Im at my wits end....please help

[sarahgill70]

In 2000 I noticed a 2mm fleshy pearly skin colour bump, slightly darker than skin, on anal area about 1.5cm away from the opening. I could actually move or roll it around slightly. This went after few months. Since then I’ve had 4 more similar bumps appear over last 8 years, not bigger in size or appearance. They appeared one at a time, never  in clusters or groups & not in or around anal area ever again. They’ve appeared on outer vaginal area (labia majora) but no where near opening or in vulva or folds of vulva. None appeared between 2003-2005.
My history: only ever had one partner.Last sexual activity with him or anyone was 6 years ago. He cheated on me.I've been terrified to be with anyone else since.
Currently, I have one round bump on upper labia majora near fold where inner thigh begins, about 1 - 1.5mm wide, slightly raised, does’nt itch, slightly darker brown in colour compared to surrounding skin (I'm asian skin).more visible when skin stretched.No white bit in middle to suggest  molluscum or pinhead 'middle' though when touched surface can feel like it has a 'pin' or point. Also does'nt seem to have cauliflower appearance. if pulled it hurts abit.
I thought its genital warts & hoped my body would have got rid of virus by now. I’ve met a wonderful man for 1st time in life & will be marrying but this bump has thrown me into much emotional turmoil. HPV is common but trust me in my culture I'm an outcast if anyone knew & if my fiance knew he would’nt marry me. Period. This explains the isolation I have been feeling.

I smoked 1998-2004 if that has any significance, also have few tiny 0.5mm growths on throat area turn black when squeezed, but heard this can be due to PCOS which im being going through tests for.

my question is:
1. does this sound like warts to you considering description, location, length of time, and the fact that they appear in a singular manner?
2. can it be skin tags or molluscum or anything else?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As I read your note, I was thinking that these sound like skin tags before you asked the question.  Neither the history nor the description sounds like warts or molluscum and other STDs are most improbable.  Rather than worry about it, I would suggest you see a dermatologist.  If they are skin tags they are easily treated.  If they are not, they are still unlikely to be STDs and it sounds like you'd like to be rid of them.

Again, low probability that they are STDs.  See a dermatologist--knowledge is power.  EWH

[sarahgill70]

Thank you so much for your reply. I desperately hope you are right & I will go to the dermatologist now that I see some hope. I found out my one partner has had multiple partners so i felt more at risk, saying that i only slept with him 5 times in period of 2 years. twice protected, 3 times unprotected (i know stupid of me!).

Just for the record, the 1st bump that appeared in the anal area(i never had anal sex) 8 years ago was pearly whilst all others that appeared on vaginal area were not pearly. I suppose that is due to the difference in texture of both anal and vaginal skins? anal one being more smooth and slightly shiny on surface.

[sarahgill70]

sorry one more thing: the bumps have never been 'flappy'. The only one that was very 'mobile' is the anal one. other than this the rest have not been flappy. Do skin tags always be flappy?

many many thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

"flappy" is typical but not required of skin tags.  Work with your dermatologist on this.  EWH

[sarahgill70]

Thank you Prof. Hook

[kelly6697]

A related discussion, itchy bumpy uncomfortable labia was started.

[kelly6697]

A related discussion, uncomfortable vulva was started.