How to distinguish papillomas from moles? Causes of appearance and treatment

Many people, faced with neoplasms on the skin, do not always know how to distinguish papillomas from moles. Meanwhile, it is quite easy to do this if you carefully consider the boundaries of education, study its structure and dimensions.

Characteristics of moles

A mole is a benign education that is harmless to a person. In medical practice, it is called a nevus. These formations may differ in color and size. In most cases, brown, black or red moles are observed . They are at the same level with the surface of the skin, sometimes they can protrude slightly above it.

In neonates, the crumbs of nevi are not observed on the skin. Birthmarks begin to appear on the covers from six months. And the process of formation of such formations continues constantly. It occurs in different individuals with different intensity. The appearance of moles causes the accumulation of excessive amounts of pigment in some parts of the skin. It is in such places that nevi are formed.

What are the most dangerous birth marks on the body? It should be said again that such formations are harmless in themselves. However, under the influence of some factors, they are able to degenerate into melanomas. Similar neoplasms are one of the most widespread varieties of oncology. Melanomas are characterized by the rapid development of metastases and high mortality (almost 80%).

Description of papilloma

This is a completely different education from the birthmark. Most people are interested in the question of what is papilloma and how to treat it. It should be noted that this is also a benign entity. However, its formation is dictated not by the accumulation of pigment, but by the presence of HPV (human papillomavirus) in the body .

Papilloma can be localized in any part of the body. It can germinate on the skin or mucous membranes. Similar formations are found even on internal organs. These growths are a consequence of papillomavirus infection. This infection is diagnosed in almost 80% of the population.

Infection can occur both sexually, and household. Papillomas have a different shape, size. Sometimes such formations are almost invisible. But in some individuals they hang over the affected area or resemble cauliflower in appearance.

Causes of the appearance of moles

Considering the question of how to distinguish papillomas from moles, it should first be disassembled with why nevi appear on the body. This is one of the essential differences of such formations.

So, moles arise from the following sources:

• Accumulation of melanin by cells. This is the main reason why nevi appear on the body.
• Hereditary factor. Very often birthmarks from close people are "duplicated". It is known that the ability to accumulate melanin in certain areas is transmitted genetically.
• Hormonal changes. During the period of puberty, pregnancy, new nevi can appear on the body. This is dictated by a large number of hormones in the body, produced by the pituitary gland. They activate the synthesis of melanin, which is the foundation for new birthmarks.
• Sun rays. Ultraviolet radiation has a very strong effect on the body. It increases the production of melanin, which leads to the formation of nevi.

Sources of papillomas

We continue to consider, as a result of which there are birthmarks and papillomas on the body. The causes of the appearance of the latter, as indicated above, is the infection of the body. The virus (HPV) penetrates into the mucous and skin layers. Here it begins to multiply, leading to pathological changes in the epidermis. However, over the years, HPV may not manifest itself. Why do papillomas suddenly start to appear?

Doctors cite the following factors, triggering the mechanism of formation of such formations:

• Decreased immunity;
• alcoholism;
• Frequent infectious ailments;
• Diseases of the digestive tract;
• Stress, depression;
• Frequent changes in sexual partners;
• Visiting public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools);
• Long-term medication with certain drugs (antibiotics).

When is a birthmark dangerous?

The nevuses on the surface of the body are quite normal. And even the appearance of new birthmarks is not a cause for concern. But it should be remembered that such formations require constant monitoring. After all, in some cases they are able to transform into an oncology.

Physicians give the following 5 signs that signal a danger:

• Asymmetry. Mentally divide the nevus in half. The difference between the halves indicates a danger.
• Edge of a birthmark. A healthy nevus has even boundaries. The jagged edge causes trouble.
• Bleeding. Of healthy education, nothing should stand out. If the mole began to bleed, then immediately consult a doctor.
• Coloring. The nevus differs in a uniform shade. The dangers of education are indicated by spots, various inclusions. It is extremely unpleasant if a white mole formed from a dark nevus. Clarification often indicates a degeneration of education into a malignant one.
• The size. Large nevi are most at risk of degeneration into oncology.
• Dynamics. Any changes that occur with birthmarks require attentive attitude and control by doctors.

However, remember that the white birthmark itself is not at all dangerous. If this formation was initially formed, it simply indicates a reduced activity of the pigment synthesis - melatonin.

Is papilloma dangerous?

Unfortunately yes. Physicians claim that moles and papillomas on the body can lead to the development of oncology. It is known that some types of HPV have a high oncogeneity. They often lead to the development of cervical cancer (in women).

According to statistics, large or hanging papillomas are most prone to degeneration. To protect your body from the transformation of benign to malignant education, you must adhere to a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, eat right. In addition, it is important to remember the rules of personal hygiene.

Main differences

We examined what are birthmarks and papillomas. What is the difference between such formations?

To distinguish a nevus from a papilloma it is possible on following features:

• Pigmentation. Mole may differ in most different colors. For the papilloma, the pigmentation is completely uncharacteristic. Therefore, such formations are always only light tones.
• Structure. This is an important sign that makes it clear how to distinguish papillomas from moles. The former have a soft, loose structure. The nevus differs in density and high hardness. But sometimes there are cases when moles and papillomas do not fully comply with this rule.
• Presence of blood vessels. Exceptions are angiomas. In other cases, birthmarks do not contain blood vessels. Papillomas are their opposite. It is known that such formations contain vessels in their composition.
• Heredity. Genetic predisposition is possessed only by nevi. That's why moles often appear in children in the same places as their parents. Papillomas can not be transmitted by inheritance.
• Locations of localization. Remember how to distinguish papillomas from moles: nevi can appear on any part of the body, and papillomas are more "selective." They, as a rule, are formed on the sites susceptible to the greatest friction, or on the mucous membranes.
• Form of education. For a healthy birthmark, smooth edges and a symmetrical shape are characteristic. Such characteristics are not at all characteristic of papillomas.
• Appearance of formations. In most cases, a man is endowed with nevi from birth. Papillomas indicate the infection of the body with a virus. That's why they appear on the body, usually a month after infection.
• Dimensions. The nevus can occupy a wide variety of areas. Sometimes the size of the birthmark is only a few millimeters. It is perfectly normal if the nevus occupies a large area. Papilloma initially has small dimensions. It does not exceed 15 mm. However, if damaged, such an education can begin to expand rapidly. In this case, it can reach a size of 6 cm.

Diagnostic method

If it is found on the skin of an incomprehensible education, the patient is recommended to consult a doctor. A qualified specialist will explain what papilloma is and how to treat it. The doctor will suggest methods to distinguish the symptoms of HPV infection from the nevus.

To confirm the presence of the virus in the body, PCR analysis will be recommended. Such a study not only determines the presence of HPV, but also allows to diagnose its type. Therefore, the doctor will say with high accuracy whether this education can lead to the development of oncology.

Medication

Modern pharmacology has provided man with a variety of excellent tools that allow getting rid of moles and papillomas. Before resorting to the help of such drugs, it is necessary to consult a doctor. And only with his approval can you choose for yourself the most effective remedy for papillomas and moles.

In medical practice, the greatest popularity found such solutions:

• "Superchistotel".
• "Podophyllin".
• Phenol in glycerin.
• Salicylic acid.
• Ferezol.
• "Verrukacid".
• "Cryopharma".

Operational removal

If necessary, the patient will be advised to eliminate the formation. Such a procedure should be conducted only in a special medical institution that has the necessary equipment.

Today, the following methods of removal of formations are practiced:

• Cryodestruction;
• Electrocoagulation;
• Chemical destruction;
• Laser removal;
• Surgical excision.

Open surgical intervention is undertaken only if there is a suspicion of the degeneration of the papilloma or mole in malignant education.