Do Pearly Penile Papules Reappear After Electrocautery Treatment?

Will pearly penile papules grow back after electrosurgery?

Hello doctor, as the title suggests, I underwent cauterization because a clinic diagnosed me with genital warts under dim lighting after I noticed some wrinkles and protrusions on my glans.
I still feel like the area is burned (which is really distressing).
However, as the wounds slowly healed, I noticed some white bumps resembling pearly penile papules appearing around the edges of the wounds.
About three weeks later, I visited a major hospital and explained the situation to the doctor, who also observed these bumps and confirmed they were papules.
Just one week later, I began to notice a sequence of about five or six additional bumps that also look like pearly penile papules, all located in the areas that were previously cauterized.
I'm unsure if I have an actual infection or if these are just pearly penile papules.
I apologize for the lengthy explanation.

A-Wen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/23

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

Common skin protrusions may be caused by keratin abnormal hyperplasia known as milia, which appear as skin-colored or light brown, round, multiple lesions.
These small white nodules resemble tiny beads, about the size of a pinhead, and are primarily due to cystic retention of keratin in the upper dermis.
They may also result from androgen-induced sebaceous gland hyperplasia during puberty, ectopic sebaceous glands, or epidermal pigment deposition.
However, milia typically appear white, while sebaceous gland hyperplasia appears yellow, and treatment is usually unnecessary for milia.
Some milia can occur on the penis or directly on the nipples.
Additionally, there are small papules known as pearly penile papules.
This condition does not affect your health or physiological function, and if asymptomatic, treatment is not required.
Approximately 10% of males may develop pearly penile papules.
These small papules are arranged in rows (circumferentially) along the coronal sulcus of the penis, ranging from the size of a pinhead to that of a millet seed, and can be skin-colored or light pink.
They cannot be washed or scraped off, are painless and itch-free, and represent a benign skin condition.
The exact cause is still unclear, but they do not impact the patient's overall health, urinary function, or sexual function, and are not contagious.
The color of pearly penile papules can be pink, white, or yellow, with transparent ones being less common.
They typically measure 1-2 mm in width and 1-4 mm in length, appearing as round papules arranged in single or double rows along the coronal sulcus of the penis.
Usually asymptomatic, most patients discover them incidentally.
However, since different patients may have varying conditions, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and examination, as a simple description may not suffice for accurate assessment.
Physicians often need to conduct a thorough history, visual inspection, palpation, and additional examinations to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.

Reply Date: 2015/07/23

More Info

Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) are small, benign growths that typically appear around the corona of the glans penis. They are a normal anatomical variant and are not associated with any disease or infection. After undergoing electrocautery treatment for conditions such as HPV-related lesions, it is understandable to be concerned about the appearance of new growths, especially if they resemble PPP.

Electrocautery is a common procedure used to remove abnormal tissue, such as warts or lesions caused by HPV. While this treatment can effectively eliminate the targeted lesions, it does not prevent the development of other benign conditions, including PPP. It is important to note that PPP are not caused by any infection or sexually transmitted disease; rather, they are a natural occurrence in some individuals.

In your case, the appearance of white bumps resembling PPP after electrocautery treatment could be due to several factors. First, it is possible that these bumps were always present but became more noticeable after the surrounding tissue was treated. Second, the healing process can sometimes lead to the formation of new tissue, which may appear as small bumps. Lastly, it is also possible that the electrocautery treatment did not completely remove all abnormal tissue, leading to the regrowth of similar lesions.

If you are experiencing new growths after your treatment, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a dermatologist or urologist, who can provide a thorough examination. They can help differentiate between PPP and any other potential issues, such as residual HPV lesions or other skin conditions. It is crucial to have a professional evaluation to ensure that there are no complications or infections.

In terms of care following electrocautery, it is essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your healthcare provider. This typically includes keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding irritants, and monitoring for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any concerning symptoms, such as persistent pain or unusual changes in the appearance of the treated area, you should seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while it is possible for PPP to appear after electrocautery treatment, they are benign and not a cause for concern. However, any new growths should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions. Maintaining proper post-operative care and monitoring for any changes will help ensure a smooth recovery and address any potential issues early on.

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