What Causes Finger Like Projections Around Vestibule?

Posted on Sun, 4 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 7 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I asked a question about fingerlike projections around my vestibule. They are lined up on both sides of my vestibule but they are not itchy or painful. I was told by one of the doctors here that I had genital warts but am confused about this since I have never had sex with any man until I got married two months ago and then started with my husband alone. how can I be infected if my husband does not show signs or symptoms of genital warts as I learnt that it is an STD?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please answer and post the photos of the lesion.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM,

You gave history of finger like projections on vulva. The lesion is not itchy or painful. You do not have any symptoms. You did not have sexual relations with anybody except your husband. I would like to ask few questions..

1) duration of the disease..from how many days you have this disease?

2) do you have any other disease ..skin or systemic?

3) do you take any medicine?

4) please describe the lesions you have..

Please post the few photos of the lesions, so that I can help you in better ways.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (43 minutes later)

These lesions came on after two days of relations with my husband. It is two days old too. I have never had any other sex mate except my husband and I started having relations with him two months ago.
2) I have no other disease, skin or systematic.
3) I am not on any medication at all
4) the lesions are finger like, at the point where it started were like clusters and then they began to spread out symmetrically on both sides of my vulva.they take the color of the skin where they came on.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is vestibular papillomatosis..not wart.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back.

I read your answers and saw the photos. Thanks for posting photos.

You do not worry and be free of tension. It is not genital wart or HPV infection. It is vulvar vestibular papillomatosis. It is a benign condition and often mistaken for condyloma accuminata or genital wart. Vestibular papillomatosis lesions may appear diffuse granular papules or finger like projections. The lesions are symmetrically distributed over inner labia minora as in your case. Vestibular papillomatosis lesions have individual base, but genital wart lesions have common base. Vestibular papillomatosis lesions are symmetrical and linear,while wart lesions are random.The lesions are soft and are of same color like surrounding mucosa. The lesions occur after puberty and may remain unnoticed for long time as there is no symptom. If you wish, you go for biopsy.And biopsy may confirm the diagnosis.

Other confirmatiry test is acetic acid test. Application of acetic acid on lesions elicit the whitening of the lesions in case of genital wart, while vestibular papillomatosis lesions remain unaffected.

Remember..Vestibular papillomatosis is a harmless condition and may remain asymptomatic. And it is not infectious. That is why no treatment is required.

So, do not worry and have normal life.

Still, any query..you may ask.

With best wishes.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (7 days later)

Hello Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for your reply. I am so much relieved. But is there any thing I can do to make the lesions go away faster as some of them are going away but slowly? What could be the cause of these lesions?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is an anatomical variant, there is no cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome back.

I am glad to hear that you are satisfied with my answer.

Remember,vestibular papillomatosis are a normal anatomical variant of the vulva and may be considered as the female equivalent of pearly penile papules in men. Following this line, misdiagnosis as vulval warts and unnecessary treatment causing much anguish to you should be avoided.

I know that vestibular papillae can cause anxiety, but I assure you that nothing is wrong with you. I do not advise any treatment. If the papillae are going away slowly,well and good. Keep patience and live normal life.

Thanks and wishing you healthy life.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj