How to distinguish papillomas and condylomas

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

Reasons for appearance

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

• congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
• stressful situations;
• flu;
• use of cytostatics;
• long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
• persistent 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

Papillomavirus is observed in the blood of about 85% of the population. Since HPV is latent and does not show external symptoms, many people do not realize that they are carriers of the virus. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.

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

Ways of infection

There are 3 types of HPV transmission:

1. Gender. It is the most common method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual contact. The virus is also spread during kissing. Penetrating the mucous membrane of the genitals, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can live there for a long time.
2. Congenital. The infection is passed from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, condylomas and anogenital growths may develop in the baby's oral cavity.
3. Internal. It is very rarely spread through contact. It enters the body through micro cracks in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.

However, by eliminating these methods of infection, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of pathology.

Characteristics of papillomas

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

• located inside the body without the formation of new protrusions on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor prescribes a hidden form of pathology. Using PCR, it is possible to detect a pathogen without skin manifestations;
• in the episomal form of the virus, it forms as growths on the skin;
• promotes the degeneration of epithelial cells to benign tumor neoplasms.

What do condylomas look like?

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

• wide with a wide base;
• pointed to a thin body. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and armpits. Sometimes it is located in the corners of the mouth.

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

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. There are no general clinical signs of the disease. However, the following signs are noticeable:

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

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

The main differences

During the visual external examination, as well as when determining the type, many inexperienced patients confuse one type of wart with another. They are divided into two types:

• Papillomas - have a round or thread-like 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 in the dermis near the genitals, on the genitals of the genitals, and on the foreskin. They appear darker in color and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.

Diagnostics

The following diagnostic measures are known to determine the type of growths on the skin. These include:

• visual inspection;
• PCR, which allows determining the presence of HPV;
• genotyping. Virus type analysis;
• histological diagnosis. It allows to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the probability of malignancy.

Treatment methods

In no case should you remove warts yourself. Before the growth removal procedure, doctors recommend taking the following measures:

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

Treatment should be prescribed by the attending physician.

Removal of equipment

Skin tumors can be removed in the following ways:

• Surgical. Until recently, it was the main way to remove tumors. After the crust is shed, a scar is formed on the affected area. This prompted experts to look for other methods of cutting growths.
• Chemical. Special drugs containing strong acids are used to burn warts.
• Cryocoagulation. Growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperature. The increased risk of relapse is a significant disadvantage of using this method.
• Radio waves. It is painless and quick.
• Using a laser. It is one of the newest means of 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. Based only on these indicators, the doctor can prescribe a special excision method.

Possible complications

If there is no treatment for the pathology, the possibility of subsequent infection increases, as a result of which growths can spread to other areas of the skin and significantly weaken the immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they cause complications:

• formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
• papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
• bleeding. Typically after surgical removal of papillomas;
• infection. The probability of infection increases during neoplasm trauma;
• inflammation of neoplasms;
• ulcers Formed by prolonged 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 are often seen. There is a risk of suffocation.

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