Discoloration on labia

I am a sixty year old caucasian female.  I have just recently noticed several round black spots on the right side of my labia major.  They range in size from 1/32 of and inch to about 1/4 of an inch in size.  They are not raised.  They do not itch.  I have not had these before.  I have never been diagnosed with STD.  Can you please tell me what these spots might be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Without seeing the lesions, it would be difficult to say what they are.  

You may want to consider genital warts, specifically  condylomata acuminata.  They generally have single or multiple papules on the penis, vulva, cervix, vagina, perineum, or anal region.  Individual lesions may have either a smooth or jagged surface and may vary in size from less than a millimeter in diameter to several centimeters when lesions coalesce. In the majority of patients, anogenital warts are asymptomatic. However, complaints of itching, burning, and tenderness are not uncommon.

I would have these seen by a dermatologist or your gynecologist.  If they are indeed warts, there is an association between anogenital warts and cervical lesions.    

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

Bibliography
Reichman.  Clinical presentation and diagnosis of human papillomavirus infections.  UptoDate, 2004.