How to differentiate between papilloma and genital warts

The presence of this growth is associated with the presence of HPV in the body. They may not remind you of themselves for a long time.

Reason for occurrence

The cause of warts is the papillomavirus, which causes papillomatosis. This growth can appear on the skin if irritating factors are present:

• Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency;
• stressful situations;
• influenza;
• use of cytostatics;
• Long-term use of antibiotics, hormones, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Chronic vitamin deficiency;
• Persistent urogenital infection;
• Herpes virus is present in the body.

attention! The presence of HPV in the body does not guarantee the development of tumors.

risk subgroup

Papillomaviruses are observed in the blood of approximately 85% of the population. Many people do not realize they are carriers of the virus because HPV remains latent and does not show outward symptoms. People with weakened immune systems due to past illness, pregnancy and diabetes are at risk.Additionally, people who take medications that suppress their immune system are also susceptible to infections. People who frequently change sexual partners are also at high risk.

route 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 kissing. Penetrates into the mucous membranes of reproductive organs and enters the body through microscopic damage. Infections can survive in them for a long time.
2. During delivery. The infection occurs from mother to child during childbirth. At this time, the baby may develop oral genital warts and anogenital hyperplasia.
3. domestic. It is rarely spread through contact. It enters the body through micro-tears in the skin. This happens when people share personal hygiene products.

But by eliminating these methods of infection, it is possible to prevent the onset of pathology.

Characteristics of papilloma

HPV comes in different forms and has the following characteristics:

• Located in the body but no new growths are forming on the skin. In this case, doctors diagnose a hidden form of pathology. Pathogens without cutaneous manifestations can be detected using PCR;
• The virus grows on the skin in a free form;
• Promote epithelial cell degeneration from benign to tumor.

What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts are tumors on the skin and mucous membranes that are inflammatory in nature. They are classified into the following categories:

• broad, broad-based;
• Point to the thin stem. They often appear on the genital skin and armpits. Sometimes located at the corners of the mouth.

It is recommended to remove genital warts in the first stages of their development. Only in this case will it be possible to eliminate the pathology once and for all. Conservative treatment methods often fail to achieve the desired results.

Symptoms and signs

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

• formation of growth;
• Skin allergies;
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• Redness and itching.

attention! Skin irritation and itching sometimes indicate another condition. If such symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor immediately.

main difference

During visual external examination and when determining the type, many patients confuse one type of wart for another without experience. They are divided into two types:

• Papillomas – round or linear with a thin base.
• Genital warts are irregularly shaped growths. Their uneven contours typically protrude 0. 5 cm from the skin.

Unlike papilloma, genital warts usually form on the dermis near the genitals, the labia, and the foreskin of the penis. They appear darker in color, and their formation confirms the presence of the HPV pathogen in the body.

diagnosis

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

• Vision test;
• PCR, which can determine the presence of HPV;
• Genotyping. Analysis to identify virus types;
• Histological diagnosis. Allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology and the likelihood of malignancy.

treatment method

Under no circumstances should you remove warts on your own. Before removing the growth, doctors recommend the following steps:

• Take antiviral medications. This makes it possible to inhibit HPV activity;
• Improve immune system function - take vitamins and immune modulators.

Treatment must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Hardware removal

Skin tumors can be eliminated by:

• surgical. Until recently, it was the main method of eliminating tumors. After the scab falls off, a scar will form on the affected area. This has prompted experts to look for other ways to remove the growth.
• Chemical. In order to burn off warts, special medicines containing strong acids are used.
• Freeze solidification. Freeze growth at low temperatures using liquid nitrogen. The increased risk of recurrence is a significant disadvantage of using this approach.
• radio waves. It's painless and quick.
• Use laser. One of the newest ways to get rid of 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. Only based on these indicators can doctors formulate specific resection methods.

possible complications

If there is no treatment for the pathology, then the possibility of further infection increases, as a result, the growth spreads to other areas of the skin and significantly weakens the function of the immune system. Such growths are dangerous because they can cause complications:

• formation of papillomas, genital warts, and warts;
• Papillomatosis. The tumor grows extensively;
• bleeding. Usually after excision of the papilloma with hardware;
• Infect. During oncological trauma, the likelihood of infection increases;
• Tumor suppuration;
• Ulcers form due to prolonged friction with clothing;
• Precancerous lesions;
• Cancer cell growth in the body;
• risk of skin cancer;
• Childhood suffocation. When the larynx is affected by papillomas, breathing difficulties often occur. There is a choking hazard.

important! Human papillomavirus is a serious pathology. It is impossible to ignore it and treat it independently. Otherwise, the condition may worsen.