Patient's question:
There are some small white spots on the glans penis that don't grow, don't cause pain, and don't itch. They seem to be slowly growing and are on the surface. What could be the cause?Follow-up question: The small white spots are likely sebaceous gland cysts. What should be done about this condition? What medication is needed, and what precautions should be taken?
Doctor's answer:
This should be considered as penile pearls, which are seen on the edge of the male glans, appearing as small, millet-sized papules arranged uniformly in the same skin color, without any inflammatory response or any subjective discomfort. This is a condition known as penile pearls. If an acetic acid test is performed and it is negative (i.e., the 5% acetic acid solution does not cause whitening), this is the case. It is commonly seen in males after puberty and is a completely normal phenomenon, requiring no treatment and no need to panic. However, in some cases, this condition may be misidentified as genital warts, leading to treatments such as laser therapy or medication, which is incorrect. It is recommended to consult a surgeon for a detailed examination to confirm the diagnosis.