How to distinguish papillomas from condylomas

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

Reasons for the appearance

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

• form of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency;
• stressful situations;
• flu;
• use of cytostatics;
• prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories;
• chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
• persistent urogenital infections;
• the presence of a herpes virus inside the body.

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

Risk subgroups

The papilloma virus is present in the blood of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize they have the virus because HPV is in latent form and shows no outward signs. People with weakened immune systems due to previous illnesses, pregnancy or diabetes are at risk.

Additionally, those who use medications that weaken the immune system are susceptible to infections. People who change sexual partners frequently are also at high risk.

Routes of infection

There are 3 types of HPV transmission:

1. Sexual. This is the most common method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus is also spread by kissing. Penetrating the mucous membrane of the genitals, it enters the body through microscopic wounds. The infection can live there for a long time.
2. Intrapartum. The infection is transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. At this stage, the baby may develop condyloma in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
3. Domestic. It is extremely rarely spread by contact. It enters the body through microcracks in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene items.

But by eliminating 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:

• is located inside the body without the formation of new growths on the skin. In such a situation, the doctor diagnoses a hidden form of pathology. It is possible to detect a pathogen without skin manifestations by PCR;
• form as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
• promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign neoplasms to tumors.

What do warts look like?

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

• wide with an extended base;
• pointed on a thin stem. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and under the armpits. Sometimes localized at the corners of the mouth.

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

Symptoms and signs

HPV symptoms depend on the underlying cause. The disease does not present any general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:

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

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

Main differences

During an external visual 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 threadlike shape with a thin base.
• Condyloma are irregularly shaped growths. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.

Unlike papillomas, condylomas often form on the dermis near the genitals, on the lips and foreskin of the penis. They appear darker in color, and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.

Diagnostic

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

• visual inspection;
• PCR, which makes it possible to determine the presence of HPV;
• genotyping. An analysis that identifies the type of virus;
• histological diagnosis. Allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the likelihood of malignancy.

Treatment methods

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

• take antiviral medications. This helps suppress HPV activity;
• improve the functioning of the immune system - take vitamins and immunomodulators.

Treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Removing hardware

Skin tumors can be removed in the following ways:

• Surgical. Until recently, it was the main way to eliminate tumors. Once the scab falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This prompted specialists to look for other methods of excising the growths.
• Chemical. To burn warts, special drugs containing strong acids are used.
• Cryocoagulation. Growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. A major disadvantage of using this method is the increased risk of relapse.
• Radio waves. It's painless and quick.
• Use a laser. One of the newest ways to remove skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.

Methods for removing warts directly depend on the severity of pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Only based on these indicators, the doctor can prescribe a specific excision method.

Possible complications

If there is no treatment for the pathology, the risk of further infection increases, which can lead to the spread of growths to other areas of the skin and significantly weaken the functioning of the immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they cause complications:

• formation of papillomas, condyloma and warts;
• papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
• bleeding. Usually after hardware removal of papillomas;
• infection. During neoplastic trauma, the risk of infection increases;
• suppuration of neoplasms;
• ulcersFormed due to 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 often appear. There is a risk of suffocation.

Important! Human papilloma virus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and undergo independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease could get worse.