How to distinguish papillomas and condylomas

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

Reasons for submission

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;
• the use of cytostatics;
• prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
• persistent urogenital infections;
• the presence of a herpes virus inside the body.

Careful! 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 carriers of the virus, 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. Those who frequently change sexual partners are also at high risk.

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 is also spread through a kiss. Penetrating the mucous membrane of the genitals, 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 birth. At this time, the baby may develop condylomas in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
3. Local. It is extremely rarely spread 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 appearance of pathology.

Characteristics of papillomas

HPV manifests itself in different ways and has the following characteristics:

• 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;
• are formed as growths on the skin in the episomal form of the virus;
• promote the degeneration of epithelial cells from benign neoplasm to tumor.

What do condylomas look like?

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

• wide with a wide base;
• pointed on a slender stem. They often appear on the skin of the genitals and armpits. Sometimes it is found in the corners of the mouth.

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

Symptoms and signs

HPV symptoms depend on the underlying cause. The disease has no general clinical symptoms. But the following signs are distinguished:

• growth formation;
• skin irritation;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• rash and itching.

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

The main differences

During an external visual examination, as well as when determining the type, many inexperienced patients 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 irregularly shaped growths. Their uneven contours usually protrude 0. 5 cm above the skin.

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

Diagnosing

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

• visual inspection;
• PCR, which makes it possible to determine the presence of HPV;
• genotyping. An analysis that identifies the type of virus;
• histological diagnosis. It 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 growth removal procedure, doctors recommend taking the following measures:

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

The 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 is formed in the affected area. This prompted specialists to look for other methods of removing growths.
• Chemical. To burn warts, special medications containing 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 for 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 removal.

Possible complications

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

• the formation of papillomas, condylomas and warts;
• papillomatosis. Extensive growth of neoplasms;
• bleeding. Usually after hardware removal of papillomas;
• infection. During neoplasm trauma, the likelihood of infection increases;
• suppuration of neoplasms;
• ulcers Formed due to prolonged friction against clothing;
• precancerous condition;
• cancerous growths inside the body;
• the risk of developing skin cancer;
• asphyxia in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, breathing difficulties often occur. 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.