Papillomas are benign neoplasms localized to the skin and mucous membranes. They arise from the activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are of many different types. Some of them are harmless and create only a cosmetic defect, others are potentially dangerous and can develop into a cancerous tumor.
Mechanism of origin of papillomas
The appearance of a particular type of neoplasm depends on the type of virus with which a person is sick. Distinguish between low oncogenic species, in which growths do not pose a major risk to the carrier, and highly oncogenic. Neoplasms appear due to the papilloma virus, the action of which leads to excessive cell division, as a result of which the growth gradually increases.
"Safe" papillomas usually occur on the skin, while the most troublesome ones are located on the mucous membranes.Such neoplasms usually cause highly oncogenic strains of the virus. 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, palm, heel or foot.
Externally, they look like small papillary neoplasms with homogeneous structures. Common papillomas are soft to the touch, at the onset 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 increases and begins to darken. Sometimes hair can grow in the center of the wart.
Filiform papillomas
This type of papilloma got its name because of the small feet, thanks to which the neoplasm grows on the surface of the skin. The growth is distinguished by an elongated shape and has a size of about 5 mm. Most often, papillomas are located in places where the skin is thinner:
- chest;
- neck;
- eyelids;
- hip area;
- armpits.
Filiform papillomas are more typical for patients over 45 years of age, but sometimes they occur in young people. Increases increase with increasing disease.Gradually they start to stretch more.
The head of papillomas is yellow or pink, there is no pronounced pigmentation. A keratinized neoplasm is rarely found. With trauma, the pain is not noticed. Some others may appear at the site of the damaged filiform papilloma. If the growths are located on the face, it is recommended to stop using scrubs or brushes. In the armpit area, papillomas are also often injured by razors, which can adversely affect the patient's health.
Flat papillomas
This form of papilloma also localizes to the skin and resembles small plaques. Flat papillomas have a yellow tinge, the size does not exceed 1-2 mm. In structure, the growths are dense, their root is located under the skin. Because of this, pain can occur at the time of injury or pressure. Also, this structural feature sometimes leaves marks after removal of the agglomeration.
Typical symptoms that accompany the appearance of flat papillomas:
- redness of the skin around the growth;
- itching;
- pain on touch;
- inflammation.
Usually, growths appear on the face or hands, but sometimes they occur on the genitals. In women, they are usually found in the labia majora, in men, in the scrotum or anus. Flat papillomas grow rapidly in size and bleed when traumatized.
Genital warts
These growths usually occur in the groin or mucous membranes. They are caused only by the types of HPV that occur during unprotected sex. Most often they hit:
- vagina;
- vulva;
- cervix;
- anus area;
- scrotum;
- penis.
The growths are similar to thin papillae, they are small in size - 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, gradually merging with each other. Neoplasms quickly grow in size and grow. At this time, their shape begins to resemble cauliflower inflorescence.
Genital warts are considered one of the most dangerous types of papillomas.Aside from the fact that it is these growths that are able to degenerate into a malignant tumor, an infection often joins them. Also, neoplasms are prone to recurrence after removal, so patients will need to undergo regular examinations in order to control the concentration of HPV.
In rare cases, warts can form on internal organs such as the walls of the stomach or rectum. In this case, it is impossible to diagnose the presence of a neoplasm yourself. Lack of specific symptoms can become a problem in diagnosing and treating the disease.
Papillomat Lewandowski-Lutz
A fairly rare type of papilloma. Most often they occur on the feet and hands. A distinctive feature of the results are the uneven edges. They are usually brown, but can sometimes have a dark red tinge. This form of the disease can also contribute to the degeneration of neoplasms into malignant ones, so patients should consult a physician as soon as possible.
Plantar warts
These growths are more typical of children and adolescents, rarely occurring in adulthood. It is considered a common reaction of the body to a drop in immunity, accompanied by trauma to the bottom due to uncomfortable shoes. Unlike ordinary calluses, the wart is sharp and has serrated 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 large base that grows under the skin. It is usually completely keratinized due to constant consumption while walking. Over time, their growth increases, squeezing or touching them provokes discomfort and pain.
Due to the nature of the structure, the wart is difficult to remove from the skin, as most of it is located inside. Therefore, after removal, it is often necessary to place sutures, and a scar may remain at the site of the procedure.
Juvenile papillomas
Most infections occur in young children under the age of 5, as the infection usually occurs during birth. If a pregnant woman is a carrier of the papillomavirus and has genital warts in the vaginal area, the baby is more likely to become infected.
Juvenile papillomas located on the skin are not dangerous. However, they can also be localized in the larynx, which can cause the baby to have trouble breathing. In the initial stage, no signs of disease are observed. After a while, the following symptoms appear:
- feeling of a lump in the throat;
- difficulty swallowing saliva or food;
- impaired respiratory function.
In older children, changes in the voice may occur, which is a characteristic sign of ligament damage. Papillomas can grow and provoke 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 dramatically and spreads throughout the body. It is also called generalized papilloma virus. Usually a large accumulation of papillomas occurs on the hands, face, in the genital area. Papillomatosis, which occurs in the mucosal area or in internal organs, is potentially dangerous to humans.
Most often, papillomatosis is mentioned when juvenile papillomas appear in the laryngeal region. They are the ones that tend to grow a lot.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that there are relatively safe forms of papillomas, each of them needs regular examination by a specialist. This will help keep their growth under control and remove them immediately if necessary. In addition, it is important to remember that the presence of neoplasms is an indicator of papillomavirus infection, which also requires timely therapy.