Black mark on penis head

[LDS360]

I have recently started getting worries about a black mark on the base of my penis head. It is probably 3mm long and about 1-1.5mm wide and basically looks like something you'd get if you used a marker or a board pen. I have had that for over 3 years but never really cared too much about it since I thought it was probably some remnant of a vein or something. Even though I don't remember how big it used to be, it feels like it has grown over the last 3 years. There is no pain or any issue with it. It is flat and looks like its not even on the top layer of my skin.

I am uncircumcised and I had not pulled back my foreskin until the age of about 21 due to the idea that I had phimosis. After I went to the doctor he said that I do not have phimosis and my foreskin is fine. Basically, I noticed this black spot until the time when I finally pulled back my foreskin and so I thought it was probably normal. But I have not heard or read about this anywhere so now I'm getting worried.

Again, it does not bother me or cause any sort of pain or anything of that sort. But I would really appreciate it if someone could get back to me over this.
Thank you.

(I am willing to provide any pictures if required)

[worried_973]

Hello Doctor,

I too have a similar looking mark on my penis just in the neighbourhood of the hole, as described above but i had this since 5 months now. Earlier, when i urinated, i sometimes saw this and sometimes its not there. Once i sat in the washroom to completely see whats happening and i found that it becomes a little fluffy after some time and when i try to press around its sides, there's 2-3 drops of water like liquid (maybe urine, i dont know) comes out (from such a tiny hole thats not even visble) Then it goes back to its settling position like a black scalp. I do not get any pain by this. But I am alittle worried since it has been there for quite some time now. Please advice.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.

I can understand your concern for the mark on the penis.

Since the mark appeared when you were 22 years of age and in 3 years it has grown very very little, it is unlikely to be anything sinister. Moreover since it is not raised it is less likely to be HPV wart or herpes sores. It is most likely to be a simple mole or nevi or a penile melanotic macule. Both of these are benign and do not pose any health risk.

Penile melanotic macule is a well-defined, oval, brown to black, flat patch on the penis of some people. Once developed the lesion usually remains unchanged in size and color. It can occasionally have an irregular edge and there may be a history of color change as well.

Although there are different methods of its removal, it is not advised because the skin of penis is very thin and delicate and the various methods of removal can cause more harm than benefit. Just leave it as such but keep an eye on it. If you notice changes in the mark’s color, height, size or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it. You also should have it checked if it bleeds, oozes, itches, appear scaly, or become tender or painful. Otherwise it should be left as such.

Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.

Wishing you good health.