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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Spots on outer vulva
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Spots on outer vulva
by jujubee423, Apr 23, 2007 12:00AM
Hi Dr. Rockoff,
I have a question for you regarding some spots I found on my vulva (3-4) a few months ago. They have been there since December. I initially was paranoid that I had genital warts, and I went to a gynecologist to have them checked out (this would have been pretty unlikely since I have never had intercourse but have had some genital contact). I spoke to a doctor and he thought it might be it but wasn't sure, and gave me some Aldara to take care of it. I used it and it started to go away. I went to get a second opinion from another doctor (my normal doc) and he did not think it was the case. The Aldara or time seemed to make my problem go away and things seemed good. A few weeks later a few spots came back, which I got checked out again by the second doctor. They were round, fleshy, small, and one was white, the rest were flesh colored (they did not look like the outbreaks you will see online). The doctor looked again, and believed that it was not warts because they did not have a "tree-like" appearance. I have had a pap smear, which came out negative.
Do you have any idea what else this could be besides warts? Would it be a good idea for me to get another opinion? Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks for your help; this site is great!
I have a question for you regarding some spots I found on my vulva (3-4) a few months ago. They have been there since December. I initially was paranoid that I had genital warts, and I went to a gynecologist to have them checked out (this would have been pretty unlikely since I have never had intercourse but have had some genital contact). I spoke to a doctor and he thought it might be it but wasn't sure, and gave me some Aldara to take care of it. I used it and it started to go away. I went to get a second opinion from another doctor (my normal doc) and he did not think it was the case. The Aldara or time seemed to make my problem go away and things seemed good. A few weeks later a few spots came back, which I got checked out again by the second doctor. They were round, fleshy, small, and one was white, the rest were flesh colored (they did not look like the outbreaks you will see online). The doctor looked again, and believed that it was not warts because they did not have a "tree-like" appearance. I have had a pap smear, which came out negative.
Do you have any idea what else this could be besides warts? Would it be a good idea for me to get another opinion? Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks for your help; this site is great!
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 24, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 24, 2007 12:00AM
I think what you need is a visit to a doctor who has a clearer idea of what warts look like than perhaps your current doctors do. The problem with treating these spots as warts without being sure is that it gives you the impression that you have them, which may well not be the case. It's possible to get genital warts without intercourse, but it's pretty unlikely. I think you should consult someone who can both look and perhaps take a biopsy for definitive diagnosis, if that is judged necessary. You want to know for sure, just so you can go on to develop intimate relationships without wondering whether you're contagious. I think it's almost certain that you aren't--there are lots of other kinds of spots. Find out for sure.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
...the second doctor did not think I had gw's at all (either time).
The spots that I had were a little hard and some seemed to go away on their own. They did not have a cauliflower-like appearance like most warts.
Thanks again!