Each strain of HPV causes different types of papillomas. They differ in appearance and place of appearance. They have a low or high oncogenic level. Papilloma is a consequence of the HPV virus. Sometimes skin neoplasms appear on the human skin in completely different places with some common symptoms. They have one common name - papillomas. They differ from each other in shape, structure, position on the body, degree of oncogenic danger. Depending on these factors, papillomas have their own special names. What are papillomas and why do they appear?
What are papillomas?
"Tumor in the form of a papilla", this is how the term papilloma is translated from Latin. These growths on the skin are caused by the HPV virus. Every papilloma is a benign neoplasm, however, depending on the strain (type) of the papilloma virus, it has an oncogenic risk.
Variety of papillomas according to oncogenic risk:
- Low oncogenic risk.
- High oncogenic risk.
The second group includes strains - 82, 73, 68, 59, 58, 56, 52, 51, 45, 39, 35, 33, 31, 18, 16. Growths on the skin can be completely different colors. The color scheme of papilloma can be from light to almost black. Sometimes an elongated papilloma grows on the body, other types of HPV are flat or, conversely, overgrown, resembling a rooster's comb.
Only a doctor can determine the nature of the papilloma virus by conducting the necessary diagnostics:
- visual examination of the patient;
- taking tests to identify the strain of the virus.
The virus enters the body under favorable conditions for it. You must be in contact with a carrier of the virus or with contaminated objects and your immunity must be weakened.
Usually HPV is easily blocked by the immune system, there are several reasons why it fails:
- long-term medications;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- drug use;
- excessive use of alcohol and cigarettes.
Each type of this disease requires timely treatment. Papillomas on the body have an unpleasant feature of growing and sometimes mutating into an oncological disease. A visit to the doctor is a necessary preventive measure.
Simple papillomas (vulgar)
This is the most common type of papilloma on the body. People call them warts, they appear gradually. First, a small tubercle grows on the skin. It gradually increases in diameter and changes color from pale flesh to more saturated brown. The structure of the vulgar papilloma also changes, it becomes hard, keratinization appears.
Vulgar papillomas are more often found on:
- palms;
- fingers;
- the skin between the fingers
- knees;
- sometimes it forms on the face, back, neck
Such neoplasms can appear in groups. First, the "mother papilloma" appears, and then daughter growths are formed.
Children and adolescents are particularly sensitive to this type of HPV. Vulgar papillomas are usually benign in nature, they do not degenerate into oncological formations. Strains 75-77, 26-29, 41, 38, 49, 57, 65 are responsible for the appearance of such neoplasms.
Simple types of viruses on the body include plantar warts. The name refers to the place of their appearance. The growth on the sole grows individually, it can be recognized by its characteristic protruding rim. It usually does not cause discomfort, but sometimes it can interfere with walking. In order not to confuse a corn with a plantar wart, remember that the corn has a smooth and flat surface on which the skin pattern appears. Plantar warts are caused by strains 1-4.
Both of these are easily removed in a medical clinic. But do not rush to the doctor, such growths can disappear on their own.
Flat papillomas
This growth is immediately distinguishable from other skin neoplasms.
It rises only slightly above the skin, if you look closely, you can see that its surface, which appears dense, appears to be composed of small nodules. A flat nipple does not have a predetermined shape, it can be with jagged edges or, conversely, rounded.
Flat papilloma does not have a process of keratinization (death and keratinization of skin cells), therefore there are no skin grooves characteristic of other types of papilloma.
The color of such accumulation is usually light, sometimes it darkens and becomes brown. Flat papillomas cannot be dark brown.
locations:
- shins;
- weapon;
- back;
- on the face they appear on the cheeks, around the eyes and on the chin.
Flat neoplasms are immediately noticeable to strangers (if they are in open places). In addition to visual ugliness, they cause physical discomfort in the form of itching. When you try to scratch them, they start to "burn".
Such formations should be shown to a dermatologist. It is unlikely that you will prescribe the right treatment for yourself. The doctor must examine you, make a diagnosis and, taking into account all physical characteristics, prescribe treatment. Such growths are easier to eliminate immediately after they appear. Old growths will have to be removed by an operative method. Squamous papillomas are caused by virus types 49, 28, 10.
Pointed papillomas (warts)
They have a characteristic appearance, which allows them not to be confused with other types of papillomavirus. Externally, such a papilloma can be compared to a "cauliflower" or a "rooster's comb". Condylomas are attached to the skin and grow on a short stalk. They are solitary and grow in large groups. Such a neoplasm of HPV in women can reach a large size.
The color of growths varies depending on the place of their appearance. Condylomas can be white, fleshy, pale pink and light red to maroon in color. Sometimes such growths secrete a foul-smelling liquid.
Genital warts are often injured due to their specific location.
The main localization of genital warts:
- Sexual organs.
- Anal area.
- Groin.
- Urethra.
- Vagina and cervix in women.
Such human papillomavirus is transmitted only through sexual contact. Its development is caused by a virus 69, 55, 54, 51, 44, 42, 6, 1
If left untreated, a pre-oncological condition may develop. The virus accumulates in the tissues near the growth and changes the DNA composition of the epithelium and mucous membrane, which causes penile oncology in men and cervical cancer in women. Genital warts must be removed.
Filiform papillomas
They are also called acrochords. They grow mostly individually, but there are also groups of acrochords. If it is accidentally torn off, a new process will appear again in its place, moreover, the growth can wander around the body, grow. They do not cause pain.
There is a more aesthetic rejection of the lumps, especially if the papilloma has grown on the face. Color range from flesh to brown. The acrochord is elongated and elastic, sometimes there are keratinized papillomas.
Favorite places of appearance of body parts with delicate skin:
- face (eyelid area, nose);
- inguinal folds;
- on the neck;
- armpit;
- under the breast (in women).
If acrocord appears on the face, you should not use scrubs and brushes so as not to injure it. Growths under the armpits are often injured by razors.
It is better to visit a doctor and remove the neoplasm in the clinic to avoid infection and degeneration of the disease into oncology. The latter rarely occurs in filiform papillomas.
The viruses that cause this type of HPV are strains 2 and 7. Acrochordas are more common in older people because the skin loses elasticity over time.
Sometimes the disease affects children and adolescents.
These are the most common forms of HPV. According to the information about the types of viruses, you can independently make a preliminary diagnosis. A medical examination is required for a more accurate diagnosis.
Apart from these forms of HPV, there are also other types of papillomas. For example, papillomatosis of the larynx, papilloma of the choroid (growing in the brain), papillomas in the stomach are called gastric papillitis. Internal papillomas are the most dangerous, sometimes the patient goes to the doctor with an advanced stage of HPV. You can die from internal neoplasms. For example, growths in the larynx interfere with the respiratory process and can cause suffocation. Any HPV disease requires immediate medical attention.