a Persistent Growth on the Penis: Is It a STD?

I'm not sure what it is?

I have a question for the doctor.
There is a growth near the base of my penis (in the pubic hair area) that has been present for two to three years.
It is flat, skin-colored, and turns white after showering (like dead skin that is about to peel off).
It feels slightly raised to the touch, and I don't experience any pain or itching.
It doesn't look like genital warts, and there is hair growing on it.
Over the past two to three years, I have picked at it and even used scissors to carefully trim it (I have a high pain tolerance).
After trimming, I thought it would return to normal penile skin, but it gradually reappears in about one to two weeks, maintaining the same size and location.
I have always had a single sexual partner.
Could this be a sexually transmitted infection? Thank you for your response, doctor!

Zhengfu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/06/24

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Common skin protrusions may be caused by keratin abnormal hyperplasia known as miliaria, which appears as skin-colored or light brown, round, multiple small nodules resembling tiny beads the size of a pinhead.
These are primarily due to cystic retention of keratin in the upper dermis; they may also result from androgen-induced sebaceous gland hyperplasia during puberty, ectopic sebaceous glands, or epidermal pigmentation of the skin.
However, miliaria typically appears white, while sebaceous gland hyperplasia is yellow.
Generally, there is no need for treatment for miliaria.
Some miliaria may occur on the penis or directly on the nipples.
Additionally, there are small papules referred to as pearly penile papules.
This condition does not affect your health or physiological function, and if asymptomatic, does not require treatment.
Approximately 10% of males may develop pearly penile papules.
These small papules are arranged in rows (circumferentially) along the coronal sulcus of the penis, ranging from the size of a pinhead to that of a grain of millet, and are skin-colored or light pink.
They cannot be washed or scraped off, are painless and itch-free, and represent a benign skin condition.
The exact cause is still unclear, but it does not impact the patient's overall health, urinary function, or sexual function, and is not contagious.
The color of pearly penile papules can be pink, white, or yellow, with transparent ones being less common.
They typically measure 1-2 mm in width and 1-4 mm in length, appearing as round papules arranged in single or double rows along the coronal sulcus of the penis.
Usually asymptomatic, most patients discover them incidentally.
However, it is important to note that a simple description cannot determine the condition; thus, if symptoms do not improve or worsen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a direct examination and assessment based on individual circumstances to avoid any delay in diagnosis.
Physicians often need to take a medical history, perform visual and tactile examinations, and discuss with the patient before confirming the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Reply Date: 2015/06/24

More Info

When it comes to growths or changes on the penis, especially those that have persisted for a couple of years, it's essential to approach the situation with caution and seek professional medical advice. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be dealing with a benign condition rather than a sexually transmitted disease (STD). However, it is crucial to consider a few possibilities and understand the importance of proper diagnosis.

Firstly, the growth you described as flat, skin-colored, and slightly raised could potentially be a variety of benign skin conditions. One possibility is a seborrheic keratosis, which is a non-cancerous skin growth that can appear anywhere on the body, including the genital area. These growths are usually harmless and can vary in color and texture. Another possibility could be a type of wart, such as a common wart or a genital wart, which is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, since you mentioned that it does not resemble cauliflower (which is characteristic of genital warts), this may be less likely.

The fact that the growth has hair growing from it and has been present for a long time without causing pain or discomfort is also significant. Hair follicles can sometimes become clogged or develop benign cysts, which can appear as small bumps on the skin. These cysts can sometimes become inflamed or infected, leading to changes in appearance, but they are generally not serious.

It is also important to note that if you have been in a monogamous relationship and have not had any new sexual partners, the likelihood of developing an STD is reduced. However, some STDs can remain asymptomatic for long periods, so it’s always wise to consider getting tested if there are any concerns.

You mentioned that you have attempted to cut or remove the growth, but it returned after a couple of weeks. This is a common occurrence with many skin conditions, as they may not be fully removed if only part of them is treated. This is particularly true for cysts or warts, which may require specific treatments to ensure they do not recur.

In conclusion, while your symptoms do not immediately suggest an STD, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough examination. A dermatologist or urologist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. They may suggest treatments ranging from topical medications to more invasive procedures, depending on the nature of the growth.
Remember, self-diagnosis can often lead to unnecessary worry or inappropriate treatment, so seeking professional advice is always the best course of action. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and a medical professional can help clarify the situation and provide reassurance.

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