A cyst on your penis usually isn’t a cause for concern. There are several different types. They typically develop from a blockage. But they may also be present at birth. A healthcare provider can usually diagnose a cyst after a physical exam, but they may recommend some tests. They can also recommend the most appropriate treatment.
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A penile cyst is a fluid-filled sac on your penis. It looks like a bump or lump. Penile cysts are usually benign, which means they’re not cancer.
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Unlike some other types of penile bumps, cysts don’t develop often. Most of the time, they’re harmless and don’t hurt (though they may feel a little tender).
Still, it can be a shock seeing changes in your body, especially in such a sensitive area. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop a cyst on the head (glans), shaft or base of your penis. They can figure out what caused it and recommend treatment.
In general, a penile cyst:
There are different types of penile cysts. They each have different symptoms and causes.
Epidermoid cysts contain keratin. Keratin is a protein that helps form your hair, nails and skin. Epidermoid cysts form when skin cells move deeper into your skin instead of shedding off. They’re more likely to develop on your scrotum but sometimes appear on your penis.
Epidermoid penile cyst symptoms may include:
Median raphe cysts are present at birth (congenital). They develop when tissue becomes trapped near the median raphe nerve in your penis.
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They usually don’t cause problems. But some people may develop problems later, including:
Epidermal inclusion cysts are common in other areas of the body. But they rarely appear on the penis. When they do, it’s usually a complication after removing your foreskin (circumcision).
Penile epidermal inclusion cyst symptoms may include:
Sebaceous cysts develop when the oil-producing glands in your skin become damaged or blocked.
They usually aren’t painful. But an inflamed sebaceous cyst may be tender. Other symptoms may include:
Changes to your genitals can affect your thoughts and emotions. They can also negatively impact your feelings about yourself and even your behaviors. You may be less likely to pursue or initiate sexual intercourse because you’re worried about how your penis looks. This may cause complications like:
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, ask about your symptoms and examine your penis. To rule out an STI-related bump, they may recommend tests, including:
In some cases, your provider may recommend a biopsy. During a penile biopsy, they’ll remove a small tissue sample from the affected area to rule out penile cancer and other conditions.
In most cases, a penile cyst goes away on its own within a month. It could take longer if you experience inflammation or irritation. Keep the area clean and apply a warm compress to help relieve symptoms while you heal.
If the cyst doesn’t go away or causes problems, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment. Penile cyst treatment options include:
Your recovery time depends on your treatment. The penile cyst should start to improve within a few days after starting antibiotics or getting a steroid injection. You should recover within a few days or weeks after drainage or surgery. Avoid all sexual activity during this time to allow your body to heal and prevent infections. This includes masturbation.
Though very tempting, you should never try to squeeze out a penile cyst. Popping a cyst can send bacteria deeper into your skin. This can cause more cysts to form.
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Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you notice a bump or lump on your penis, especially if it hurts or leaks. It’s also a good idea to stop having sex until after your appointment. If you do have sex, you should wear a condom.
During your appointment, you may wish to ask the following questions:
If your provider surgically removes a cyst, schedule a follow-up visit for about a week after the procedure so they can see how you’re healing.
The outlook is good. Most of the time, penile cysts go away on their own or after minor treatment. But your healthcare provider will give you a better idea of what to expect after they examine the cyst.
There’s no way to completely prevent a cyst from developing on your penis. But avoiding certain risk factors can help reduce your chances of getting one. Here are some tips:
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STI-related bumps are different than a penile cyst. They usually:
A true cyst isn’t contagious. You can’t spread it to a partner through sexual contact. But if you have an STI-related bump, it can spread through sex. It’s important to tell any sexual partners if you have an STI-related bump so they can get a test.
Noticing changes to your private areas can be alarming, and it’s easy for your mind to start racing. How did this bump get there? Is it an STI? Did I do something wrong? What should I do?
It can feel a little awkward talking about it. But don’t ignore any changes to your normal. Talk to a healthcare provider as soon as you notice symptoms. They can make an official diagnosis and recommend what to do next.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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