Bumps on the penis, often similar to pimples, can appear at any age and, in most cases, are related to mild problems such as pearly papules or Fordyce granules, for example.
However, being a change in the image of the penis, they can cause anxiety in men as they believe they may be a sign of cancer. Although cancer is a very rare disease, it can also cause this type of symptom, and so it is important to consult the urologist to identify the correct problem and start treatment.
- These papules.
- Also known as Tyson glands.
- Are small.
- Button-shaped white balls that can appear under the head of the penis and are often mistaken for genital warts.
- These are normal.
- Benign glands that have been present from birth.
- But usually do not occur until adolescence.
- In addition to the cosmetic change.
- These glands do not cause pain or other major changes.
How to treat: No treatment is usually necessary, but if papules cause a major change in the image of the penis, the urologist may recommend cryotherapy or cauterization treatments in the office. Learn more about pearlbones (Tyson glands) and how to treat them.
Fordyce granules are a very common and benign disease that causes small white or yellow 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 common in adolescence, due to hormonal changes they can occur at any age.
How to treat: Treatment is done solely for aesthetic reasons and may include various techniques such as the use of tretinoin gel, prescribed by the urologist, or the use of the laser to remove granules. Often, it is not possible to completely eliminate this type of change. Learn more about fordyce granule treatment.
Genital warts are caused by an infection with the HPV virus that causes changes in the skin of the penis, which maintain the color of the affected area but are rough to the touch, similar to the upper region of the cauliflower. These warts can vary greatly in size, but usually do not hurt and can be seen with the naked eye.
Genital warts usually appear after an unprotected intimate relationship, whether vaginal or oral, with an infected person.
How to treat it: In case of symptoms, ointments, such as podophylline, prescribed by the urologist, may be used to remove warts. However, it is common for warts to recur, as it takes several years for the body to remove the virus. Learn more about HPV treatment in humans.
It is a type of hard lump that can appear on the body of the penis, especially after sexual contact or masturbation. This occurs when the lymphatic system cannot remove fluids from the penis due to swelling of the erection, which closes the lymphatic pathways. Lymphocele usually goes away a few minutes or hours after it appears.
How to treat: This is a benign disease that goes away on its own and therefore does not require medical treatment. However, massaging the lump can help drain fluid faster. If the lump does not go away after several hours, a urologist should be consulted to identify the cause and begin treatment.
Lichen planus is an inflammation of the skin that can affect the penis and causes the appearance of small red balls, pimples or red bumps that sting a lot. The cause of this problem is unknown, but it usually resolves only after a few weeks and can be repeated several times over time.
How to treat: Treatment only reduces symptoms and, in most cases, is done with the use of corticosteroids in the form of ointments or creams. However, your doctor may also prescribe the use of an antihistamine, especially in case of severe itching. Learn more about the lichen plan.
Peyronie’s disease has no specific cause, but is responsible for the development of hard plaques in the cavernous bodies of the penis, which can manifest in hard bumps on one side of the penis. In addition, other symptoms such as painful erection or flexion of the penis during erection are common.
How to treat it: The urologist may use cholagenase or verapamil injections directly into the mass to reduce the fibrosis process that causes it to develop, but in most cases, surgery is needed to correct changes. Know all the treatment options for this disease.
It is one of the rarest cancers, but it can also cause lumps, ulcers or sores, especially in the head of the penis. This type of cancer is more common in men over the age of 60, who are smokers and do not have adequate hygiene in the area, but it can also occur if the region is exposed to ultraviolet light or if the area is exposed to prolonged exposure. irritants.
How to treat: Treatment almost always begins with surgery to remove as many cancer cells as possible, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the penis to prevent the cancer from spreading throughout the body. Discover the other signs of penile cancer and how it’s treated.