Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Penile Mass

11/30/2011

Question:

My 3 year-old son has this whitish to light yellow non moveable mass at the left side of his penile shaft. No other symptom was noted. Can you give me an expert advice on this? Thank you

Answer:

From the description, it sounds like this is either an epithelial inclusion cyst, which is an accumulation of epithelial debris (dead skin cells) under the skin. If he is circumcised, during healing sometimes a skin edge can fold in under the opposite skin edge and the skin cells continue to proliferate, causing the “cyst” to form. They generally gradually enlarge. If he is uncircumcised, often there are persistent adhesions between the inner foreskin and glans penis (head of the penis), and accumulation of dead skin cells is common. As the adhesion separates, the collection of debris will extrude and disappear.

For more information:

Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.