Skin Growths: Clarifying Concerns About HPV and Warts - Urology

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Understanding skin growths, particularly in the context of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and warts, can be quite complex and often leads to confusion and concern among patients. Based on your description, it seems you have been through a thorough diagnostic process, including a clinical examination and a biopsy, which is a crucial step in determining the nature of skin lesions.

Firstly, it's important to clarify what HPV is and how it relates to skin growths. HPV is a group of more than 100 related viruses, some of which are known to cause warts (also referred to as condylomata acuminata or "genital warts") and others that are associated with various cancers, including cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers. The types of HPV that typically cause warts are HPV types 6 and 11, which are considered low-risk for cancer. In contrast, high-risk HPV types, such as 16 and 18, are associated with a higher risk of malignancy.

In your case, the initial diagnosis of "菜花" (cauliflower-like growths) suggests that the physician suspected genital warts, which are often characterized by their appearance. However, the subsequent biopsy results indicating no viral infection and no presence of wart-causing HPV types are significant. This suggests that the growths you are experiencing are not due to an HPV infection, but rather could be benign skin growths, such as seborrheic keratosis, skin tags, or other forms of skin hyperplasia.

The fact that new small round protrusions have developed while waiting for the pathology report can be concerning, but it is not uncommon for benign skin conditions to present with multiple growths over time. If the pathologist did not find any evidence of HPV in the biopsy, it is reasonable to conclude that you are not currently infected with HPV, especially if the growths were consistent with benign skin changes.

However, it is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you continue to notice new growths or changes in existing ones, it is advisable to follow up with your doctor. They may recommend monitoring the growths or further evaluation if there are any changes in size, color, or symptoms (such as itching or bleeding).

In terms of prevention, while there is no guaranteed way to prevent HPV infection, vaccination is an effective strategy. The HPV vaccine can protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus and is recommended for both males and females, ideally before the onset of sexual activity.

In summary, based on your biopsy results indicating no HPV infection, it is likely that you do not have an HPV-related condition. The new skin growths you are observing may be benign and not related to an infection. However, continuous monitoring and consultation with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure your skin health and address any concerns you may have.