Genital Warts vs Molluscum Contagiosum

[Just_curious712]

I was recenty diagnosed with genital warts and had them treated.  They looked nothing like warts to me, didn't look like any pictures I'd seen or resemble any descriptions I have heard. I assumed the doctor was right. I went to public healt department STD clinic.  the symptoms I had sounds more like Molluscum Contagiosum.
   The few small bumps I did have were located between the base of my penis and scrotom (small white/skin colored bumps with no cauliflower shaped and barely noticable.  one even had a hair growing out of it) and one bump that looked different (a little larger than others 1-2 mm round redish/pinkish color)in the pubic hair region.  I have read that these are not normal areas for GW but there is a chance that they could still appear there.  
   I realize neither are a huge health threat but it would be nice to know either way.

1. In your opinion what are the chances I was misdiagnosed?

2. If it is GW what is the average time after treatment for a reoccurance?  mine were froze off a month ago nothing has returned and all is healed except a scar which is fading.

3. If it is warts what is the best way to tell new warts from normal bumps because my symptoms were barely noticable and I want to get new warts treated as quickly as possible?

4. I have noticed tiny skin colored bumps appearing around my upper chest/throat area that I have never noticed before.  If I have MC could it spread here?

Thanks for all of your help.  I have to say that this forum has been a great source of information and has put me at ease concerning my condition.  Thanks again!

[Female500]

A related discussion, HPV Moluscum Contagiosum also was started.

[Englishman]

I would not trust a normal doctor (GP) to make a solid diagnosis of any skin lesions in the genital area. I would recommend GUM / Dermatologist.

The treatment for molluscum and genital warts is the same.

The clear-cut distinction between Genital warts and molluscum is that a white hard core can be squeezed out of a mature molluscum lesion.

The problem with having molluscum (as I did - mine took about 7 months to go) and genital warts is that you start over examining the area and it is impossible to tell the difference between a very small wart, molluscum, fordyce gland, cyst etc. Even doctors struggle with this.

I would ignore the area for a few months, then see a GUM clinician / dermatologist for a final check and then forget about it.

Good luck.

P.S. If a lesion does come back and it is confirmed as molluscum, ask to be shown the self-removal method. It is far more convenient and heals much quicker than freezing.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Englishman gave excellent advice (below) before I saw your question.  I cannot speculate very well based on just your verbal description; if an STD clinic provider suspected molluscum more than warts, that's more reliable than anything I can add.  Prominent sebaceous glands might also be a possbility.  Although you don't say it directly, I assume the lesions cleared up with treatment.  If they recur, see a more knowledgeable provider, like returning to the STD clinic.  Otherwise, don't worry about it.

1) Misdiagnosis sounds possible, but I cannot tell.  2) Most genital warts do not recur.  If they do, it can happen anywhere from a few weeks to several months later.  3) The  best way to know is to see a knowledgeable health care provider and not try to figure it out yourself based on various descriptions you'll find online or elsewhere.  4) Molluscum of the chest etc is very rare in adults.  But see a health care provider about those spots if you are concerned.

Thanks for the thanks.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD