Help, what is this?

[worried1789]

I am a 47 year old who has never had a wart in my life. In March of 2010 I noticed, practically overnight I had a single bump on the head of my penis. It is smooth and pinkish color and perfectly round very similar in color to my skin. It does not hurt. I tried treating it with Apple Cider, and wart remover, but it seemed to do nothing but make it raw and sore. Its been 3 1/2 years now and only has gotten slightly larger. I have taken vitamins and exercise regularly. I have abstained from sex as this is really noticeable and embarrassing. The same year, later I notice two warts on my right hand, one on the forefinger and one on my pinky finger. The pinkfinger wart was removed easily enough but the one on my forefinger is tougher and very sore when I try to treat it. It goes deep into my skin with a little hole in the center. My question is do you think this is a genital wart on my penis being as it is perfectly round and smooth and soft? Having never had a wart in my life, I would think it was an incredible coincidence if I got hand warts and a bump on my penis in the same year at my age. My ex-wife was promiscuous , so it wouldn't surprise me if she gave it to me at all. I am embarrassed to go to my doctor, but I know I am going to have to do it and get it over with. Can a family doctor accurately diagnose this and treat it. I cannot afford to go to a specialist. What else could cause a single bump on the head of my penis like this? I do remember having a friction sore in the same spot some time ago. I'm just praying this is not HPV, I know you cannot diagnose me, but I am just looking for some opinion either way with the information I have given you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Such kind of lesion can be a cyst, benign skin growth or genital wart. Molluscum presents as multiple, small, dome-shaped papules, often with a central depression or plug.
Diagnosis of genital warts is usually clinical, made by visual inspection. Genital warts can be confirmed by biopsy but Sometimes we can use an enhancing technique called acetowhitening. This technique involves the application of 5% acetic acid solution to the area of suspicion for about 5-10 minutes. Infected areas will turn white.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[veryworried420]

Could be molliscum or a wart.  You need to see a dermatologist, not a family doctor.  GWs come in many sizes and shapes including skin color and round. Some warts go away by themselves over time and some do not. After 3.5 years, end the mystery and find out what it is.