Many people, faced with neoplasms on the skin, do not always know how to distinguish papillomas from moles. Meanwhile, it is absolutely 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 formation that is not dangerous for a person. 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 protrude slightly above it.
In newborns, crumbs of nevi on the skin are not observed. Moles 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 varying intensity. The appearance of moles provokes the accumulation of an excessive amount of pigment in some areas of the skin. It is in such places that nevi form.
Why are moles on the body dangerous? It should be said again that by themselvessuch formations are harmless. However, under the influence of certain factors, they are able to degenerate into melanomas. Such neoplasms are one of the most common types 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 papilloma is 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 of HPV (human papillomavirus) in the body.
Papilloma can be localized on any part of the body. It is able to germinate on the skin or mucous membranes. Similar formations are found even on the internal organs. These growths are the result of human papillomavirus infection. Such infection is diagnosed in almost 80% of the population.
Infection can occur both sexually and by household. Papillomas have a different shape and size. Sometimes these 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, one should initially understand why nevi appear on the body. This is one of the significant differences between such formations.
So, moles result from the following sources:
- Cell accumulationmelanin. This is the main reason why nevi 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 genetically transmitted.
- Hormonal changes. During puberty, pregnancy, new nevi may appear on the body. This is dictated by the large amount of hormones produced by the pituitary gland in the body. They 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
Let's 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, is the 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, HPV may not manifest itself for many years. Why do papillomas suddenly start to appear?
Doctors cite the following factors that trigger the formation of such formations:
- lowered immunity;
- alcoholism;
- frequent infectious diseases;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- stress, depression;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- visiting public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools);
- longmedication with certain drugs (antibiotics).
When is a mole dangerous?
Nevuses on the surface of the body are 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. After all, in some cases they are able to transform into oncology.
Doctors give the following 5 signs that signal danger:
- Asymmetry. Mentally divide the nevus in half. The difference between the halves indicates danger.
- The edge of a mole. A he althy nevus has even borders. The jagged edge is worrisome.
- Bleeding. Nothing should stand out from a he althy education. If a mole begins to bleed, see a doctor immediately.
- Coloring. The nevus has a uniform shade. Spots, various inclusions testify to the danger of formation. It is extremely unpleasant if a white mole has formed from a dark nevus. Lightening often indicates the degeneration of education into malignant.
- Size. Large nevi are most at risk of degeneration 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 initially formed, then it simply indicates a reduced activity of pigment synthesis -melatonin.
Is papillomas dangerous?
Unfortunately yes. Doctors say that moles and papillomas on the body can lead to the development of oncology. Some types of HPV are known to be highly tumorigenic. They often lead to the development of cervical cancer (in women).
According to statistics, large or hanging papillomas are most susceptible to rebirth. To protect your body from the transformation of a benign into a malignant formation, you must adhere to a he althy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, and eat right. In addition, it is important to remember to follow the rules of personal hygiene.
Main differences
We looked at what moles and papillomas are. What is the difference between these formations?
You can distinguish a nevus from a papilloma by the following features:
- Pigmentation. A mole can differ in a variety of colors. For papilloma pigmentation is completely uncharacteristic. Therefore, such formations are always only light colors.
- Structure. This is an important sign that makes it clear how to distinguish papillomas from moles. The first have a soft, loose structure. The nevus is distinguished by its 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. The exception is angiomas. In other cases, moles do not contain blood 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 in their parents. Papillomas cannot be inherited.
- Location locations. Remember how to distinguish papillomas from moles: nevi can appear on any part of the body, and papillomas are more “selective”. They tend to form in areas subject to the greatest friction, or on mucous membranes.
- The form of education. A he althy mole is characterized by smooth edges and a symmetrical shape. Such characteristics are completely uncharacteristic of papillomas.
- The appearance of formations. In most cases, a person is endowed with nevi 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. A nevus can occupy a variety of areas. Sometimes the size of the mole is only a few millimeters. It is perfectly normal if the nevus occupies a large area. Papilloma initially has a small size. It does not exceed 15 mm. However, if damaged, such a formation can begin to grow rapidly. In this case, it can reach a size of 6 cm.
Diagnostic method
If an incomprehensible formation is found on the skin, the patient is advised 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 fromnevus.
PCR analysis will be recommended to confirm the presence of the virus in the body. 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 formation can lead to the development of oncology.
Medicated treatment
Modern pharmacology has provided a person with many excellent tools to get rid of moles and papillomas. Before resorting to the help of such drugs, you should consult a doctor. And only with his approval, you can choose for yourself the most effective remedy for papillomas and moles.
In medical practice, the following solutions have found the greatest popularity:
- Super Cleaner.
- "Podophyllin".
- Phenol in glycerin.
- Salicylic acid.
- Ferezol.
- Verrukacid.
- Cryopharma.
Prompt 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 with the necessary equipment.
Today, the following methods of removing formations are practiced:
- cryolysis;
- electrocoagulation;
- chemical destruction;
- laser removal;
- surgical excision.
Open surgery is undertaken only if there is a suspicion ofdegeneration of a papilloma or a mole into a malignant formation.
