What are lymphocele lumps? (How bad can it get?)

In this blog post, we are going to talk about lymphocele lumps. We will also discuss how this condition develops and what are the treatment options available to get rid of it, for good. This blog will also cover tips that may help you prevent the occurrence of lymphocele lumps. 

What are lymphocele lumps? 

Lymphocele lumps are hard, swollen lumps that appear inevitably on the penis, usually after an episode of sexual intercourse or masturbation. These lumps are called ‘lymphocele’ because they are caused by the temporary blockage of your lymph nodes, running along the length of your penis. 

This condition is supposed to go away on its own and is usually considered normal. However, the first thing is to rule out any underlying complication that may not only be causing these lumps, but could be damaging much more in your body without you knowing. 

Make sure you reach out to your healthcare provider for screening as soon as you can if your lymphocele lumps occur right after having unprotected sex. Some experts believe that these lumps could be a first sign of a sexually transmitted infection. 

It is extremely important to have routine tests and screening to rule out the possibility of any type of STI. It is also very important to hold your sexual activity while you’re waiting for results in order to protect your partner from an STI. Meanwhile your partner should also be checked. 

When should you see your doctor? 

You should see your doctor right away if you feel lumps on your penis. This could be anything, ranging from minor skin conditions to penile cancer. 

You never know if your lumps are a symptom of some underlying health condition so it is absolutely necessary to rule that out. Visit your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Unbearable pain that usually occurs during an erection 
  • Penis too tender to touch
  • Painful urination 
  • Frequent urination 
  • Foul smelling discharge or pus coming out of your penis
  • Bleeding sores appear on your penis very often
  • Fever with chills 
  • Hot flashes or Suffocation 
  • Extreme fatigue 
  • Unexplained weight loss 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Pain and stiffness in your penis

These signs and symptoms, along with the lymphocele lumps, usually indicate some underlying condition that may be attacking your sexual health. 

What are lymphocele lumps? (How bad can it get?)

What are the treatment options to get rid of lymphocele lumps? 

Once your lymphocele lump is diagnosed, the treatment strategy is set according to the size of your lumps or the occurrence of other symptoms. Sometimes, the small lumps are left untreated because they don’t hold that much of a threat. 

However, your doctor may schedule another appointment to check the growth rate of your lump. It is believed to be resolved on its own and it normally does, if there is no underlying problem causing it. 

If your lumps have shrunk by your next visit to the doctor, he or she will not go for any screening or treatment plan as the problem will seem to be under control. 

However, if your lumps grow in size and become more uncomfortable, that’s when your doctor will suggest an appropriate treatment and screening procedures for the diagnosis of any disease. 

Large lymphocele lumps indicate that your lymphatic vessels have become obstructed and the fluids are continuously draining in your affected cavity. This leads to surgery. Most healthcare providers make a small incision to drain the leaked lymphatic fluid. 

This also helps them to see if there is any underlying health condition that may be causing it and they try to determine other areas of your lymphatic systems that may be damaged. 

This can help them to arrange further treatment plans to make sure they completely help you restore your health. In the modern era, CT scans and ultrasound are done to check for any abnormal mass that may be naked to your eye. 

They also help rule out a number of different conditions. When your lymphocele lumps are drained or surgically removed, your doctor may send the fluid to the lab or take a sample from your lymphatic vessels to send for a biopsy. 

The histological examination helps them determine if there are any abnormal or malignant cells present in the sample. This is a major way for the diagnosis of cancer or tumours. These tests also make your doctor able to determine what kind of threats you might face. 

Blood tests are also done in order to determine any systemic disease that may cause lymphocele lumps. The sample of your drained fluid also helps diagnose any infection or if you need any specific antibiotic treatment. 

Your healthcare provider may also advises you to avoid any sexual activity while you’re in the middle of the screening process. This not only benefits your partner, but it also helps you recover. 

Masturbation should also be avoided as it may slow down the process of healing and may cause pain, especially after the surgical drainage. 

What are the other kinds of lumps that may appear on your penis? 

Lymphocele lumps are not the only kind of lumps. There are plenty of others with different signs and symptoms. These include:

Fordyce spots

These are yellow or white coloured small spots present on your penis. They are present either on the shaft or the head of the penis. These spots usually occur because of the sebaceous glands present on your penis. 

They are considered harmless and should go away on their own. However, if they don’t subside or you begin to see them growing day by day or start to experience any other symptom, immediately report to your healthcare provider. 

Pearly penile papules

Pearly penile papules are normally small and skin coloured lumps. They are usually considered harmless and are supposed to go away on their own. They are not linked to any sexually transmitted infection or bad hygiene. 

They are mostly asymptomatic and no treatment is required to make them go away. However, if you begin to see disturbing symptoms, contact your doctor right away. 

Penile ulcers of sores

Painful and bleeding ulcers on your penis are usually a sign of a sexually transmitted infection. Both syphilis and herpes are associated with the occurrence of painful sores, ulcers or blisters on your penis. 

Make sure you reach out to your healthcare provider right away and go for proper screening in order to diagnose the root cause of these sores. 

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is usually defined as a type of skin rash that makes your penile skin itchy, patchy and a little bumpy. It is usually non-infected and can be treated by topical treatment. 

Molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is an infection which is viral in origin. It can make small clusters on the spot on your testes and penis. As the name indicates, this virus is contagious and can be transmitted to your partner via sexual intercourse. 

This is exactly why you should refrain from any sexual activity while you’re waiting for your test results. 

Penile cancer

Penile cancer or cancer of the penis is also possible and can cause painful lumps on your penis. The best way to diagnose cancer is to send the sample of your affected part for a biopsy. The histological examination determines the type of cells present on the site of your disease. 

Conclusion 

In this blog post, we have talked about lymphocele lumps. They are hard, swollen lumps that appear inevitably on the penis, usually after an episode of sexual intercourse or masturbation. 

These lumps are called ‘lymphocele’ because they are caused by the temporary blockage of your lymph nodes, running along the length of your penis. This condition is supposed to go away on its own and is usually considered safe. However, the first thing is to rule out any underlying complication that may be causing these lumps. 

You should see your doctor right away if you feel lumps on your penis. This could be anything, ranging from minor skin conditions to penile cancer. You never know if your lumps are a symptom of some underlying health condition so it is absolutely necessary to rule that out. 

Once your lymphocele lump is diagnosed, the treatment strategy is set according to the size of your lumps or the occurrence of other symptoms. We have also discussed some other types of lumps that may appear on your penis. 

FAQs: lymphocele lumps 

How do I get rid of bumps on my lymphocele?

Lumps are believed to be resolved on their own and they normally do, if there is no underlying problem causing them. If your lumps have shrunk by your next visit to the doctor, he or she will not go for any screening or treatment plan as the problem will seem to be under control. 

However, if your lumps grow in size and become more uncomfortable, that’s when your doctor will suggest an appropriate treatment and screening procedures for the diagnosis of any disease.

Are lymphocele lumps normal?

Lymphocele lumps are supposed to go away on their own and are usually considered normal. Lymphocele lumps are hard, swollen lumps that appear inevitably on the penis, usually after an episode of sexual intercourse or masturbation. These lumps are called ‘lymphocele’ because they are caused by the temporary blockage of your lymph nodes, running along the length of your penis. 

Are lymphocele lumps hard?

Yes, lymphocele lumps are hard, swollen lumps that appear inevitably on the penis, usually after an episode of sexual intercourse or masturbation. These lumps are called ‘lymphocele’ because they are caused by the temporary blockage of your lymph nodes, running along the length of your penis. 

How common are lymphocele lumps?

Lymphocele lumps are considered normal and many men suffer from this condition worldwide. However, the underlying cause should be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent any further complications. Sometimes, these lumps can occur as a symptom of an STI. 

How long does it take to drain a lymphocele?

It does not take long to drain a lymphocele lump. Large lymphocele lumps indicate that your lymphatic vessels have become obstructed and the fluids are continuously draining in your affected cavity. This leads to surgery. Most healthcare providers make a small incision to drain the leaked lymphatic fluid. This also helps them to see if there is any underlying health condition that may be causing it and they try to determine other areas of your lymphatic systems that may be damaged. 

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