Papillomas are benign neoplasms that are located on the skin and mucous membranes. They arise from activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are of many different types. Some of them are harmless and only cause a cosmetic defect, others are potentially dangerous and can develop into a cancerous tumor.
The mechanism of the formation of papillomas
The appearance of a particular type of neoplasm depends on the type of virus a person is suffering from. Distinguish between low-oncogenic strains, where growth is not a major threat to the carrier, and highly oncogenic. As a result of the papillomavirus, neoplasms appear, the action of which leads to excessive cell division, as a result of which growth gradually increases.
"Safe" papillomas usually appear on the skin, while the most troublesome ones are located in the mucous membranes.Such neoplasms usually cause highly oncogenic types of the virus. In women, the appearance of growths in the genital area can be dangerous for cervical cancer.
Frequent papillomas (warts)
One of the most common manifestations of HPV, popularly known as "warts". Their occurrence is usually due to the action of oncogenic strains that are transmitted through contact and everyday life.
Warts usually appear on fingers, palms, soles, or feet.
Outwardly, 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 body color.
However, as the disease progresses, growth grows and begins to darken. Sometimes hair can grow in the center of the wart.
Filiform papillomas
This type of papilloma got its name because of the small legs, thanks to which the neoplasm protrudes above the surface of the skin. The growth is characterized by an elongated shape and a size of approx. 5 mm. Most often papillomas are localized in places where there is the thinnest skin:
- chest;
- neck;
- eyelids;
- groin area;
- armpits.
Filiform papillomas are more typical in patients over 45 years of age, but sometimes occur in young people. The growth tends to increase as the disease progresses.Gradually they stretch more.
The head of the papilloma is yellow or pink, there is no pronounced pigmentation. Keratinized neoplasm is rarely found. No pain is observed during trauma. Several others may appear at the site of the damaged filiform papilloma. If the growths are on the face, it is recommended that you stop using scrubs or brushes. In the armpit area, papillomas are also often injured by razors, which can affect the patient's health.
Flat papillomas
This form of papilloma is also localized on the skin and resembles small plaques. Flat papillomas have a yellowish tinge, the size does not exceed 1-2 mm. In the structure, the growths are dense, their roots are located under the skin. Because of this, there may be pain at the time of damage or pressure. This structural feature sometimes leaves scars after removing the build-up.
Typical symptoms associated with the appearance of flat papillomas:
- reddening of the skin around the growth;
- itching;
- pain on touch;
- inflammation.
Typically growths appear on the face or hands, but sometimes the genitals as well. In women they are usually on the labia, in men on the scrotum or anus. Flat papillomas grow in size quickly and bleed when traumatized.
Genital warts
These growths are usually found in the groin or in the mucous membranes. They are only caused by strains of HPV that appear during unprotected sex. Most often they meet:
- vagina;
- vulva;
- cervix;
- anus area;
- scrotum;
- penis.
The growths resemble 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 the same time, which gradually merge with each other. The neoplasms grow in size and grow rapidly. At this point, their shape begins to resemble cauliflower inflorescences.
Genital warts are considered to be one of the most dangerous types of papillomas.In addition to the fact that these growths can degenerate into a malignant tumor, there is often an infection. In addition, neoplasms are prone to relapse after removal, so patients must be checked regularly to control HPV levels.
In rare cases, condylomas can form on internal organs such as the walls of the stomach or the rectal area. In this case, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of neoplasm on your own. The lack of specific symptoms can become a problem in diagnosing and treating the disease.
Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas
A rather rare type of papilloma. Most often, they occur in the feet and hands. A characteristic feature of the outgrowths are uneven edges. They're usually brown in color, but sometimes they can be dark red in color. This form of the disease can also contribute to the degeneration of neoplasms into malignant ones. Therefore, patients should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Plantar warts
These growths are more typical of children and adolescents and 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 calluses, the wart is rough and has jagged edges. The skin pattern is also 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 the constant abrasion of walking. Over time, growth increases, squeezing or touching 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. As a result, stitches are often required after removal and a scar may remain at the site of the procedure.
Juvenile papillomas
Most infections occur in young children under 5 years of age because infections usually occur during childbirth. If a pregnant woman has the papillomavirus and has genital warts in the vaginal area, the child is very likely to become infected.
Juvenile papillomas on the skin are not dangerous. However, they can also be localized in the larynx, which can cause the baby to have difficulty breathing. No signs of the disease are observed at the initial stage. 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, voice changes can occur, which are a characteristic sign of ligament damage. Papillomas can grow and cause asthma attacks that may one day lead to a complete break in breathing.
Papillomatosis
Papillomatosis is a disease in which the number of neoplasms increases dramatically and spreads throughout the body. It is also known as generalized papillomavirus. Usually there is a large cluster of papillomas on the hands, face, and genital areas. Papillomatosis, which occurs in the area of the mucous membranes or internal organs, is potentially dangerous for humans.
Papillomatosis is mentioned most often when juvenile papillomas appear in the larynx area. They are the ones that tend to overgrow.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that there are relatively safe forms of papillomas, each of them must be regularly examined by a specialist. This will help keep their growth under control and remove them promptly if necessary. In addition, it should be noted that the presence of neoplasms is an indicator of infection with papillomavirus, which also requires timely therapy.