Many people, when faced with neoplasms on the skin, do not always know how to distinguish papillomas from moles. Meanwhile, to do this is completely uncomplicated if you carefully consider the boundaries of education, examine its structure and dimensions.
Mole Characterization
A mole is a benign formation that is harmless to humans. In medical practice, it is called a nevus. These formations may vary in color and size. In most cases, brown, black or red moles are observed. They are located on the same level with the surface of the skin, sometimes they can slightly protrude above it.
In newborn babies, nevus on the skin is not observed. Moles begin to appear on the integument from six months. And the process of formation of such formations continues constantly. It occurs in different individuals with different intensities. The appearance of moles provokes the accumulation of excessive amounts of pigment in some areas of the skin. It is in such places that nevi are formed.
Why are moles on the body dangerous ? It should be said once again that such formations themselves are harmless. However, under the influence of certain factors, they are able to degenerate into melanomas. Such neoplasms are one of the common 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 formation from a mole. 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 formation. However, its formation is not dictated by the accumulation of pigment, but by the presence in the body of HPV (human papillomavirus).
Papilloma can be localized anywhere in the body. It is able to germinate on the skin or mucous membranes. Similar formations are found even on internal organs. These growths are a consequence of human papillomavirus infection. Such an 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 moles
Considering the question of how to distinguish papillomas from moles, it should initially be dealt with why nevi appear on the body. This is one of the significant differences between such entities.
So, moles arise as a result of the following sources:
- Accumulation of melanin by cells. This is the main reason why nevuses appear on the body.
- Hereditary factor. Very often, moles in loved ones are "duplicated." It is known that the ability to accumulate melanin in certain areas is transmitted genetically.
- Hormonal changes. During puberty, pregnancy, new nevi may appear on the body. This is dictated by the large amount in the body of hormones produced by the pituitary gland. It is they who activate the synthesis of melanin, which is the foundation for new moles.
- Sun rays. Ultraviolet radiation has a very strong effect on the body. It increases the production of melanin, leading to the formation of nevi.
Sources of papillomas
We continue to consider, as a result of which moles, papillomas appear on the body. The reasons for the appearance of the latter, as mentioned above, are infection of the body. The virus (HPV) penetrates 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 appear?
Doctors give the following factors that trigger the formation of such formations:
- reduced immunity;
- alcoholism;
- frequent infectious ailments;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases;
- stress, depression;
- frequent changes of sexual partners;
- visiting public places (baths, saunas, pools);
- long-term drug treatment with certain drugs (antibiotics).
When is a mole dangerous?
Nevuses on the surface of the body - this is quite normal. And even the appearance of new moles is not a cause for concern. But it should be remembered that such formations require constant monitoring. Indeed, in some cases, they are able to transform into oncology.
Doctors give the following 5 signs that signal a danger:
- Asymmetry. Mentally divide the nevus in half. The difference between the halves indicates danger.
- The edge of the mole. A healthy nevus has even boundaries. Toothed edge causes alarm.
- Bleeding. Nothing should stand out from a healthy education. If the mole begins to bleed, then consult a doctor immediately.
- Coloring. Nevus has a uniform shade. The danger of formation is indicated by spots, various inclusions. It is extremely unpleasant if a white mole is formed from a dark nevus. Lightening often indicates a degeneration of the formation into a malignant one.
- The size. Large nevi are most at risk of transformation into oncology.
- Dynamics. Any changes that occur with moles require careful attention and control by doctors.
However, remember that a white mole in itself is not at all dangerous. If such a formation was originally formed, then it simply indicates a reduced activity of the synthesis of the pigment - melatonin.
Is papilloma dangerous?
Unfortunately yes. Doctors say that moles and papillomas on the body can lead to the development of oncology. It is known that some types of HPV have high oncogenicity. 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 a benign into a malignant formation, you must adhere to a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, eat right. In addition, it is important to remember the observance of the rules of personal hygiene.
The main differences
We examined what moles and papillomas are. What is the difference between such entities?
You can distinguish nevus from papilloma by the following features:
- Pigmentation. Mole can vary in a variety of colors. For papillomas, pigmentation is completely not characteristic. Therefore, such formations are always only in bright colors.
- Structure. This is an important sign that makes it clear how to distinguish papillomas from moles. The former have a soft, loose structure. Nevus is characterized by density and high hardness. But sometimes there are cases when moles and papillomas do not fully comply with this rule.
- The presence of blood vessels. An exception are angiomas. In other cases, moles do not contain vessels. Papillomas are their opposite. It is known that such formations contain vessels in their composition.
- Heredity. Only nevi have a genetic predisposition. That is why moles often appear in children in the same places as their parents. Papillomas are not able to be inherited.
- Places of localization. Remember how to distinguish papillomas from moles: nevi can appear on any part of the body, and papillomas are more "selective". They are usually formed in areas subject to the greatest friction, or on the mucous membranes.
- Form of education. A healthy mole is characterized by smooth edges and a symmetrical shape. Such characteristics are completely not peculiar to papillomas.
- The appearance of formations. In most cases, a person is endowed with nevus from birth. Papillomas indicate infection of the body with a virus. That is why they appear on the body, usually a month after infection.
- Sizes. Nevus can occupy a variety of areas. Sometimes the size of a mole is only a few millimeters. It is perfectly normal if the nevus occupies a large area. Papilloma is initially small in size. It does not exceed the figure of 15 mm. However, with damage, such a formation can begin to grow rapidly. In this case, it is able to reach a size of 6 cm.
Diagnostic method
If an incomprehensible formation is found on the skin, the patient is recommended to consult a doctor. A qualified specialist will explain what papilloma is and how to treat it. The doctor will tell you methods to distinguish the symptoms of HPV infection from nevus.
To confirm the presence of a virus in the body, PCR analysis will be recommended. Such a study not only determines the presence of HPV, but also allows you to diagnose its type. Therefore, the doctor will say with high accuracy whether this education can lead to the development of oncology.
Drug treatment
Modern pharmacology has provided people with many excellent tools to get rid of moles and papillomas. Before resorting to the help of such drugs, it is necessary to consult a doctor. And only with its approval can you choose for yourself the most effective remedy for papillomas and moles.
In medical practice, the following solutions were most popular:
- Superchistotel.
- "Podophylline."
- Phenol in glycerol.
- Salicylic acid.
- Ferezol.
- "Verrucacid."
- "Cryopharma".
Online deletion
If necessary, the patient will be advised to eliminate the formation. Such a procedure should be carried out only in a special medical institution that has the necessary equipment.
Today, the following methods of removing formations are practiced:
- cryodestruction;
- electrocoagulation;
- chemical destruction;
- laser removal;
- surgical excision.
An open surgical intervention is taken only if there is a suspicion of the degeneration of a papilloma or a mole into a malignant formation.