Non-cancerous conditions of the penis
A non-cancerous (benign) condition of the penis is a change to penile cells, but it isn’t cancer. Non-cancerous conditions don’t spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body and aren’t usually life-threatening.
Most benign conditions of the penis affect its head (glans) and foreskin, but they may also affect the shaft.
There are many types of non-cancerous conditions of the penis. Genital warts and balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) are the most common conditions.
Genital warts
Genital warts are growths of skin in the genital and anal areas. Genital warts
are caused by an infection with the
Genital warts are also called condyloma acuminata or venereal warts.
Risks
The following risks increase your chance of developing genital warts:
- HPV infection
-
immunosuppression
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of genital warts include:
- growths that often look like cauliflower, and may be white, grey or the same colour as your skin
- itching in the genital area
- bleeding during sex
Sometimes the warts are very small and you might not be able to see or feel them. But even if the warts aren’t visible, they can still spread from one person to another (be contagious).
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms or your doctor thinks you might have genital warts, tests will be done to make a diagnosis. Tests may include:
- an examination of the genital and anal areas
- a biopsy of the abnormal area
- HPV testing
Treatments
Treatment options for genital warts include:
-
topical therapy -
laser surgery -
cryosurgery -
electrosurgery
Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO)
Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the foreskin and glans. BXO is also called penile lichen sclerosus.
There are no known risks for BXO.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms or your doctor thinks you might have BXO, you will be sent for tests. Tests used to diagnose or rule out BXO include:
- an examination of the penis
- a biopsy of the abnormal area
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of BXO include:
- white, thin patches on the glans or foreskin
- itching or burning
- loss of sensitivity to the glans
- thickened and tightened foreskin that is more difficult to pull back (retract) than usual (phimosis)
- narrowing of the urethral opening (meatal stenosis)
- trouble urinating
- painful urination
- painful erection
Treatments
Treatment options for BXO include:
-
topical
corticosteroid creams - surgery to open the urethra if it has narrowed and caused trouble urinating
- surgery to remove the foreskin (circumcision) if you haven’t been circumcised
-
laser surgery
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