Thought It was HPV, told it wasn't. What could it be?

Dr. Rockoff,

About 3 to 4 weeks ago, I noticed four small bumps on my shaft about .25 inches down from the head.  Naturally, I started freaking out thinking it was HPV or something.  Last night I had a sleepless night full of worry and anxiety, because I went to the STD clinic today.  Basically these bumps are kind of rough and feel gritty like sand paper, the easiest way to describe what they look like is an X.  With one bump being on each side top and bottom.

The nurse practicioner took a look at it and told me they were not warts.  She said they didn't look like them and when she stretched the skin out nothing really happened.  However, I guess she could tell I was not fully satisifed with her answer.  So, she said hold on and got some liquid nitrogen.  She then sprayed it on the area and told me if they were warts they would have reacted to the freezing, popped up, you would see more of an area, and it would hurt a lot.  It just felt like a tiny pinch to me that's all.

Obviously I would need someone to look at it, but I was just wondering what other things can cause four small bumps to appear very close to each other?  They have not seemed to get any bigger, they do not bother me that much, but it's just freaking me out.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

They could be the small cysts some people get on their penis.  These are not STD's.  If you already went to an STD clinic and they also didn't think they were warts, I don't know what other kind of reassurance you need.  If you're not convinced, try a dermatologist.

Dr. Rockoff