Can the cauliflower (genital warts) be removed?
Hello doctor, yesterday while I was showering, I pulled back my foreskin and noticed a white grain-like structure at the underside where the penis connects to the glans.
It's not round, but elongated like a grain of rice, and I couldn't scrape it off, but I was able to pinch it with my fingernail.
There was no bleeding or pus, but when I pinched it, it broke, and when I rubbed it, it returned to a grain-like form.
Doctor, could this be a wart? Can warts be scraped off? The last time I had unprotected sexual intercourse was a year and a half ago, and the last time I had protected sex was over six months ago.
Doctor, if it’s not a wart, can we rule out the possibility of an infection? Thank you!
Wenwen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/12
Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Hello, it should not be cauliflower, but rather more like smegma.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Answers found online should only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, who cares about your well-being.
Reply Date: 2016/01/12
More Info
Cauliflower warts, also known as genital warts, are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear as small, flesh-colored or white bumps that may resemble cauliflower due to their irregular surface. It's important to note that while these growths can be concerning, not all skin growths in the genital area are necessarily warts or indicative of an infection.
In your case, the description of the growth you found on the underside of the penis, which resembles a grain of rice and can be easily manipulated, raises a few possibilities. It could be a benign skin tag, a sebaceous cyst, or indeed a genital wart. The fact that it can be pinched and does not bleed or ooze suggests that it might not be a wart, but rather a benign lesion. However, without a physical examination, it is difficult to provide a definitive diagnosis.
If you are concerned about the growth, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a dermatologist or a urologist. They can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, conduct tests to determine the nature of the growth. If it is determined to be a genital wart, there are several treatment options available, including topical treatments, cryotherapy (freezing the wart), or surgical removal.
Regarding your question about the possibility of removing cauliflower warts, yes, they can be treated and removed. However, self-removal is not recommended as it can lead to complications such as infection or scarring. Professional treatment is the safest and most effective way to address these growths.
As for your sexual history, while the last unprotected sexual encounter was over a year ago, it's important to understand that HPV can remain dormant in the body for years before symptoms appear. Therefore, even if you have not had any recent sexual activity, it does not completely rule out the possibility of an HPV infection.
If the growth is not a wart, it may still be beneficial to have it evaluated to rule out any other conditions. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider about any changes in your body are essential for maintaining sexual health.
In summary, while cauliflower warts can be removed, it is best to seek professional medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Self-diagnosing or attempting to remove the growth on your own is not advisable. Always prioritize your health and consult a healthcare professional for any concerns regarding skin growths or changes in your body.
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