Question Title: Lump/ridge along back side of penis

Posted by Joe on April 19, 1999 at 14:58:44

I am a 25-year-old male who has recently found a ridge (about 1/4" - 1/2" long) along the back side of his penis. It feels much like a vein that has become hard (like a hard cord below the surface of the skin), so to speak. It is present when flaccid, more obvious when erect, and can be slightly painful during intercourse. Based on my reading from the Merck Manual, I am fairly well convinced that it's a clotted vein (forgotten the medical terminology) much like a thrombosed vein. PROVIDED my diagnosis is correct, is this anything to worry about? Will it ever go away spontaneously? Is there a risk of cancerous tumor or embolism?

Thanks.

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Posted by HFHS M.D.-BE on April 22, 1999 at 12:08:40

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Dear Joe,
It is hard to be certain as to the exact nature of your problem without the benefit of a more complete history, and physical exam. The description you have given may suggest a thrombosis of the superficial dorsal vein of the penis (one of the four major drainage vessels of the penis). This vein in turn drains into a bigger vein (saphenous vein) which drains into yet another larger vein (iliac vein) and so on down the line. Therefore, it is theoretically possible to have a migration of a piece of clot or embolism. However, this is a highly unlikely phenomenon. In the event of such a diagnosis, i.e., a thrombosed vein, there would be no predisposition for malignancy or cancer. Your problem may or may not resolve spontaneously. As always there is no substitute for an office visit with a doctor, preferably a urologist for a full evaluation, and to be certain to rule out any concerning problems.

This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).

Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-BE
*keyword: penile vein thrombus

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