At some point, you may develop a bump or lump in the genital area. These bumps may be nothing, or their appearance could signal a more serious condition. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor.
Some types of bumps in the genital area are harmless and don’t need treatment. However, two types of genital bumps and lumps that shouldn’t be ignored are infections and skin cancer.
Harmless bumps in the genital area include pimples, cysts, angiomas and mollusca.
Cysts are yellowish round lumps under the skin, which feel like a small ball or pebble that can easily be moved around. Cysts may enlarge slightly, but in general they stay about the same and don’t cause any problems. They’re usually caused by blocked hair follicles. No treatment is needed.
Angiomas are small collections of blood vessels and are either bright red or slightly purplish. They usually don’t enlarge or bleed. No treatment is needed.
Mollusca are caused by a virus. In the genital area, they’re usually transmitted by sexual contact. They are typically skin colored and tiny (1-2 millimeters). They will go away with time, though it may take up to three years.
Although mollusca don’t cause any disease or increase your chance of cancer, they are sexually transmitted and are usually a sign of unprotected sexual intercourse. If you develop mollusca, see your doctor and get tested for the possibility of other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and hepatitis.
With the exception of syphilis, these other diseases don’t cause you to develop any bumps in the genital area. People who are most likely to develop sexually transmitted infections are those who have sex at an early age, who have a number of sexual partners and who don’t use a condom.
Some infections, including genital warts, syphilis and possibly herpes, can have serious consequences if not treated.
Genital warts are usually multiple, small, skin-colored bumps. They may eventually go away, or they may stay the same or multiply. They are contagious and caused by genital human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer in women and throat cancers in men.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Fortunately, there is an HPV vaccine that’s recommended for all girls and boys. It’s a good idea to get the HPV vaccine as early as possible and before you’re sexually active.
If you think you have genital warts, go see your doctor, dermatologist or (if female) an OB/Gyn.
Syphilis looks like a sore and can appear in the genital area or on the lips and mouth. It’s caused by bacteria, so it can be treated with antibiotics and will go away within a few weeks. However, you can become reinfected and you can develop serious problems if it remains untreated.
Herpes appears as painful blisters in the genital area. Although the herpes infection itself isn’t particularly dangerous, it tends to come back in the same area multiple times. Some people have outbreaks as frequently as once a month. Herpes is contagious and can be a problem during pregnancy. See a doctor for medication to prevent or treat outbreaks.
Skin cancer in the genital area is extremely rare in teens, but not impossible. If you find a black spot that continues to enlarge, it could be melanoma. This type of skin cancer can be deadly if left untreated. A melanoma can be completely flat and can develop in non-sun-exposed skin.
Non-melanoma skin cancer usually looks like a skin-colored or reddish bump that often bleeds easily and doesn’t go away.
Six important signs can help you figure out if you should ask your doctor about a spot that might be melanoma. Just think A through E:
A – Asymmetry: A spot that isn’t the same on both sides is asymmetrical.
B – Borders: When the outline of your spot is wavy, rigid or uneven, ask your doctor about it.
C – Color: If your spot is a different color or changes color over time, make a note and have your doctor take a look.
D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser (more than ¼ inch or 5 millimeters).
E – Elevation or Evolution: If the spot is raised above your skin (a bump) or if you notice it changing over time (evolving), it might be more than just a dot. Ask you doctor.
Last reviewed: August 2019