DISEASES OF THE PENIS: BENIGN LUMPS AND SWELLINGS
Following vigorous intercourse, men may be alarmed to find translucent, worm-like masses encircling their penis. These are usually nothing to worry about and will disappear if left alone. During intercourse small lymph vessels have probably ruptured, causing a blockage that is disrupting lymph drainage. The men are advised to refrain from further intercourse until the whitish weals, known as sclerosing lymphangitis, have subsided.
Genital warts are common and arise in a variety of shapes and sizes. They may be single small finger-like projections or big cauliflower-like bunches, are often moist and may be itchy. Of the 65 different types of human papilloma virus that cause genital warts, only two (type 16 and type 18) are said to be pre-malignant. The others are benign.
Warty lumps are usually found on the shaft but can also occur just inside the urethra. While they can be highly visible, they can also exist subclinically and be invisible to the naked eye. Studies have shown 10 per cent of men have subclinical wart disease. Warts can be treated with chemicals, freezing, burning, surgery or lasers.
Other benign bumps include hemangiomas, which are little malformations of blood vessels, and sebaceous cysts, which form small nodules.
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