Papillomas and condylomata are small growths on the skin of a viral nature. You need to be able to differentiate potentially dangerous compounds in order to warn them in a timely manner and take the necessary action. The main thing that distinguishes papilloma from condyloma is the type of virus-pathogen.
Causes of neoplasms
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has more than a hundred different strains. HPV enters the body through household contact or unprotected contact. It is possible for a baby to be born infected through the birth canal.
The formation of growths indicates the rapid division of cells in the basal layer of the skin. This often occurs under the influence of a virus, the activation of which is associated with weakened immunity. Depending on the condition, papillomas or condylomata form in the body.
Characteristic features of papillomas
Papilloma is a benign neoplasm that does not cause discomfort, except for aesthetics. Characteristic features of papillomas:
- a soft homogeneous structure;
- having one foot;
- small size (up to 10 mm in diameter);
- secondary pigmentation.
Papillomas are localized anywhere on the body, except for the mucous membranes of the genitals. As a rule, the color of the growth varies from natural skin tone to pink-red shades, but high-pigmented papillomas are also not pathological. Hair growth on the body of a papilloma is a variant of the norm.
Papillomas are not dangerous if they do not interfere with the patient and are not accidentally injured in daily life. The development of this type of growth is due to the influence of virus strains 2, 7 and 28. You can get this type of HPV in your daily life and during sexual intercourse.
Features of genital warts
There are two types of warts - pointed and wide. The first type occurs with HPV infection, and extensive growth is one of the symptoms of syphilis.
The localization sites of genital warts are mainly the mucous membranes of the urogenital area and the folds of skin that are exposed to friction against clothing.
The structure of genital warts is papillary. The molds are attached to a thin body, and the growths are fed through small veins and capillaries. Unlike papillomas, condylomata are often inflamed, and ulceration is possible in the growing body.
Genital warts are caused by 16, 18, 54 strains of the virus. This type of HPV is potentially dangerous, especially for women. There is a direct link between these types of viruses and the development of cervical cancer. Infection occurs through sexual contact.
How to distinguish papilloma from genital herpes?
The external difference between the growths is easy to see in the photo - papillomas are homogeneous, and condylomas have a fine papillary structure.
- The difference between a papilloma and a wart is the color of the growth. Papillomas can be very pigmented, the color of warts is generally light and does not differ from the mucous membranes.
- HPV, which causes the development of papillomas, is transmitted through home hygiene, personal hygiene, and even hand-shaking (when there are skin microtraumas). Warts are only sexually transmitted.
- Warts become inflamed. Papillomas can grow in size, show signs of inflammation and can be injured, but only as a result of traumatic impact.
- The shape of papillomas is mainly a round or oval "head" located on a soft trunk. Condylomata have irregular contours and can be arranged in groups. Genital warts are characterized by narrowing from the stalk to the end, which allows them to be distinguished from papillomas.
- The appearance of different types of growths is associated with different strains of the virus.
It is important to remember the main difference between a papilloma and a wart - growths on the genitals and mucous membranes must be removed.
Why are growths dangerous?
Papillomas and condylomata are conventionally considered safe neoplasms of the skin, but in the latter case the risk of benign cells turning into malignant cells is higher.
Condylomata are skin manifestations of oncogenic types of the virus. Years of research have identified a link between HPV and cervical cancer. Timely diagnosis with further removal of genital warts can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer in women.
Growths can be located not only on the skin and external genitalia, but also in the vagina and cervix. Due to the characteristics of blood circulation in the genitals, condyloma receives insufficient nutrition and can grow rapidly. In gynecology, there are cases when condylomata located on the wall of the vagina increase in diameter up to 10 cm.
Tips for removal
Warts should be removed even if they do not cause discomfort. This is primarily due to the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Removal of papillomas with or without skin is a personal matter for each patient. When the growth body is damaged, the risk of benign papillomas turning into oncological neoplasms increases. This may be due to hygiene rubbing, accidental damage to the nails, or washing during hygiene procedures.
You should consult a dermatologist in the following cases:
- papilloma greatly increased;
- discomfort is felt when pressed;
- bleeding or purulent discharge is noted;
- The skin around the growth becomes inflamed.
It takes five minutes to remove the thickness. The procedure is almost painless. It is important to understand that timely diagnosis will allow the timely detection of the onset of cell degeneration and stop the development of oncology.
How are structures removed?
Any skin growth should be removed by a specialist. Self-infusion of papillomas with folk remedies is not always effective. It is strictly forbidden to remove genital sputum at home.
A number of examinations should be performed before the procedure. First of all, the patient's blood is examined to determine the type of virus that causes the formation of neoplasms.
In multiple condylomata, the patient is prescribed antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy. This allows the virus to stop spreading and the immune system to fight HPV. Ointments containing an immunostimulant (such as interferon-based medications) help to get rid of genital herpes. Such drugs are available in the form of suppositories that allow you to successfully fight the growths on the walls of the vagina.
Methods of removing blockages:
- cryodestruction;
- electrocoagulation;
- laser burning;
- removal with a radio knife;
- cutting with a scalpel.
When genital herpes is removed, the tissues obtained as a result of the procedure are sent for histological analysis. For this purpose, surgical excision or laser removal is indicated.
Electrocoagulation is the cauterization of neoplasms. This method works well to remove small papillomas.
Cryodestruction is used to remove skin neoplasms, not mucous membranes. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth causing cell necrosis, resulting in the papilloma simply disappearing.
Radiofrequency ablation, or radiofrequency ablation, is an effective and almost painless method for removing genital warts. Under the influence of radio waves, the cells of the neoplasm are destroyed. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Laser depletion of genital warts is indicated in the presence of a large number of growths. The advantage of the method is the collapse of the vessels and capillaries that feed the formation. As a result of exposure, no marks are left on the skin, the risk of bleeding is excluded. Complete recovery of the epidermis occurs within 5-7 days after removal.
Folk remedies are not used to remove genital warts due to the high risk of damage to the mucous membranes by aggressive components of the composition. Alkaline drugs are also prohibited.
A photo will help you understand how warts differ from papillomas. If genital warts appear, it is advisable to consult your doctor and do not try to remove them yourself.