Cancer from hpv on Penis?

Dear Dr.

I am a 34 year old male who had genital warts 9 years ago. So the doctor said he thought.

About a year ago I noticed a dark brown flat mole type mark on the shaft on my penis located on the skin (on the circumsized side) about an inch below the rim. I never noticed it before as it hides in the folds of the skin. I can't say for sure it was never there before but I would assume I would have noticed it.

Just this past week I was at the dermatologist for normal skin stuff when I mentioned it to the Dr. He said lets keep an eye on it. He measured it at 2mm I believe. The doctor said It could be a mark related to hpv that was cancerous. I forget the name though as I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.

I was a bit nervous after hearing the news and I just took the appointment in stride and left with his plan of coming back in three months to see if there was any change. He did not seem as nervous or concerned as I and said that if this is the cancer spot they will just freeze it off and it will be gone.

After I actually left and had time to reflect and speak with my wife about my appointment I kind of got a bit uncomfortable. My wife will relay this info. to her obgyn but on my end:

Shouldn’t my doctor have done a scrape biopsy if he wasn't sure?

If this is in fact a type of skin cancer related to hpv what is in store for my future health. Other genital cancers, a spreading of cancer?

Thanks,

Negi

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Circumcised males rarely get skin cancer.  Genital warts in males don't lead to cancer.  Some strains do lead to cancer in females.  Your wife presumably gets regular medical checks, and so would know if she has any problems.  If your doctor raised the question of cancer in you, I think it would be best to biopsy the spot and test it, so you'll know for sure and not have to worry.  The spot you describe does not sound to me like cancer, and may not even be a wart.  But since the question was raised, it ought to be resolved.  So I would ask your doctor to do so, or get another opinion.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[negi766]

Hello Doctor,

Thanks for the reply. However the spot as I mentioned is not a wart but a flat brown mole type spot. Isn't it possible these cell changes happen in men with high risk hpv such as 16, 18, 31, and 45?

I would get another opinion but here in the Boston area the wait for a dermatologist is at least 3 months and that is when my next appointment is.

Thanks,

negi

[negi766]

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[yikesinma]

Dr. I found one of these brown spots but wanted to be see anoymously and cannot for the life of me find anyplace in boston that will do this??!! I wanna give no info. pay in cash and see a dr. but nobody seems to be able to help!

[Papya]

A related discussion, Blackening of skin due to some type of eczema was started.