Soji found a small growth in the perianal area during a self-examination and was mortified. He assumed it meant something about his sexual history he wasn't ready to process. Mascot Healthcare provided a clinical explanation and swift, effective treatment.
Fitness trainer, Surulere. Self-referred after discovering a small cauliflower-shaped growth in the perianal area. Significant anxiety about the location; had no penile warts. Confirmed HPV-related condylomata on examination.
Perianal Condylomata Acuminata (HPV)Soji almost didn't come. He found the growth during a stretching routine and spent three days convincing himself it was a skin tag. When he looked more closely, the surface looked different — bumpy, slightly cauliflower-textured. He searched online. "Perianal wart" came up.
The location caused him significant distress, not because of the wart itself but because of assumptions he was making about what it meant about him. He booked the appointment, cancelled it, rebooked, and arrived at Mascot Healthcare visibly tense.
The doctor was matter-of-fact. He explained: HPV (human papillomavirus) is transmitted by any skin-to-skin genital contact — including with someone who has no visible warts. Perianal warts can occur without receptive anal intercourse. The location of a wart tells you nothing about a person's sexual orientation or practices. That explanation, Soji said, mattered as much as the treatment.
Perianal condylomata acuminata (genital warts) can occur without penile lesions and without receptive anal intercourse — HPV is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact in the genital region broadly.
A 5 mm pedunculated, flesh-coloured papilloma at the perianal margin — classic condyloma appearance.
Completely asymptomatic — only noticed on self-examination.
Examination of the penis and scrotum showed no warts — perianal location only.
Soji arrived convinced the location indicated something about his sexuality — required sensitive explanation.
No other STI symptoms, no discharge, no fever.
Attempted to remove it with a fingernail — caused minor bleeding; did not remove the lesion.
Apple cider vinegar applied — caused skin irritation; lesion unchanged.
Decided against ordering podophyllin online — came to clinic instead.
Examination confirmed a single 5 mm perianal condyloma. The clinic performed cryotherapy under good visualisation — a brief application of liquid nitrogen to the lesion. The patient was advised on aftercare: keep the area clean and dry, avoid tight clothing, expect mild soreness for 3–5 days.
A co-infection screen was offered and performed (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia — all negative). Soji was counselled that HPV persists asymptomatically in many people; his partner should be aware and checked.
He was advised the wart may recur as the HPV virus can persist in surrounding skin — a follow-up appointment in 6 weeks was arranged.
Perianal Condylomata Acuminata — HPV (single lesion; clinical diagnosis; co-infection screen negative)
Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) to condyloma; co-infection screen; partner counselling; follow-up at 6 weeks
Wart resolved at 6-week check. No new lesions at 3-month review.
Single session of cryotherapy cleared the lesion. No recurrence at 3 months. Soji left the clinic with clinical information rather than shame.
HPV-related genital warts can appear in the perianal area regardless of sexual practices. The location carries no information about a person's sexuality.
Single lesions treated early clear quickly. Delayed treatment risks spreading lesions and more complex management.
The location of a genital wart tells you nothing about your character. Get it treated — it clears quickly when caught early.
Walk in to Mascot Healthcare, Akoka — same-day consultation, transparent pricing, 4.9★ rated.