HPV Lesions Found on Man’s Neck in 2025 Case
A case report details how HPV types 6 and 11 appeared as skin lesions on the neck of a man in New York City.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Sexual Health
In 2025, researchers in New York documented a case of extragenital HPV involving a man in his 40s who presented with six verrucous papules on his neck. The patient was immunocompetent and had tested negative for other common sexually transmitted infections.
Why it matters
While HPV is typically associated with anogenital sites, this case highlights how common strains can manifest in unexpected areas, complicating diagnostic efforts for persistent skin growths. Recognizing such rare presentations is essential for clinicians to provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
A case report describes an immunocompetent male patient with histologically confirmed HPV types 6 and 11, which are linked to 90% of anogenital warts. The study documents the clinical presentation and recurrence of the lesions after cryotherapy.
The details
The patient presented with clustered brown papules that biopsy confirmed were caused by HPV types 6 and 11, characterized by papillated epidermal hyperplasia. Medical staff initially utilized cryotherapy to remove the growths, though the lesions returned 11 months later. The presence of these strains in extragenital tissue highlights the virus's ability to infect keratinocytes outside of typical mucosal zones.
Timeline
The patient first noticed the neck growth in 2024.
The patient sought medical treatment for the neck lesions in 2025.
The patient returned to the clinic 11 months after the initial treatment due to recurrence in 2026.
Health Landscape
This case report sits within the broader scope of HPV research, focusing on the behavior of strains 6 and 11, which remain the primary targets of established vaccination programs. It highlights the rare clinical challenge of extragenital manifestations of these common viral types.
If you notice persistent, clustered skin growths that do not heal, it is worth discussing the biopsy and potential testing options with your doctor. Being aware that HPV can rarely present in non-genital areas can help you and your provider explore all potential causes for unusual skin lesions.
The takeaway
While extragenital HPV is uncommon, persistent or recurring skin lesions should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Tracking the evolution of any new skin growth and sharing your full medical history with a dermatologist can help ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Further reading
Learn more about the prevention and clinical management of common infections at Sexual Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cdc.
