A lump on the penis can have several causes, such as STIs, Peyronie’s disease or penile cancer. Learn more.
Having a lump on the penis can be worrying. The good news is that, with proper evaluation, it is possible to identify the cause and start the appropriate treatment.
That is why it is important to see a urologist as soon as you notice any change. Early diagnosis can improve treatment options and help prevent complications.
Below, learn about the main conditions that can cause a lump on the penis and how each case may be treated.
5 common causes of a lump on the penis
1. Pearly penile papules
Pearly penile papules are benign formations known as Tyson glands, which may become more visible during an erection.
These small whitish bumps appear around the glans and help protect and lubricate the penis.
The presence of these bumps is considered normal and does not pose a health risk. Even so, in some cases, their appearance may cause aesthetic discomfort.
There are treatments to soften the appearance of pearly penile papules, and the choice of technique depends on a specialized medical evaluation.
2. HPV
STIs are among the main causes of a lump on the penis, and HPV is one of the sexually transmitted infections most commonly associated with genital lesions.
Research on HPV-related genital lesions evaluated 1,118 Brazilian men, aged 18 to 73, who took part in an international study on HPV in men.
According to the authors, 72% of the Brazilian participants had HPV infection, and 4% developed suspicious lesions.
3. Herpes
Genital herpes is an STI caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Symptoms usually appear between 10 and 15 days after exposure and may include pain, burning in the intimate area and small blisters on the penis that rupture and form sores.
In addition to lesions, some people may also have fever, pain when urinating, muscle aches and discharge.
There is currently no definitive treatment that eliminates the herpes virus from the body, because it may remain latent and be reactivated during periods of low immunity. Even so, antiviral treatment helps control symptoms and reduce outbreaks.
4. Penile cancer (rare )
Penile cancer may cause changes in skin thickness or color, as well as swelling, discharge, sores or lumps on the penis.
Treatment depends on the stage of the tumor, and early diagnosis may contribute to better therapeutic possibilities and less extensive interventions, according to individual medical evaluation.
Prevention measures
- Maintaining proper intimate hygiene helps reduce risk factors associated with penile cancer, since the disease is linked to poor hygiene
- Using condoms reduces the risk of STIs, including HPV, which is related to penile cancer
- Avoiding smoking is also important, as substances in cigarettes increase the risk of cellular changes associated with cancer
5. Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease is characterized by abnormal curvature of the penis caused by the formation of fibrosis in the tunica albuginea, the structure responsible for maintaining erection rigidity.
This hardened tissue can form a palpable lump on the penis. In many cases, the change may be noticed during self-examination, with the penis flaccid and stretched or during an erection.
What symptoms can accompany a lump on the penis?
A lump on the penis may appear together with other signs that suggest inflammation, infection or the need for medical evaluation. The main ones are:
- pain
- redness
- growth of the nodule
- discharge
How to identify the cause of a lump on the penis?
The urologist identifies the cause of a lump on the penis in stages.
Everything begins with the consultation, with questions about when the lesion appeared, whether the nodule has grown, the presence of pain and other associated symptoms.
Then a physical examination is performed to assess the characteristics of the lump and identify changes such as shortening, narrowing or curvature of the penis.
How to treat a lump on the penis?
Treatment varies according to the cause of the symptom. See the main cases:
| Condition | Characteristics | Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Pearly penile papules | Small whitish bumps similar to pimples | Aesthetic procedures, such as cryotherapy, when the appearance causes discomfort |
| Infections, such as HPV and genital herpes | Viral lesions that may cause recurring symptoms | Antiviral medication to control symptoms |
| Peyronie’s disease | Fibrous plaques that cause curvature and loss of function | Oral or injectable medications in the initial phase and surgery in more severe cases |
| Penile cancer | Disordered cell growth, usually beginning on the glans | Surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, according to the stage of the tumor |
Treatment for Peyronie’s disease
There are different approaches to treating Peyronie’s disease, depending on the phase and severity of the condition:
- Initial or inflammatory phase: treatment should be defined after urological evaluation, considering symptoms, pain, degree of curvature, erectile function and disease progression. In some cases, medications may be indicated to control symptoms or support erectile function, as well as specific injectable therapies, when medically indicated.
- More advanced cases: surgery may be indicated when the patient does not respond to medication or has impaired penile function.
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When should I worry about a lump on the penis?
Seek medical evaluation if there is:
- Rapid growth of the lump
- Severe pain
- Bleeding
- A sore that does not heal
- Changes in skin color or texture
It is worth remembering that only a doctor can identify the cause of a lump on the penis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Common questions about a lump on the penis
1. Is a lump on the penis normal?
It depends on the cause. Some lumps may be benign, such as sebaceous cysts or ingrown hairs. Even so, any change that persists or changes appearance should be evaluated.
2. Can a lump on the penis be cancer?
Yes, although it is rare. Penile cancer usually causes other signs, such as sores that do not heal, bleeding or progressive growth of the nodule.
3. Does a lump on the penis hurt?
It may or may not cause pain. Inflammatory or infectious lesions usually cause discomfort, while some cysts may be painless.
4. Can a lump on the penis be an STI?
Yes. Some STIs, such as HPV and genital herpes, can cause lesions or lumps on the penis, usually accompanied by other symptoms.
5. Can a lump on the penis go away on its own?
Some mild cases may disappear spontaneously, such as mild folliculitis. However, it is not recommended to wait without medical evaluation, especially if the lump persists for several days.
6. Can I squeeze a lump on the penis?
No. Squeezing can worsen inflammation, increase the risk of infection and cause scarring.
7. Which doctor should I see for a lump on the penis?
The indicated specialist is the urologist, who is responsible for evaluating the cause and recommending the appropriate treatment.
Fill out the pre-assessment form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paulo Egydio, a urologist specializing in men’s sexual health.
