- 1. Pearly papules
- 2. Fordyce granules
- 3. Genital warts
- 4. Lymphocele
- 5. Lichen planus
- 6. Peyronie 's disease
- 7. Cancer of the penis
Lumps on the penis, often similar to pimples, can appear at any age and, in most cases, are related to benign problems such as pearly papules or Fordyce granules, for example.
However, as they are a change in the image of the penis, they can cause anxiety in men because they think they may be a sign of cancer. Although cancer is a very rare condition, it can also cause this type of symptom and, therefore, it is important to consult the urologist to identify the correct problem and start treatment.
1. Pearly papules
These papules, also known as Tyson glands, are small white, pimple-like pellets that can appear under the head of the penis and are often mistaken for genital warts. They are normal and benign glands that have been present since birth, but that usually manifest only during adolescence. In addition to the aesthetic change, these glands do not cause pain or any other major changes.
How to treat: no treatment is usually necessary, but if the papules cause a major change in the image of the penis, the urologist may recommend cryotherapy or cauterization treatments in the office. See more about pearly papules ( Tyson glands) and how to treat them.
2. Fordyce granules
Fordyce granules are a very common and benign disorder that causes small white or yellowish balls to appear on the head or body of the penis and are not related to any type of sexually transmitted disease. Although they are more frequent during adolescence, due to hormonal changes, they can appear at any age.
How to treat: the treatment is done only for aesthetic reasons and may include various techniques such as the use of tretinoin gel, prescribed by the urologist, or the use of laser to eliminate the granules. It is often not possible to completely eliminate this type of change. See more about how to treat Fordyce granules.
3. Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by an infection by the HPV virus that causes changes in the skin of the penis, which maintain the color of the affected area but which are rough and rough to the touch, similar to the upper region of the cauliflower. These warts can vary widely in size, but usually do not hurt and can be seen with the naked eye.
Usually, genital warts appear after an unprotected intimate relationship, whether anal, vagina or oral, with an infected person.
How to treat it: when there are symptoms, ointments, such as Podophyllin, prescribed by the urologist, can be used to eliminate warts. However, it is common for warts to reoccur, since the body takes several years to eliminate the virus. Find out more details of the treatment of HPV in men.
4. Lymphocele
This is a type of hard lump that can appear on the body of the penis, especially after sexual contact or masturbation. It happens when the lymphatic system is unable to remove fluids from the penis due to swelling of the erection, which closes the lymphatic pathways. The lymphocele usually disappears a few minutes or hours after it appears.
How to treat it: it is a benign disorder that disappears on its own and therefore does not need any medical treatment. However, massaging the lump can help drain the fluid more quickly. If the lump does not disappear after several hours, a urologist should be consulted to identify the cause and start treatment.
5. Lichen planus
Lichen planus is an inflammation of the skin that can affect the penis and causes the appearance of small red balls, pimples or red lumps that itch a lot. A cause for this problem is not known, but it usually resolves on its own after a few weeks, and can reoccur several times over time.
How to treat: the treatment only helps to reduce symptoms and, in most cases, it is done with the use of corticosteroids in the form of ointments or creams. However, the doctor may also prescribe the use of an antihistamine, especially if there is severe itching. Learn more about lichen planus.
6. Peyronie 's disease
Peyronie 's disease has no specific cause, but it is responsible for causing the development of hard plaques in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, which can manifest as hard lumps on one side of the penis. In addition, other symptoms such as painful erection or bending of the penis during erection are common.
How to treat: The urologist can use injections of Collagenase or Verapamil directly into the lump to reduce the fibrosis process that is causing it to grow, but in most cases, surgery is needed to correct the changes. Know all the treatment options for this disease.
7. Cancer of the penis
This is one of the rarest types of cancer, but it can also cause lumps, ulcers or sores, especially on the head of the penis. This type of cancer is more common in men over 60, who are smokers and who do not have adequate hygiene in the region, but it can also happen when there is inadequate exposure of the region to ultraviolet radiation or when there is prolonged exposure to irritants.
How to treat: Treatment is almost always started with surgery to remove as many cancer cells as possible, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In the most severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the penis to prevent cancer from spreading to the body. Check out other signs of penis cancer and how it is treated.
