More Urology Answers
Question Library
Ask a question about Urology
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login
Awards
About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer
|
| |
|
|
| |
| | | |
About Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Expertise
Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience
I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations
American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
| | |
| |
You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Urology > Urology > Soft Lump on penis?
Expert: Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Date: 10/9/2008
Subject: Soft Lump on penis?
Question
Hello,
I am 20 years old, and several weeks ago, I noticed there is a soft, painless lump on my penis. It is located on top of the penis shaft (I believe its the dorsal side, the part i can see when I look down), and slightly to the right of the center of my shaft. The lump seem to be under the skin, and it can only be seen and felt when my penis is flaccid and foreskin pulled back (I am uncircumsised). It is soft to the touch, not firm at all, it is almost jelly like, but i can feel distinct border at one of the side. I believe it is dark in color (it kind of look like dark blue).
It is kind of hard to describe the size of the bump, since sometime I can see it bulging out alot when flaccid, but sometime i only see it bulging out very little (I think it may be due to how flaccid my penis is at the moment). The bump seem to be completely gone when my penis is erect. I am not quite sure if the color still there when my penis is erect, because bottom part of my penis (the part closer to the body) has a darker tone color.
From lot of research, I think one possible reason is penis vein thrombosis, that or penile cancer (according to this similar but a bit different question from medhelp (different in color): http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/226754)
1) I would want to know from the description above, what is the chance of it being cancerous, and what is the chance of it being thrombosis or other disease taking into account my age and my conditions. Is there any way to distinguish these diseases, without going through ultrasound or other instruments (maybe penile tumor is hard, solid mass?)
2) Also in some website, I saw some symptoms of thrombosis is firm, solid bump. Would thrombosis also occur as soft lump (like mine) and in my location (on top of my penis shaft).
3) If it is indeed thrombosis, is it possible for it to go away on its own? or at least is there any treatment that doesn't require medication or surgery.
Thank you for your help, I am able to give more description if needed or some sort of image.
Answer
Tim, as you might imagine, for this type of problem it is not possible for me to make an exact diagnosis over the internet because of the inability to do a physical examination. However, I shall try to help you. The chance of this being cancer is zero. Thrombosis of a penile vein or lymphatic vessel always presents as a firm lump that is mildly tender so it is unlikely to be this. At any rate if it was, they go away on their own. To follow is a "macro" i have written on penile lymphatic thrombosis but the statements also apply to thrombosis of a penile vein.
What you are describing probably does not represents a thrombosis (clot) of a penile vein or lymphatic vessel. Lymphatics are tissue vessels that are present all over the body connecting lymph nodes. It is a distinctly separate system from blood vessels (arteries and veins). Rather than blood, they carry an opaque fluid called lymph. Their function is to keep the tissues healthy by filtering out harmful substances (such as bacteria, viruses, tumor cells, etc.) and enhancing immunity. Sometimes during sexual activity, the lymphatics get bruised resulting in subsequent clot formation. One notices a firm, often finely beaded vessel under the skin of the penis that is mildly tender. This is not a dangerous condition and the clot resolves on its own in a few weeks unless there is recurrent trauma to the area. Therefore, sexual activity should be curtailed until healing has occurred. When you resume sex, use a good lubricant and try to avoid excessive trauma to the penis.
I suspect what you are noting is a normal but prominent penile vein. These are typically soft, can vary with your position as related to gravity, & disappear with erection. If you are still concerned, the only way a proper diagnosis can be established is to see a urologist in consultation. Good luck.
Add to this Answer
Ask a Question
|
|
