How to distinguish papillomas from condylomas

The presence of such growths is associated with the presence of HPV in a person. He may not remind you of himself for a long time.

Reasons for occurrence

The cause of warts is the papillomavirus, which causes papillomatosis. Such growths on the skin occur if provoking factors are present:

• congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
• stressful situations;
• influenza;
• use of cytostatics;
• long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
• permanent urogenital infections;
• the presence of the herpes virus in the body.

Attention! The presence of HPV in a person does not guarantee the formation of neoplasms.

Risk subgroups

Papilloma virus is found in the bloodstream of about 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus, because HPV is in a latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.

In addition, those using drugs that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infection. Those who frequently change sexual partners are also at high risk.

Routes of infection

There are 3 types of HPV transmission:

1. Sexually. It is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus also spreads through a kiss. Penetrating the mucous membrane of the genital organs, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can live in it for a long time.
2. Intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
3. Domestic. It is extremely rarely spread by contact. It enters the body through microcracks on the skin. This is what happens when people share personal hygiene items.

But by removing these methods of infection, it is possible to prevent the appearance of pathology.

Characteristics of papillomas

HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:

• it is inside the body without forming new growths on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a hidden form of pathology. With the help of PCR, it is possible to detect the pathogen without skin manifestations;
• appear as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
• promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign to tumor neoplasms.

What do condylomas look like?

Condylomas are neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes that are inflammatory in nature. They have the following classification:

• broad with an extensive base;
• spike on a thin stem. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and armpits. Sometimes it is located in the corners of the lips.

It is recommended to remove condylomas in the first stage of their development. Only under such conditions is it possible to remove the pathology, most likely once and for all. Conservative methods of treatment often do not give the expected results.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. The disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:

• formation of growths;
• skin irritation;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• redness and itching.

Attention! Skin irritation and itching sometimes indicate other pathologies. If such symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.

The main differences

During the visual external examination, as well as when determining the type, many patients, without experience, confuse one type of wart with another. They are divided into two types:

• Papillomas – have a round or filamentous shape with a thin base.
• Condylomas are growths of irregular shape. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.

Unlike papillomas, condylomas are often formed on the dermis near the genitals, on the lips and foreskin of the penis. They look darker in color, and their formation confirms the presence of HPV pathogens in the body.

Diagnostics

The following diagnostic measures are known for identifying the type of growths on the skin. This includes:

• visual inspection;
• PCR, which allows determining the presence of HPV;
• genotyping. Analysis that identifies the type of virus;
• histological diagnosis. It allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the probability of malignancy.

Treatment methods

Under no circumstances should you remove warts yourself. Before the excision procedure, doctors recommend taking the following measures:

• take antiviral drugs. This allows suppression of HPV activity;
• improve the work of the immune system - take vitamins and immunomodulators.

Treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Hardware removal

Skin tumors can be eliminated in the following ways:

• Surgical. Until recently, it was the main way to remove tumors. After the bark falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This has prompted experts to look for other methods of cutting out growths.
• Chemical. Special drugs containing strong acids are used to burn warts.
• Cryocoagulation. Growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. The increased risk of relapse is a significant disadvantage of using this method.
• Radio waves. It is painless and quick.
• Using a laser. One of the newest means for removing skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.

Wart removal methods directly depend on the severity of the pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Only on the basis of these indicators, the doctor can prescribe a certain method of excision.

Possible complications

If the pathology is not treated, the probability of further infection increases, which is why the growths can spread to other areas of the skin and weaken the functioning of the immune system quite significantly. Such growths are dangerous because they cause complications:

• formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
• papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
• bleeding. Usually after hardware removal of papilloma;
• infection. During the trauma of the neoplasm, the probability of infection increases;
• suppuration of neoplasms;
• ulcers are caused by long-term friction against clothing;
• precancerous condition;
• cancerous growths inside the body;
• risk of developing skin cancer;
• asphyxia in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, breathing difficulties often occur. There is a risk of suffocation.

Important! Human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and engage in independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.