Papillomas are benign neoplasms localized 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 develop into a cancerous tumor.
The mechanism of papillomas origin
The appearance of a particular type of neoplasm depends on the type of virus that a person is sick with. Distinguish between low-oncogenic strains, in which the growths do not pose 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 grows.
"Safe" papillomas usually occur on the skin, while the most disturbing are localized in the mucous membranes.Such neoplasms usually cause highly oncogenic types of the virus. 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". Their appearance is usually due to the action of low-oncogenic strains, transmitted by contact and everyday life.
Warts usually occur 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, the growth grows and begins to darken. Sometimes hair can grow in the center of the wart.
Filiform papillomas
This type of papillomas got its name because of the small legs, thanks to which the neoplasm protrudes above 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 in places where the thinnest skin is:
- chest;
- neck;
- eyelids;
- groin area;
- armpits.
Filiform papillomas are more typical for patients over 45 years old, but sometimes they occur in young people. Growths tend to get bigger as the disease progresses.Gradually 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, pain is not observed. Several others 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 patient's health.
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 may occur. Also, this structural feature sometimes leaves scars after the removal of the build-up.
Typical symptoms accompanying the appearance of flat papillomas:
- redness of the skin around the growth;
- itching;
- pain on touch;
- inflammation.
Usually, 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 often they hit:
- vagina;
- vulva;
- cervix;
- anus area;
- scrotum;
- penis.
The 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. The neoplasms quickly grow in size and grow. At this time, their 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 are able to degenerate into a malignant tumor, an infection often joins them. Also, neoplasms are prone to relapse after removal, so patients will have to undergo regular examination in order to control the concentration of HPV.
In rare cases, condylomas can form on internal organs such as the walls of the stomach or the 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. Most often they occur in the feet and on the hands. A distinctive feature of the outgrowths is uneven edges. They are usually brown in color, but sometimes they can have a dark red tint. This form of the disease can also contribute to the degeneration of neoplasms into malignant ones, so patients should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Plantar warts
These growths are more typical for children and adolescents, 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. 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 provokes discomfort and pain.
Due to the nature of the structure, the wart is difficult to remove from the skin, since most of it is located 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 5 years of age, as infection usually occurs during childbirth. If a pregnant woman is a carrier of papillomavirus and has genital warts in the vaginal area, the child is highly likely to become infected.
Juvenile papillomas located on the skin are not dangerous. However, they can also be localized in the larynx, which can cause the baby to have trouble breathing. At 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;
- impaired respiratory function.
In older children, changes in the voice may occur, which is a characteristic sign of ligament damage. Papillomas can grow and provoke asthma attacks, which can 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. 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 area of mucous membranes or on internal organs, is potentially dangerous to humans.
Most often, papillomatosis is mentioned when juvenile papillomas appear in the larynx region. They are the ones who tend to overgrow.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that there are relatively safe forms of papillomas, each of them needs regular examination by a specialist. This will help keep their growth under control and remove them promptly if necessary. In addition, it is important to remember that the presence of neoplasms is an indicator of infection with papillomavirus, which also requires timely therapy.