How to differentiate papilloma and condyloma

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

papillomas on human skin

Reasons for appearance

The cause of warts is the papilloma virus which causes papillomatosis. Such growths on the skin occur if there are provoking factors:

  • congenital or acquired form of immunodeficiency;
  • stressful situations;
  • flu;
  • use of cytostatics;
  • long-term use of antibiotics, hormonal, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • chronic form of vitamin deficiency;
  • persistent urogenital infections;
  • the presence of the herpes virus in the body.
drugs against papillomas

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 carriers of the virus, because HPV is latent and does not show external signs. People with weakened immune systems due to past illnesses, pregnancy, and diabetes are at risk of developing this disease.

In addition, those who use drugs that suppress the immune system are also 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. This is the most popular method of transmission, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. This virus is also spread through kissing. Penetrating into the mucous membranes of the genital organs, it enters the body through microscopic wounds. Infections can live in them for a long time.
  2. intrapartum. Infection occurs from mother to child during birth. At this time, the baby may have warts in the oral cavity and anogenital growths.
  3. Local. This disease is very rarely spread through contact. It enters the body through micro-cracks in the skin. This occurs when people share personal hygiene items.

But by eliminating this method of infection, the occurrence of pathology can be prevented.

Characteristics of papillomas

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

  • located in the body without the formation of new growth on the skin. In such situations, doctors diagnose hidden forms of pathology. It is possible to detect the pathogen without skin manifestations using PCR;
  • formed as growths on the skin in the form of an episomal virus;
  • promotes degeneration of epithelial cells from benign neoplasms to tumors.

What do condylomas look like?

Condyloma is a neoplasm of the skin and mucous membranes that is inflammatory. They have the following classification:

  • broad with a broad base;
  • pointing at the thin rod. Often appears on the skin of the genitals and armpits. Sometimes located at the corner of the mouth.

It is recommended to remove warts at the first stage of their development. Only under such conditions is it likely that the pathology can be eliminated once and for all. Conservative treatment methods often do not give the expected results.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms of HPV depend on the underlying cause. This disease does not have general clinical symptoms. But the following signs stand out:

  • growth formation;
  • 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 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:

  • Papilloma – round or threadlike with a thin base.
  • Condyloma is a growth with an irregular shape. Its uneven contour usually protrudes 0. 5 cm above the skin.

In contrast to papillomas, condylomas often form in the dermis near the genitals, on the labia and foreskin of the penis. The color looks darker, and its formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.

Diagnostic

The following diagnostic measures are known to identify the type of growth on the skin. These include:

  • visual inspection;
  • PCR, which makes it possible to determine the presence of HPV;
  • genotype. Analysis that identifies the type of virus;
  • histological diagnosis. Allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology, as well as the possibility of malignancy.

Treatment methods

Under no circumstances should you remove warts yourself. Before the growth excision procedure, doctors recommend taking the following actions:

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

Treatment should be determined by the treating physician.

Hardware removal

Skin tumors can be removed in the following ways:

  • Surgery. Until recently, this was the main way to remove tumors. Once the crust falls off, a scar forms on the affected area. This prompted specialists to look for other methods to remove the growth.
  • Chemical material. To burn warts, special drugs are used that contain strong acids.
  • Cryocoagulation. The growth was frozen using liquid nitrogen at low temperature. The increased risk of recurrence is a significant disadvantage of using this method.
  • Radio Wave. It is painless and fast.
  • Using lasers. One of the newest ways to remove skin growths. Not suitable for all warts.

The method of removing warts directly depends on the severity of the pathology, other diseases, immunity and other factors. Based only on these indicators, the doctor can prescribe a particular 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 growth can spread to other areas of the skin and significantly weaken the function of the immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they provoke complications:

  • formation of papillomas, warts and warts;
  • papillomatosis. Extensive neoplasm growth;
  • bloody. Usually after hardware removal of the papilloma;
  • infection. During the trauma of the neoplasm, the possibility of infection increases;
  • neoplasm suppuration;
  • boilsFormed due to prolonged friction with clothing;
  • precancerous conditions;
  • cancer growth in the body;
  • risk of skin cancer;
  • asphyxia in childhood. When the larynx is affected by papilloma, 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 self-treatment. If not, this disease can get worse.