Penis lumps and spots
See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:
- you have a lump, sore or ulcer on your penis
- you have a rash or spots on your penis
- the tip of your penis is swollen, itchy, sore and red – redness may be less obvious on brown or black skin
- you notice any changes to how your penis looks
- you have symptoms that are not going away
Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.
If you have penis lumps or spots, a doctor or nurse at the GP surgery or sexual health clinic will look at your penis. They may also take a blood or pee sample, or wipe a cotton bud over the tip of your penis to test for infections.
They'll usually ask you:
- about your general health
- what your symptoms are and when they started
- when you last had sex and if you've had unprotected sex (sex without a condom)
Treatment for a lump, spot or rash depends on what's causing it.
If the doctor or nurse is not sure what's causing your symptoms, they might refer you to a specialist or for further tests.
Lumps and spots on your penis can have lots of different causes.
Some lumps and spots are normal and do not need treatment. Others might be a sign of:
- a sexually transmitted infection like genital warts or herpes
- a skin condition like molluscum contagiosum or lichen planus
Sometimes penis lumps or spots can be a sign of penile cancer, although this is rare.
Do not try to diagnose the cause of penis lumps or spots yourself. Always get medical help.
