Should I tell the surgeon...?

Question

I'm getting my wisdom teeth surgically removed in December, and I remember that when they questioned me about two months ago, one of the questions they asked me was if I have an STD. I told them no, but today I was diagnosed with molluscum (not really an STD, but in a sense it is)... since it's nowhere near my mouth or face, although it's possible that it can spread there (but unlikely), I don't think i necessarily need to tell them...Do I?

Answer 1

Tell your doctor your entire health history. They ask those questions for a reason. You're not a medical professional, so just because you don't think it's relevant, doesn't mean it can't cause complications.

Be honest...it's not like they're going to laugh or judge you. Legally they can't even discuss it interoffice, so have no worries.

Good luck with the wisdom teeth. I made sure to take Motrin before and after and it helped a lot with the swelling and pain...I think it helped more than the pain killers they gave me. But, make sure to clear it with your doc first so there aren't any complications.

Answer 2

Yes it is important to tell your dentist b/c molluscum is transmitted by skin contact easily. It is possible that it may spread to your mouth or face. Any current condition should be disclosed to your Dr. this will help your Dr. treat you more efficiently.

If you do not disclose this information your dentist will not be responsible for future problems (if any).

I am sure you would not want to be responsible for someone else contracting this disease either. The dental staff is very cautious at all times, but to inform them of possible transmission would aid in protecting themselves and other patients more efficiently.

The dentist will not judge you if you tell him or her. It is not only in your best interest, but for theirs as well. There are millions of people with all sorts of medical issues. You are not alone and I'm sure your dentist has heard it all.

Please be courteous and let them know. I'm sure you would want to be told.

Answer 3

YES, SOME INFO N FOLLOWS,
What is molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection of the skin that causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. The bumps may be clear, and the center is often indented (umbilicated). The virus is easily spread (contagious) but is not harmful. However, in people with impaired immune systems, such as HIV infection, the bumps can be extensive and disfiguring and are often considered a sign of late-stage disease. 1

What are the symptoms?

The small, round, indented bumps are usually about 3 mm (0.1 in.) to 5 mm (0.2 in.) in size (a little smaller than a pencil eraser). They may appear alone or in groups. They are most often found on the trunk, face, eyelids or genital area. In children, bumps usually appear on the trunk, face, and arms. In sexually active teenagers and young adults, the bumps are usually located in the genital area. 2 The bumps may become inflamed and turn red as part of the body's natural immune system response as it fights the virus. Eczema often develops around the bumps.

The incubation period—the time from exposure to the virus until bumps develop—is usually 2 to 7 weeks but can be up to 6 months. 3

In people who have an impaired immune system, such as HIV infection, symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are more severe.

How does molluscum contagiosum spread?

The virus commonly spreads through skin-to-skin contact. This includes sexual contact or touching or scratching the bumps and then touching the skin. Handling objects that have the virus on them, such as a towel, can also result in infection. The virus can spread from one part of the body to another or to other people. Molluscum contagiosum is contagious until the bumps are gone—which, if untreated, may be up to 6 months or longer.

Molluscum contagiosum in a child's genital area is common, usually because the child infects the area through scratching. However, if other factors are present, sexual abuse may be considered.

How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?

Molluscum contagiosum is usually diagnosed during a physical examination. If the diagnosis is unclear and other conditions are suspected, your health professional may take a sample of the bump to examine (biopsy). If an adult has bumps in his or her genital area, the health professional may check for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes.

How is it treated?

In healthy people, treatment may not be necessary because individual bumps usually go away on their own in 2 to 4 months, although it may take longer. Some people choose to remove the bumps because they are embarrassed by them, or to keep them from spreading to other people. Health professionals usually recommend treating bumps located in the genital area to prevent them from spreading.

If needed, treatment choices include:

Removing the viral material in the center by scraping the center briskly (curettage).
Freezing the skin growth (cryotherapy).
Putting medication on the skin (topical medication).
Taking medication by mouth (oral medication).
Who is affected by molluscum contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is most common in children and is typically seen in children age 2 to 5. 4 In teens and young adults, molluscum contagiosum is primarily a sexually transmitted disease. However, it is also found among wrestlers, swimmers, gymnasts, masseurs, and people who use steam rooms and saunas.

Molluscum contagiosum is more common in warm, humid climates with crowded living conditions than in mild climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about molluscum contagiosum:
What is molluscum contagiosum?
What are the symptoms of molluscum contagiosum?

Being diagnosed:
How is molluscum contagiosum diagnosed?

Getting treatment:
How is molluscum contagiosum treated?
What can I do at home to relieve symptoms?

(back to top)
Author: Paul Lehnert
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last Updated: January 14, 2005

Answer 4

Most definitely YES

Answer 5

This is your body...its the only one you've got. Be honest with the doc...it can only help.

Answer 6

Be completely honest with three people in your life: Yourself, your doctor and your lawyer.

If it is in your body anywhere, it is in your body everywhere.

Answer 7

yes...it was a question they asked so it is important...you should..there is no harm if you do