Bowenoid Papulosis

[OnceLost]

STATS: 28 MALE/White - Circumsized at birth

Doc, I went to the dermatologist for some checkups and for the last few years I have always noticed some spots weird skin spots on my penis, I just thought maybe it was just freckles from the tanning bed and never really thought much of it. Well I showed the doctor and he said that they are actually warts and explianed to me that it is common and took one off for a biopsy. Whats interesting is my GirlFriend for 3 years have tested normal on her PAPS each time and we always had unprotected sex. She is on top of things though so im not to worried about her just myself.

The biopsy came back with no cancer and had me come in to freeze off the other ones as well. He stated to me that it was actually called Bowenoid Papulosis. Of course I go home and research this and pretty much all you see is that it mostly is benign but it is pre cancerous. Just hearing that freaks me out thinking that I may get cancer from this and it has really put me in a depression.

Is this something that if returns that it can be froze off again after treatments? I am just really nervous that if somehow the treatments dont work and I am stuck with fear and anxiety of this. I have started taking my multiVitamins again and  B-complex, I have been tested for HIV and I was negative on that as well. The doctor seemed to not really think this was a big deal but the internet sure thinks it is, whats your outlook? Thanks

[OnceLost]

Thanks Dr. H.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Dr. Hook and I do not comment on each others threads, and also do not respond to new threads with requests for either one of use -- please don't start a new one.  You're not going to get much more than you already heard from most STD specialists.  You might want to ask about it on the MedHelp dermatology forum.  Anyway, penile cancer rarely is a serious problem, usually easily cured with local excision.  It's almost never fatal and almost never requires drastic measures like amputation.  Even with BP, this isn't something to be so worried about.  But do rely on a dermatologist's expertise, not an STD person's.

That will be all for this thread.

[OnceLost]

Well thanks Dr H,

Just thinking about penile cancer really has scared me just wanting some advice on the subject. From what I have seen I havent seen any people around saying they got penile cancer from BP, but I guess the anxiety of it is what makes a problem with everything.

Dr. Hook if you see this, got any expertise on this by chance?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I would like to help, but Bowenoid papullosis is not something typically diagnosed or treated by STD specialists.  Some of us would recognize it better than others -- but that primarily includes those STD professionals who have had dermatology training.  (Combined derm/STD training is common in some countries, e.g. in most of Europe, but is uncommon in North America.)  Undoubtedly your dermatologist knows a lot more about this than I do (or than Dr. Hook, for that matter).  However, from what I know about it, your dermatologist's perspective is correct; the internet consensus that BP is a "big deal" doesn't seem right to me.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.  Follow your dermatologist's advice. But I really wouldn't worry about this.  

Regards--  HHH, MD