Papillomas are benign neoplasms located on the skin and mucous membranes. They result from the activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are of many different types. Some of them are harmless and only create a cosmetic defect, others are potentially dangerous and can develop into a cancerous tumor.
The mechanism of the origin of papillomas
The appearance of a particular type of neoplasm depends on the type of virus a person is ill with. Distinguish between low oncogenic strains, in which the growths do not represent a great danger to the carrier, and highly oncogenic. Neoplasms appear due to papillomavirus, the action of which leads to excessive cell division, as a result of which growth gradually grows.
"Safe" papillomas usually occur on the skin, while the most alarming are located in the mucous membranes.Such neoplasms usually cause highly oncogenic virus types. 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 daily life.
Warts usually occur on the fingers, palms, soles of the feet, or feet.
Externally they look like small papillary neoplasms with homogeneous structures. Ordinary papillomas are soft to the touch, at the beginning of the disease, their pigmentation is weak: the color practically does not differ from the color of the body.
However, as the disease progresses, the growth grows and begins to darken. Sometimes the hair can grow in the center of the wart.
Filiform papillomas
This type of papillomas got its name from the small legs, thanks to which the neoplasm protrudes above the surface of the skin. The growth has an elongated shape and is about 5 mm in size. Most often, papillomas are localized in the places where the thinnest skin is located:
- chest;
- neck;
- eyelids;
- groin area;
- armpits.
Filiform papillomas are more typical for patients over 45 years of age, but they sometimes occur in young people. The growths tend to increase 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. Many others can appear at the site of the damaged filiform papilloma. If the growths are found on the face, it is recommended to stop using scrubs or brushes. In the armpit area, papillomas are often damaged by razors, which can adversely affect the patient's health.
Flat papillomas
This form of papilloma 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 the 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. In addition, this structural feature sometimes leaves scars after the buildup is removed.
Typical symptoms accompanying the appearance of flat papillomas:
- redness of the skin around the growth;
- itching;
- pain to touch;
- inflammation.
Usually, growths appear on the face or hands, but sometimes they occur on the genitals. In women, they are usually found 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 found in the groin or mucous membranes. They are caused only by HPV strains that occur during unprotected sex. Most often they hit:
- vagina;
- vulva;
- cervix;
- area of the anus;
- scrotum;
- penis.
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, which gradually merge with each other. Neoplasms rapidly grow in size and grow. At this time, their shape begins to resemble cauliflower inflorescences.
Genital warts are considered to be one of the most dangerous types of papillomas.Besides the fact that it is these growths that are capable of degenerating into a malignant tumor, an infection often joins them. Also, cancers are prone to relapse after removal, so patients will need to undergo regular examinations to check the HPV concentration.
In rare cases, warts may form on internal organs such as the stomach walls or rectal area. 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 hands. A distinctive feature of the growths is the uneven edges. They are usually brown in color, but can sometimes have a dark red tint. This form of the disease can also contribute to the degeneration of neoplasms into malignant ones, so patients should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Plantar warts
These growths are more typical for children and adolescents, rarely occurring 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 corns, 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 broad base that grows subcutaneously. It is usually fully keratinized due to constant abrasion when walking. Over time the growth increases, squeezing or touching them causes discomfort and pain.
Due to the nature of the structure, the wart is difficult to remove from the skin, as most of it is inside. Therefore, after removal, stitches often need to be applied, and a scar may remain at the site of the procedure.
Juvenile papillomas
Most infections occur in children under 5 years of age, as infection usually occurs during childbirth. If a pregnant woman is a carrier of the papillomavirus and has genital warts in the vaginal area, the baby is very likely to be infected.
Juvenile papillomas localized on the skin are not dangerous. However, they can also be located 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 lump in the throat;
- difficulty swallowing saliva or food;
- impaired respiratory function.
Older children may experience changes in the voice, which is a characteristic sign of damage to the ligaments. Papillomas can grow and cause 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 significantly and spreads throughout the body. It is also called generalized papillomavirus. There is usually a large accumulation of papillomas on the hands, face, genital area. Papillomatosis, which occurs in the area of the mucous membranes or on the internal organs, is potentially dangerous for humans.
Most often, papillomatosis is mentioned when juvenile papillomas appear in the region of the larynx. They are the ones who tend to outgrow.
Conclusion
Although there are relatively safe forms of papillomas, each of them needs regular examination by a specialist. This will help keep their growth in check and remove them promptly if needed. In addition, it is important to remember that the presence of neoplasms is an indicator of papillomavirus infection, which also requires timely therapy.