mystery lesions

I feel kind of stupid sending this question after reading all of the other responses but I have a question about a few little pimples? growths? warts? (i really dont know what they are) that are on the outside of the skin of my penis. The lesions are 1mm or less in diameter, not painfull, pink to off white in colour, almost look like a whitehead but when I squeeze them nothing pops or comes out. They are slightly raised and can be very difficuly to see without direct light. They are quite small and I can not observe there surface because of their size.  I am not really sure how long I have had them...perhaps they have always been there.  I have put vinegar on them and not much happens. A few days ago I went to the STD clinic to make sure they were not genital warts and they were unable to determine whether they were or not...so now I am a bit stressed out about what they are.  They told me to come back if they get bigger. I have read in your forum about cysts vs warts but I am unable to determine if mine fit the descriptions of cysts.  could these be warts?  if they are cysts could you provide me with a very good description (or pictures) of what a small cyst on the penile skin would look like?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

What you describe sound like cysts.  Warts are skin-colored or brown, not pink.  Cysts do look like whiteheads.  

Vinegar is not very helpful, as it makes many things turn whitish, even if they aren't warts.  In your case, it doesn't appear thay even did that.

I am perplexed and puzzled (as you are) by the opinion you got in an STD clinic.  If they weren't sure, they could have performed a biopsy to be sure.  Still, just looking should be anough to make a proper diagnosis.  I think that to allay your anxiety, you ought to get another opinion from someone, such as a dermatologist, who knows what warts look like.  I think you'll find out what you need to be able to take this off your agenda.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff