Genital Warts

[M_24]

Hello

I recently got a spot on the underside of my penis biopsied.  3 doctors had Identified it as nothing but a dermatologist said it should be a wart.  He said the biopsy came back positive as a wart but could not tell me what type of hpv etc.

I was wondering, how thorough are biopsies.  Also, He is recommending aldara but I have not been sexually active for a long tiome so I am assuming this is a recurrance.  Is there a medicine which will kill the virus so it does not recur.
Finally, I am a straight male.  I havbe always had stomach problems and after a colonoscoply I felt something like a hemmroid etc.  Now with warts I am scared I somehow spread it (no homosexual contact so I would assume I spread it)  The only thing is, when I was trying to look one time - It squezzed lightly and popped.  Do warts pop?  Should I have this checked out-if so-what specialists deal with that area?

Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Biopsies are pretty specific, but your story is pussling all the same.  Ask the dermatologist whether the pathologist was certain, or only said the changes are compatible wih a wart but not absolutley diagnostic.

Either way, most penile warst patients I've seen don't have a clear-cut source for the condition.  It could, as you say, be a recurrence from long ago, without any new contact.

Warts do not pop.  I can see no connection with stomach problems.

I advise people with warts to treat them and ignore them, whether they are on the finger, nose, or penis.  You needn't pwrry about spreading it.  If we could spread warts by touching, we would all be covered with warts.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[M_24]

Also - are biopsies 100 percent accurate

[tomy7]

Warts are often just a bit of a nuisance.  Aldara works great, by the way.  I don't think you can get rid of the virus for good but you can have them for years and not have them occur very much or spread very much.  Usually, they either freeze them or burn them off.  For a guy, it doesn't have to be a big deal at all, a woman can have problems with Pap smears and such and it can be more serious.  Don't worry about it so much.  I have had experience with this and the trick is to just take care of them right when they spring up.  I am sure the doc will have more to add.

[M_24]

Well

Thank you for the words of encouragement.  I also found out about herpes type two this year and my sexual history is not too long and Ive always worn condons so I am feeling a bit on the unlucky side ala sexual lottery but it could always be worse.  If this is too personal- feel free not to answer but bo you tell people you are with about the fact that you had warts.  I always try to be upfront-how do you broach the subject?  Just curious

[tomy7]

I never mention warts to anyone.  They occur rarely, if I have them, I just don't have sex and get them treated and they are gone in a few days.  Why scare anyone needlessly and push people away.  If you don't have any on you, you are not contagious.

[M_24]

Dr.

I checked with the doctors office and the found coylosites (not sure on spelling).  Which the said makes it pretty much diagnostic.  

There are several reasons I am suspicious.  When I found I had herpes-it was in an area that protection does not cover - this area would have ALWAYS been protected which Is why I am concerned.

Can coylosites mean anything else and is there any way to tell what strain or risk level of HPV it would be from.

Thanks.  I appreciate the online outlet for a second opinion!!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Koilocyts do a suggest a wart, but not what kind or whether you got it from any contact in particular, or from anyone at all.

My advice remains: if you have a wart you just treat it and get on with it.  There's nothing else to do.  If you gat another spot in the area, show you (very astute) doctor.

Dr. Rockoff