“I have a growth on my penis?”
Hello, I’m a sexually active 37 year old male. I have experienced a few growths on my penis. One appeared yesterday but the other 2 have been there for months now. Can you please help identify what they could be?
Male | 37 years old
Complaint duration: Months
Medications: None
Conditions: None
1 Answer
I can offer some general information that may help guide you. If you've noticed growths on your penis, it's essential to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist or dermatologist, as they can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment if needed. Self-diagnosis can be inaccurate, and it's important to rule out any potential health concerns.
Without a physical examination, it's challenging to determine the exact nature of these growths. However, here are some possibilities:
1. **Pearly Penile Papules (PPP)**: These are small, dome-shaped bumps that may appear around the head (glans) of the penis. They are usually painless and not associated with any health risks. PPP is a common and benign condition.
2. **Genital Warts**: Caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts can appear as small growths on the genital area, including the penis. They may be flesh-colored or darker and can be raised or flat. Genital warts are sexually transmitted and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
3. **Molluscum Contagiosum**: Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that can cause small, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps on the genitals, including the penis. They are typically painless but can be transmitted through sexual contact.
4. **Fordyce Spots**: These are small, yellow or flesh-colored bumps that can appear on the penis shaft or scrotum. They are generally harmless and related to sebaceous glands.
5. **Skin Tags**: Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths that can appear on various parts of the body, including the genital area. They are usually harmless but can be removed if they become bothersome.
6. **Other Conditions**: There are other less common conditions that can cause growths on the penis. A healthcare provider can perform a visual examination and, if necessary, order tests to determine the exact nature of the growths.
It's essential not to ignore any changes or growths on your genitals, especially if they are new, painful, bleeding, or causing discomfort. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, when necessary, can be crucial for your health and well-being. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance on any necessary treatment or management.
Without a physical examination, it's challenging to determine the exact nature of these growths. However, here are some possibilities:
1. **Pearly Penile Papules (PPP)**: These are small, dome-shaped bumps that may appear around the head (glans) of the penis. They are usually painless and not associated with any health risks. PPP is a common and benign condition.
2. **Genital Warts**: Caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts can appear as small growths on the genital area, including the penis. They may be flesh-colored or darker and can be raised or flat. Genital warts are sexually transmitted and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
3. **Molluscum Contagiosum**: Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that can cause small, flesh-colored, dome-shaped bumps on the genitals, including the penis. They are typically painless but can be transmitted through sexual contact.
4. **Fordyce Spots**: These are small, yellow or flesh-colored bumps that can appear on the penis shaft or scrotum. They are generally harmless and related to sebaceous glands.
5. **Skin Tags**: Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths that can appear on various parts of the body, including the genital area. They are usually harmless but can be removed if they become bothersome.
6. **Other Conditions**: There are other less common conditions that can cause growths on the penis. A healthcare provider can perform a visual examination and, if necessary, order tests to determine the exact nature of the growths.
It's essential not to ignore any changes or growths on your genitals, especially if they are new, painful, bleeding, or causing discomfort. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, when necessary, can be crucial for your health and well-being. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance on any necessary treatment or management.
