Removal of atheroma on the male genitals

The loyalty program applies to surgical interventions in the inpatient facility, making treatment even more affordable.

Atheroma on the genitals — is a benign skin neoplasm that forms due to blockage of the excretory duct of a sebaceous gland. By its structure, an atheroma is a cyst: it has a capsule, inside which skin secretion and epithelial cells accumulate.

At «Oxford Medical», patients are consulted by experienced urologists and genital surgeons. If necessary, treatment is carried out in a modern surgical inpatient facility equipped with the necessary equipment for precise and careful performance of interventions in the delicate area.

If you have noticed a lump or another neoplasm on the scrotum, penis, or in the groin area, make an appointment for a consultation. The doctor will perform an examination, determine the cause of the formation, and explain which treatment will be appropriate in your case.

Atheroma of the groin area forms when the normal outflow of contents from a hair follicle or skin gland duct is disrupted, as a result of which a capsule with keratinous contents gradually forms under the skin.

Risk factors include:

• blockage of hair follicles and excretory ducts of the skin;
• repeated irritation or injury of the skin in the intimate area;
• previous inflammatory processes of the hair follicles;
• individual predisposition to the formation of epidermal cysts.

On the scrotum and penis, the formations may be single or multiple. Frequent friction, microtrauma of the skin, and repeated irritation may contribute to the appearance of new cysts or an increase in those already present.

Other benign neoplasms may have a similar appearance. In particular, a lipoma (commonly known as a fatty lump) forms from adipose tissue and differs from an atheroma in structure. A fatty lump on the penis or fatty lumps on the scrotum require a different approach to treatment, so it is important to correctly determine the type of neoplasm.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» emphasize: if the lump has begun to increase rapidly, has become painful, has turned red, or discharge has appeared, it is worth seeing a doctor. During the examination, the doctor will determine the nature of the neoplasm and select the appropriate treatment.

A small inguinal atheroma may not cause pronounced symptoms for a long time. However, complications may develop if it is injured or inflamed.

The most common are:

• inflammation of the atheroma;
• formation of an abscess (suppuration);
• spontaneous rupture of the cyst with discharge of its contents;
• recurrent formation of an atheroma if its capsule remains in the tissues.

An atheroma on the testicles that rapidly increases in size and becomes painful requires particular attention. In such cases, self-treatment should not be attempted — it is necessary to see a doctor so that the doctor can assess the condition of the neoplasm and prescribe appropriate treatment.

During the consultation, the urologist performs an examination, assesses the size and condition of the neoplasm, clarifies complaints and the presence of pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. To clarify the location and structure of the formation, the doctor may prescribe an ultrasound of the scrotum or another examination.

Based on the results of the examination and diagnostics, the doctor establishes a diagnosis and determines further tactics. If the atheroma does not cause symptoms and has no signs of inflammation, observation may be sufficient. In other cases, the doctor may recommend removal.

Removal is recommended in the following cases:

• the atheroma gradually increases;
• pain, redness, swelling, or other signs of inflammation appear;
• the neoplasm is regularly traumatized and causes discomfort;
• the atheroma causes pronounced aesthetic discomfort.

If the atheroma of the scrotum is small, does not increase, does not become inflamed, and does not bother the man, it does not always need to be removed. In such a situation, the doctor may recommend observation and monitoring of the condition of the neoplasm.

At «Oxford Medical», atheromas of the genital organs are removed by experienced genital surgeons in a modern surgical inpatient facility. The intervention is performed under local anesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain. Hospitalization is usually not required — after the procedure and a short period of observation, the patient can return home.

Removal of an atheroma on the testicles takes place in several stages:

1. The doctor treats the skin with an antiseptic solution and administers local anesthesia.
2. A small incision is made over the atheroma using surgical instruments or a laser — depending on the chosen technique.
3. The surgeon carefully removes the atheroma together with the capsule.
4. After excision of the neoplasm, cosmetic sutures are applied.

If the atheroma has become inflamed or suppurated, treatment of the acute inflammatory process is carried out first. Depending on the condition, this may include anti-inflammatory or antibacterial therapy, and in case of suppuration — incision and drainage. After the inflammation subsides, the atheroma is removed together with the capsule.

At «Oxford Medical», surgical removal of other benign neoplasms of the intimate area is also performed, including lipomas on the penis and scrotum. An atheroma and a lipoma have different structures, so the method of surgery is determined after examination and clarification of the type of neoplasm.

In the first days after removal of scrotal atheromas, moderate pain, slight swelling, and skin sensitivity may persist. Usually, these manifestations gradually decrease as the wound heals.

During the recovery period, it is recommended to:

• not wet the postoperative wound and bandage during the first 48 hours;
• after that, carefully rinse the area with water, do not rub the suture, and gently pat the skin dry after showering;
• not take a bath or visit a swimming pool until the wound has completely healed;
• wear loose underwear and clothing that do not press on or rub the surgical area;
• avoid sports, lifting heavy objects, and other intense physical activities for at least 1–2 weeks or until healing;
• refrain from sexual intercourse and masturbation until the wound has completely healed and pain or discomfort has disappeared.

If sutures were applied, the timing of their removal depends on the type of threads and the location of the wound. Absorbable threads gradually disappear on their own, while regular sutures are most often removed approximately after 7–14 days.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend coming for an examination if the pain or swelling does not decrease but, on the contrary, intensifies, pronounced redness appears, there is discharge from the wound, or body temperature rises. Such changes may indicate postoperative inflammation.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the cost of removing an atheroma, a lipoma on the scrotum, and other benign neoplasms of the genital organs here. The final price may differ depending on the number and size of the formations and other individual characteristics. The doctor will guide you more precisely regarding the cost after the examination and determination of the scope of treatment. To make an appointment for a consultation, use the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center administrators.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• US National Library of Medicine
• National Institutes of Health
• National Center for Biotechnology Information