Penile warts or not?

[Ketelone]

I am a 24 year old male.

3 years ago, I had a circumcision done at a hospital in India, because of phimosis.

As soon as I woke up from the anaesthaesia, the surgeon told me everything went off alright, but that he had detected genital warts. He also told me that I couldnt see them at present, but I would be able to in a couple of weeks.

There was nothing at all visible for a couple of weeks, and then suddenly, a little white spot on the rim of the glans, and then another, and then quite a few skin tag looking things.

I was too groggy right after surgery to enquire further, and too afraid and ashamed after.

The thing is, I have never had sexual contact with anyone.
I asked a urologist about this, he looked, and said it did look like warts, and he asked me if I had had sexual intercourse or contact ever, and I said no. He then dismissed it as being pearly penile papules.

The growths emerged steadily for a few months, and then for the past two years had remained the same.

However, this year, im seeing new growths.

Im very very distressed, to the point where Ive developed a stress related stomach disorder!

Is there no test or anything of the sort which could sort out the mystery of what these things are!?! The urologist I saw merely laughed at the suggestion.

Im really quite desperate, and very unhappy. Please give me some advice on what I could do to put the matter to rest!
I dont want to give a horrible disease to someone I love, and I have abstained from sex now for several years because of a fear of this happening!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You've waited long enough to find out, I think--too long, in fact.  From your description, I am skeptical that these are warts, although it is possible to get penile warts without sex, since not all penile warts are sexually transmitted.  What you ought to do is see a dermatologist for examination and possible biopsy.  Explain why you are so concerned and therefore eager for the definitive diagnosis likely to emerge from taking a small sample and assessing it under the microscope.  The sooner you do this, the sooner you'll be able to get on with your life.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Alexanderon]

Sounds as though it could be lichen sclerosis, a rare disease of the penis, and particularly rare in circumcised men - though it may have been there precircumcision.

You'd need to see a dermatologist to get a diagnosis - but you should try to see one anyway.

[Ketelone]

Well, there were no lesions at all visible when I had the surgery. The skin tags appeared two to three weeks AFTER surgery.

I might add that the phimosis ensured that the glans was NEVER EXPOSED before circumcision.

And how did the surgeon see these lesions when I couldnt? I suppose maybe he had a better lens than me? It just seemed so bizarre. Im totally depressed.

[jezzie]

While your waiting for the doctor to answer, you will find that even if they do end up being warts, you can be treated and most people clear the virus within 6-24 months.  You can still lead a very normal sex life.  No need to be depressed.  Also, search the STD forum archives on genital warts and you will gain valuable information.

Best of luck.

[AJ009]

I've been reading up a lot on this - it is really hard to know even for professionals if it's not an obvious cauliflower or off-colour or puss filled wart.
It really sounds like you have Pearly Penile Papalas.  Are the bumps the same colour as your penis or a bit lighter?
Another possibility is HPV.  There are several strands and most people get this virus at some point.
I lean towards PPP because you have not been sexually active.
A sad but true story is I have little bumps around the crown of my penis and on my penis head.  My wife has never said anything about them - but they seem more pronounced now.  I can recall seeing them after masterbating (masturbating) with a towel when I was fouteen in a hotel -sorry for being so graphic - I didn't even know how to masterbate properly -I got friction burn - the week after - I started to notice some small bumps, but never thought anything of it.
Now it concerns me.

[Ketelone]

Thanks for all your comments.

Im definitely going to see a dermatologist, and ask for a small biopsy. Its the best way, Ive just been too afraid to get it done. Also, I was told by some doctors that a biopsy isnt possible on the glans. However, the doctor on this thread (who is a dermatologist, and should thus know), suggests its possible. So Im going to ask.

Its driven me nearly insane... half my hair has fallen out from stress. I hope to get this sorted out shortly.

Thank you all for your concern, and supportive comments!