How to distinguish between papillomas and condylomas

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

Reasons for appearance

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

• congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
• stressful situations;
• flu;
• use of cytostatics;
• prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• 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

Papillomavirus is observed in the bloodstream of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize that they are virus carriers, since HPV is in a latent form and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy, and diabetes are at risk.

In addition, those who use drugs that suppress the immune system are susceptible to infection. Also at high risk are those who frequently change sexual partners.

Routes of infection

There are 3 types of HPV transmission:

1. Sexual. It is the most popular method of infection, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. The virus also spreads through a kiss. Penetrating into the mucous membrane of the genital organs, it enters the body through microscopic injuries. The infection can live in it for a long time.
2. Intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
3. Domestic. It spreads extremely rarely through 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 occurrence 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 using PCR;
• form as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
• promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign to tumor neoplasms.

What do condylomas look like?

Condylomas are neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes that are inflammatory in nature. They have the following classification:

• wide with an extensive base;
• pointed on a thin stem. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and in the armpits. Sometimes located in the corners of the mouth.

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

Symptoms and signs

The symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. The disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:

• formation of growths;
• skin irritation;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• 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 a visual external 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 thread-like shape with a thin base.
• Condylomas are growths with an irregular shape. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.

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

Diagnostics

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 on your own. Before the procedure of excision of growths, doctors recommend taking the following measures:

• take antiviral drugs. This makes it possible to suppress HPV activity;
• improve the functioning of the immune system - take vitamins and immunomodulators.

Treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Hardware removal

Skin tumors can be eliminated in the following ways:

• Surgical. Until recently, it was the main way to eliminate tumors. After the crust falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This prompted specialists to search for other methods of excision of growths.
• Chemical. To burn off warts, special medications that contain strong acids are used.
• Cryocoagulation. The growth is frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. The increased risk of relapse is a significant disadvantage of using this method.
• Radio waves. It is painless and quick.
• Using a laser. One of the newest means of eliminating skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.

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

Possible complications

If there is no treatment for the pathology, then the likelihood of further infection increases, as a result of which the growths can spread to other areas of the skin and quite significantly weaken the functioning of the immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they provoke complications:

• formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
• papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
• bleeding. Typically after hardware removal of papillomas;
• infection. During neoplasm trauma, the likelihood 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 papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and engage in independent treatment. Otherwise, the disease may worsen.