What is papilloma (classification by type)

Papillomas are solid or tender-to-touch tumors that are lined from healthy skin on thin, long or short stalks (less often, on a broad base). The diameter of the neoplasm is from 1 mm to 1-2 cm, sometimes more. The surface is uneven, rough, reminiscent of cauliflower or cockscomb. Papillomas of the skin can be of different colors - from white to dirty brown, on the mucosa it is colorless or pearly white.

Papillomaviruses cause common types of papillomas - vulgar, flat, pointed, plantar and filiform. Growths are found on the skin, mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nose, pharynx, esophagus, larynx, bronchi, renal pelvis, bladder, genital organs.

The size and type of papilloma depend on the type of HPV and the location of the tumor.

Vulgar

Simple (vulgar) papillomas are also called warts. These are seals with a keratinized surface, which can be found on the skin of any part of the body, but more often on the palms of the hands, fingers, knees.

papilloma on finger

The wart may be the only one, or several elements appear. Incorporation of neoplasms on the skin is possible.

The patient ignores the initial symptoms (itching, redness, tingling) and sees nodules that have been overgrown with rough surfaces. This triggers the appearance of HPV type 2 vulgar warts.

taper

Condyloma - pointed papilloma, which belongs to a variety of oncogenic. These are small papillary neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. Some types of HPV can affect both women and men.

Condyloma is localized on the vulva, vagina, cervix or glans penis in men. Possible HPV damage to the urethra (urethra), ureters, anus, oral mucosa.

genital warts

Genital warts appear in clusters and develop rapidly. Infection only occurs through sexual contact. A special danger is condylomatosis for pregnant women, since the risk of infection in the newborn is high.

Condyloma can recur even after complex treatment. This condition is exacerbated by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

flat

Flat (also vulgar) is a type of papilloma with low oncogenic hazard. Flat neoplasms occur when 10, 28, 49 strains of HPV are introduced. These growths are found on the face, upper body, arms and legs.

flat papilloma on body

Flat papillomas slightly raised above the skin surface, have flesh or a light brown color. The shape of the neoplasm can be round or with jagged edges. The surface looks solid, but lacks keratinized cells.

Flat papillomas are painless, but cosmetic defects can cause discomfort.

plantar

Pain and discomfort when walking is caused by plantar warts. In the early stages of development, these are flat neoplasms that do not differ in color from the skin.

plantar papilloma

It's easy to distinguish plantar warts from calluses - this type of papilloma has no skin pattern. As it develops, the growth becomes coarse and coarse due to the keratinized layer and thrombosed capillaries.

The location of the plantar papilloma is the part of the foot that experiences pressure and friction.

filiform

Filamental papillomas (acrochords) are formations on the skin that most commonly affect the elderly and senile. The localization of tumor growth is the skin around the eyes, neck, axillary and inguinal areas.

filiform papilloma

At the beginning of the process, the papilloma has a long thin stalk, the formation is soft, then it thickens, grows and acquires a yellowish color.

This type of papilloma is often diagnosed in patients with anal polyps.

Varieties by growth method

At the site of HPV penetration, various papillomas are formed, which differ in appearance, speed of growth and localization on the skin or mucosa.

Plantar warts are characterized by deep germination in the thickness of the skin and have roots. Flat papillomas spread over the epidermis. In the form of papillae, filiform, finger-shaped and genital papillomas grow.

Papillomas, growing on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, larynx, nasal cavity and trachea, cause disturbances in phonation and respiration.

Classification by oncogenicity

Papilloma refers to benign neoplasms. However, each type of HPV carries, to a greater or lesser extent, the threat of degeneration of benign tumors into malignant tumors. Classification implies the definition of three levels of risk: high, medium and low.

There are varieties of papilloma that have a high rate of oncorisk. They occur when harmful types of HPV are introduced (eg, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52).

Papillomavirus with the mean level of danger is 20, 30, 35, 52, 53, 58.

Low risk - HPV types 6, 11, 42, 44.

Strains 1-5, 7, 10, 12, 17, 20-24 are considered relatively safe. This definition is arbitrary, as types can change groups during scientific research.

How does the virus enter the body

Papillomavirus affects 70 to 90% of people. The virus circulates in the blood without showing itself until an important factor is added - a decrease in immune defenses.

The immune system suffers from stress, drug and alcohol use, smoking, an unbalanced diet, vitamin deficiencies, past infectious diseases, and chronic illnesses.

human papilloma virus

This virus is unstable in the environment and is transmitted by direct contact.

Infection occurs domestically due to neglect of the rules of using public places and the use of other people's personal hygiene products, through sexual contact, and also from mother to baby during childbirth.

The penetration of the papilloma virus into the body is facilitated by microtrauma.

Also, the cause of HPV can be unprotected sexual contact and frequent change of sexual partners.

Papilloma diagnosis

Papillomas are diagnosed by a dermatologist and venereologist. Often a consultation with a gynecologist or urologist is required.

It is urgent to consult a doctor if there is a suspicion that the papilloma is benign. The doctor will determine the type of neoplasm visually and use laboratory diagnostic methods (blood, urine, smear tests).

What is a papilloma - oncogenic or safe - will be shown by PCR examination. The polymerase chain reaction is a high-tech molecular genetic diagnostic method. PCR diagnostics allows you to determine the type and amount of virus in the body. It helps identify neoplasms affecting internal organs.

During routine preventive examinations, the obstetrician can detect warts in the vagina or on the cervix.

Neoplasms in the urethra, bladder, renal pelvis are determined by ultrasound.

When removing papillomas, a biopsy is performed - a histological analysis to determine the oncogenic risk.

Skin diseases must be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. This will prevent the degeneration of the neoplasm.

How to get rid of papillomas?

Treatment of papillomas is always complex and individual. The doctor takes into account the state of the immune system, the presence of comorbidities, analyzes the results of laboratory tests.

Drug therapy depends on the type of education.

Antiviral drugs inhibit the reproduction of HPV. The use of immunomodulators will increase the body's protective function. The doctor will prescribe treatment under the control of laboratory parameters. Shows vitamin therapy courses.

Use acidic and alkaline agents, ointments for external use.

Surgical treatment methods are diverse, there are cost-effective methods of removing neoplasms.

Growths on the skin and mucous membranes undergo cryodestruction - short-term exposure to liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. Papillomas instantly freeze, then collapse and die.

It is possible to remove the tumor with lasers, radio waves and electric current (electrocoagulation).

In the case of degenerating (malignant) papillomas, the affected area is excised with a scalpel.

As a result of complex treatment, the activity of the papillomavirus is reduced, but the virus is not destroyed. Therefore, it is necessary to be observed by a specialist.

What are the dangers of self-medication?

Self-removal of warts is not recommended, as this can lead to complications - infection, chemical burns and bleeding. And if in this way they try to clean the face and neck area, this can lead to cosmetic defects. Injured papillomas quickly turn into malignant tumors.

Papillomaviruses are opportunistic, but against the background of the growth of neoplasms and their transformation into oncogenic ones, precancerous and cancerous conditions can develop. HPV is found in 85-95% of women with cervical dysplasia. Self-medication delays the process. Access to a doctor too early complicates treatment - time will be lost, which is invaluable for detecting cancer.

Prevention of diseases caused by papillomavirus is important. These include strengthening the immune system, preventing STDs and using barrier contraceptives during sexual intercourse.

Vaccination will help prevent the development of cervical cancer, after which antibodies against oncogenic HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18 are produced in the body.

When planning a pregnancy, women are advised to be screened for papillomavirus and urinary tract infections. Viral infections in women can trigger complications during pregnancy and childbirth.