lots
of them. They are quite common in the late teens, and are
normal. Their only problem is that they can be itchy, and
may bleed if you scratch them.
Lumps
and bumps on the scrotum that are not normal
Genital warts (see genital
warts) are discussed in the section on genital infections.
Varicoceles are
the result of swelling of the veins around the testis. They
often feel like a ‘bag of
worms’ and are more noticeable on standing. About
15% of men have a varicoele, usually on the left side.
Lump
in the scrotum. A lump attached
to the testicle may sometimes be felt through the skin
of the scrotum. While many of these are harmless cysts,
occasionally a lump may be due to the development of testis
cancer. If you do find a lump in your scrotum you should
consult your doctor who will usually refer you to a urologist.
Most tumours of the testis are curable (that is, they do
not come back), if removed early.
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