photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

I recently acquired a "pre-owned" Sony DSC HX 80 pocketable camera for "carry with me everywhere" use. (See the first photo so you have a better idea what camera the rest of this topic is about) I have been mildly troubled by a dark smudge that appears slightly above and left of center if the scene has a light area there. I cannot just remove the lens and clean the sensor like I would my other camera bodies. Also the shape and size and density of the dark smudge makes it seem to me that perhaps the sensor got some lubricant or such on it during manufacture or the pre-owner's use.
See photo two and three for example photos with the smudge (at the left side of the left most breakwate and to the right of the tree and near the top of the distant hill (I have enhanced the photo's contrast in order to more clearly show the smudge)
Due entirely to previous discussions on this website, I've come to distrust the official Sony authorized camera repair agencies.

Soooo: You Hogs:
1. Is there an easy risk free do it yourself fix?
2. Is there a GOOD repair agency to which I could send my camera for sensor cleaning?
3. Should I just live with it and practice up on my photo retouching?

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rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

One of my pocket cameras has this very same issue, and that has been what I've been doing. After doing it for a while, it will take you only about ten seconds to complete the editing procedure for each image.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Hope I’m not to off topic.
I sent my A-77 to Precision Camera for three issues and received it back quickly operating like brand new.
I was nothing but pleased.