Papillomas are benign neoplasms located on the skin and mucous membranes. They arise from the activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are of many different types. Some of them are harmless and create only a cosmetic defect, others are potentially dangerous and can turn into a cancerous tumor.
The mechanism of the origin of papillomas
The appearance of a particular type of neoplasm depends on the type of virus a person has. Distinguish between low oncogenic strains, in which the growths do not represent a great danger for 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 growth gradually grows.
The "safe" papillomas usually appear on the skin, while the most disturbing are located on the mucous membranes.These neoplasms often cause highly oncogenic virus types. For women, the appearance of growths in the genital area can be dangerous for cervical cancer.
Common Papillomas (warts)
One of the most common manifestations of HPV, popularly known as "warts". Its appearance is usually due to the action of low oncogenic strains transmitted by contact-home.
Warts usually appear on the fingers, palms, soles of the feet, or feet.
Outwardly, they appear as small papillary neoplasms with homogeneous structures. Common 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 larger and begins to darken. Sometimes hair can grow in the center of the wart.
Filiform papillomas
This type of papilloma owes its name to the small legs, thanks to which the neoplasm protrudes above the surface of the skin. The growth has an elongated shape and is about 5 mm in size. Papillomas are most often located in places where the skin is thinner:
- chest;
- neck;
- eyelids;
- groin area;
- armpits.
Filamentous papillomas are more typical in patients older than 45 years, but sometimes occur in young people. The growths tend to enlarge as the disease progresses.Little by little, they begin 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, no pain is observed. Several others can appear at the site of the damaged filiform papilloma. If the growths are on the face, it is recommended to stop using scrubs or brushes. In the armpit area, papillomas are also often injured with razors, which can negatively affect the health of the patient.
Flat papillomas
This form of papillomas is also localized on the skin and resembles small plaques. 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 can occur. Also, this structural feature sometimes leaves scars after removal of the buildup.
Typical symptoms that accompany the appearance of flat papillomas:
- redness of the skin around the growth;
- itching;
- pain to the touch;
- inflammation.
Usually the growths appear on the face or hands, but sometimes they occur on the genitals. In women, they are usually located on the labia majora, in men, on the scrotum or anus. Flat papillomas rapidly increase in size and bleed when traumatized.
Genital warts
These growths are usually located in the groin or mucous membranes. They are caused only by strains of HPV that occur during unprotected sex. Most of the time they hit:
- vagina;
- vulva;
- cervix;
- area of the anus;
- scrotum;
- penis.
The growths are similar to thin papillae, they are small - 2-3 mm. In general, 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 grow and grow rapidly. At this time, its shape begins to resemble cauliflower inflorescences.
Genital warts are considered one of the most dangerous types of papillomas.In addition to the fact that it is these growths that can degenerate into a malignant tumor, an infection is often attached to them. Furthermore, neoplasms are prone to relapse after removal, so patients will need to undergo regular examinations to monitor the HPV level.
On rare occasions, condylomata 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 lack of specific symptoms can become a problem in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas
A rather rare type of papilloma. They most often occur on the feet and hands. A distinctive feature of outgrowths are ragged 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 transformation of neoplasms into malignant ones, so patients should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Plantar warts
These growths are more typical of children and adolescents, they rarely occur in adulthood. It is considered a common reaction of the body to a decrease in immunity, accompanied by trauma to the sole due to uncomfortable shoes. Unlike common corns, the wart is rough and has uneven 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. It is usually 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, it is difficult to remove the wart 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 procedure site.
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, it is very likely that the child will be infected.
Juvenile papillomas located on the skin are not dangerous. However, they can also be located in the larynx, which can cause the baby to have trouble breathing. In the initial stage, no signs of the disease are observed. After a while, the following symptoms appear:
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- difficulty swallowing saliva or food;
- altered respiratory function.
In older children, voice changes can occur, which is a characteristic sign of ligament damage. Papillomas can grow and cause asthma attacks, which may one day result in a complete cessation of breathing.
Papillomatosis
Papillomatosis is a condition in which the number of neoplasms increases dramatically and spreads throughout the body. Also called generalized papillomavirus. Usually, a large accumulation of papillomas occurs on the hands, face, and genital area. Papillomatosis, which occurs in the area of the mucous membranes or in internal organs, is potentially dangerous for humans.
Most commonly, papillomatosis is mentioned when juvenile papillomas appear in the region of the larynx. They are the ones that tend to grow too large.
Conclusion
Although there are relatively safe forms of papillomas, each of them requires a regular examination by a specialist. This will help keep their growth in check and remove them quickly if necessary. In addition, it is important to remember that the presence of neoplasms is an indicator of papillomavirus infection, which also requires timely therapy.