Papillomas are benign neoplasms located on the skin and mucous membranes. They result from the activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are of many different types. Some of them are harmless and only create a cosmetic defect, others are potentially dangerous and can turn into a cancerous tumor.
The mechanism of the origin of papillomas
The appearance of this or that type of neoplasm depends on the type of virus a person is sick with. Distinguish between weakly oncogenic strains, in which the growths do not present a great danger to the carrier, and highly oncogenic. Neoplasms appear due to the papillomavirus, the action of which leads to excessive cell division, as a result of which the growth gradually develops.
"Safe" papillomas usually occur on the skin, while the most disturbing are localized in the mucous membranes.These neoplasms usually cause highly oncogenic types of the virus. For women, the appearance of tumors in the genital area can be dangerous for cancer of the cervix.
Common papillomas (warts)
One of the most common manifestations of HPV, commonly known as 'warts'. Their appearance is generally due to the action of weakly oncogenic strains, transmitted by contact and by everyday life.
Warts usually occur on the fingers, palms, soles of the feet, or feet.
Externally they look like small papillary neoplasms with homogeneous structures. Ordinary papillomas are soft to the touch, at the onset of the disease their pigmentation is weak: the color practically does not differ from the color of the body.
However, as the disease progresses, the growth grows and begins to darken. Sometimes the hair can grow in the center of the wart.
Filiform papillomas
This type of papilloma gets its name from the small legs, which make the neoplasm protrude from the surface of the skin. The growth is distinguished by an elongated shape and has a size of about 5 mm. Most often, papillomas are localized where the thinnest skin is:
- chest;
- neck; eyelids
- ;
- groin area;
- armpits.
Filiform papillomas are more typical in patients over 45 years old, but sometimes they occur in young people. The growths tend to grow larger as the disease progresses.Gradually they start to stretch more.
The head of the papillomas is yellow or pink, there is no pronounced pigmentation. A keratinized neoplasm is rarely found. With trauma, pain is not observed. Several more may appear at the site of the damaged filiform papilloma. If the growths are located on the face, it is recommended to stop using scrubs or brushes. In the armpit area, papillomas are also often injured by razors, which can adversely affect the health of the patient.
Flat papillomas
This form of papilloma is also localized on the skin and looks like small patches. Flat papillomas have a yellowish tint, the size does not exceed 1-2 mm. In structure, the growths are dense, their root is located under the skin. Because of this, at the time of damage or pressure, pain may occur. Also, this structural feature sometimes leaves scars after the buildup is removed.
Typical symptoms accompanying the appearance of flat papillomas:
- redness of the skin around the growth;
- itching;
- pain when touching;
- inflammation.
Usually growths appear on the face or hands, but sometimes on the genitals. In women, they are usually located on the labia majora, in men, on the scrotum or anus. Flat papillomas quickly increase in size and bleed when traumatized.
Genital warts
These growths are usually located in the groin or mucous membranes. They are only caused by strains of HPV that occur during unprotected sex. Most often they hit:
- vagina;
- vulva;
- cervix;
- area of the anus;
- scrotum; penis
- .
Growths are similar to thin papillae, they are small - 2-3 mm. Usually the virus is not limited to the appearance of a single neoplasm. Warts are characterized by the appearance of several growths at once, gradually merging with each other. Neoplasms quickly get bigger and bigger. At this time, their shape begins to resemble cauliflower inflorescences.
Genital warts are considered to be one of the most dangerous types of papillomas.Besides the fact that it is these growths that are capable of degenerating into a malignant tumor, an infection often joins them. In addition, neoplasms are likely to relapse after removal, so patients will need to have regular check-ups in order to control the level of HPV.
In rare cases, condylomas can form on internal organs such as the walls of the stomach or rectum. In this case, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of a neoplasm on your own. The absence of specific symptoms can become a problem in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas
A fairly rare type of papilloma. Most often they occur in the feet and on the hands. A distinctive feature of growths is uneven edges. They are usually brown in color, but can sometimes have a dark red tint. This form of the disease can also contribute to the degeneration of neoplasms into malignant tumors, so patients should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Plantar warts
These growths are more typical in children and adolescents, rarely occur in adulthood. It is considered a common reaction of the body to decreased immunity, accompanied by trauma to the sole due to uncomfortable shoes. Unlike common calluses, the wart is rough and has jagged edges. Also, the skin pattern is clearly visible on the callus.
Plantar warts are characterized by a small spot on the surface of the skin and a large base that grows subcutaneously. Usually it is completely keratinized due to constant abrasion when walking. Over time the growth increases, squeezing or touching them causes discomfort and pain.
Due to the nature of the structure, the wart is difficult to remove from the skin, as most of it is inside. Therefore, after removal, it is often necessary to apply stitches and a scar may remain at the site of the procedure.
Juvenile papillomas
Most infections occur in young children under the age of 5, as infection usually occurs during childbirth. If a pregnant woman is a carrier of the papillomavirus and has genital warts in the vaginal area, the child is very likely to be infected.
Juvenile papillomas located on the skin are not dangerous. However, they can also be located in the larynx, which can cause breathing difficulties in the baby. At the initial stage, no signs of the disease are observed. After a while, the following symptoms appear:
- sensation of a lump in the throat;
- difficulty swallowing saliva or food;
- impaired respiratory function.
In older children changes in the voice may occur, which is a characteristic sign of ligament damage. Papillomas can develop and cause asthma attacks, which may one day cause breathing to stop completely.
Papillomatosis
Papillomatosis is a condition in which the number of neoplasms increases dramatically and spreads throughout the body. It is also called generalized papillomavirus. Usually, a large accumulation of papillomas occurs on the hands, face, in the genital area. Papillomatosis, which occurs in the mucous membranes or internal organs, is potentially dangerous for humans.
Most often, papillomatosis is mentioned when juvenile papillomas appear in the area of the larynx. They are the ones who tend to proliferate.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that there are relatively safe forms of papillomas, each of them requires regular examination by a specialist. This will help keep their growth under control and eliminate them quickly if necessary. Also, it is important to remember that the presence of neoplasms is an indicator of infection with the papillomavirus, which also requires prompt treatment.