follow-up to lesion possible penile cancer...

Dr. Rockoff,
              Greetings to you. I am writing as a simple follow-up to a posting I made earlier this month. I appreciate your answering and advice.
              To put the matter to rest once and for all (cancer phobia) I have an appt. with a dermatologist this Monday. My wife continues to tell me "Honey, you just wait, they will tell you the same thing I have been for weeks!" Perhaps..........
              The "lesion" on the bottom left tip of the opening of my penis DOES appear to be a little smaller and less irritated. It seems that now it is just a reddened-ridge approx. 2mm in length and maybe 1mm in width. I have not treated this area except for some on and off applications of zink oxide.
              This lesion is not circular and almost appears to be a discoloration of skin rather than an actual blister or growth....these are the recent changes. I say it is a slight raised divit (ridge) on the skin,my wife thinks it is left over irritation on a "wrinkle" in the skin....we shall see................
              I know at 28 and circumcised at birth my chances of penile cancer are quite rare but I know that it has happened to some unfortunate men.......that i guess is what is scary....
              Any further comment on this lesion prior to my appt. is appreciated......I AM SOOOOOOO NERVOUS...........

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

My advice is to listen to your wife (always a good idea) and also to me.  The fact that that the bump is smaller is yet another good sign.  Just leave the spot alone, keep your appointment, and then get on with your life.   If your cancer-phobia persists, you may want to consider counseling.  Hopefully, you won't need that.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff