What is the difference between a wart and a papilloma?

1. What does a wart look like?
2. What is papilloma
3. What are the similarities
4. What is the difference

The difference between a papilloma and a wart is a set of external signs by which one or another tumor can be recognized. These growths have the same origin - the activity of HPV in the body. These are benign formations that can affect any part of the body, as well as the mucous membrane and internal ducts.

What does a wart look like?

Photo of warts

A wart is a benign growth that consists of keratinized epidermal cells. These growths have an extensive capillary network that feeds them. The surface of warts is dense and durable. This helps protect the internal soft part of the tumor from injury.

The diameter of the wart reaches 2-10 mm. This formation has an uneven upper part, but more or less clear boundaries. The shape of the growth may be irregular or round. The shade ranges from flesh to dirty gray and brown. In the center of the wart, unlike papilloma, there may be a rod in the form of a black dot surrounded by capillaries.

The photo shows simple, plantar and flat warts (from left to right)

There are quite a few types of warts. Their types can be grouped into the following categories:

1. Simple. They are also called "vulgar". This type of wart makes up about 70% of the total number of skin growths. Typically found in young people. They have a round shape and can rise up to 5 mm. Initially they have a flesh-colored tint, but over time they can become gray or brown. Prone to overgrowth.
2. Plantar. Occurs in approximately 30% of cases. They are also called “spikes”. Located on the feet and palms. They look like a thorn embedded in the epidermis. Sometimes they can cause pain and prevent a person from walking.
3. Flat. They are also called juvenile, as they mainly affect young people during adolescence. In general, not very common - about 4%. They have a flat surface, flesh-colored or brownish in color. They can rise above the skin by 1-2 mm. Usually grouped in the back of the hands and face.

Most often, all types of warts are located in places that are prone to injury, for example, elbows, feet, palms, knees.

What is papilloma?

Photo of papilloma

To understand the difference between a wart and a papilloma, you should know what a papilloma is. This is also a benign growth that appears due to the activity of HPV.

Outwardly, these neoplasms resemble “hanging moles.” However, it is important to understand that the difference between moles, papillomas and warts lies in the reasons for their appearance. In warts and papillomas it is viral. Moles do not.

Papillomas have a round shape and a soft structure. They usually have a wide papillary base and are attached by a thin “leg” to the surface of the body. The shade ranges from flesh to brown. These are painless formations that can sometimes provoke itching if the virus is activated and papillomas grow on the skin.

The size of such growths is in the range of 0.2-10 mm. Like other viral formations on the skin, papillomas can grow and increase in size.

What are the similarities between papillomas and warts?

It should be remembered that in addition to the difference between warts and papillomas, they have many common features. The similarity is due to the same nature of origin.

Let's look at the main general features:

1. They affect the surface layer of the epidermis.
2. Their appearance is provoked by papillomavirus.
3. They appear with the same accompanying factors: weakened immunity, stress, infectious diseases.
4. Initially, these neoplasms are benign, but can become malignant under the influence of various factors.
5. These tumors have blood vessels and can bleed heavily if damaged.
6. When injured or activated by the papilloma virus, these growths can itch, cause irritation, and swelling of neighboring tissues.
7. Tendency to relapse after removal if additional immunostimulating therapy is not performed.

1. Read also about the localization of papillomas on the body

What is the difference between a papilloma and a wart?

Despite many similarities, there are also many differences between papillomas and warts. Let's look at them:

1. Localization. Papillomas are most often located in folds of the skin, areas of profuse sweating. Warts affect exposed areas of the body.
2. Features of treatment. Papillomas cannot disappear without the use of special therapeutic measures. Warts often go away on their own. It is advisable to treat human papillomas by removal in medical institutions. It is possible to treat warts yourself at home using aggressive cauterizing substances.
3. Tendency to grow. Papillomas may increase in size, but they do not decrease. The difference between a wart and a papilloma is that it can become larger or smaller during development. And sometimes it disappears completely.
4. Shape and structure. Papillomas have a thin stalk with which they are attached to the skin. Warts “sit” on a wide base, slightly protruding above the surface of the epidermis.
5. Feeling of discomfort. Papillomas can sometimes itch or cause a burning sensation. Warts tend to hurt a little if they are located in areas of strong mechanical stress, such as on the feet. Sometimes warts, unlike papillomas, can bleed for no reason.
6. Tendency to malignancy. Papillomas caused by a highly oncogenic virus can often become malignant and develop into cancerous tumors. Warts rarely cause such complications.

The presence of any neoplasms on the body should be a reason to consult a doctor. Only he will be able to establish the exact cause and nature of their appearance.

What is the difference between a wart and a papilloma - watch the video:

Photos and differences between papillomas and warts can be found on the Internet. However, this is not a reason to independently diagnose yourself and begin self-medication. Improper treatment of skin growths can lead to rapid growth of the tumor and its degeneration into a malignant formation. Only comprehensive diagnostics, which can identify the pathogen and its strain, will help establish an accurate diagnosis.

1. Related article: Difference between papilloma and condyloma