It does indeed look like something on the sensor although I think these cameras, like the Ixus, are usually 'sealed' lens/sensor units. Bad luck really.

I'm guessing a repair centre could clean it - no idea of the cost.

Now mostly these things only show up in specific circumstances and are then usually fairly easy to eradicate with a decent editors dust removel tool. In may cases one can save that tool and the adjustment as a preset ready for next use. So if it were my camera I might be tempted to live with it unless I could find a reputable outfit with very low cleaning costs.

My guess would be that access through the retracting lens might be possible but rare. Displacing it with a blower though ... no idea.