What is the difference between a wart, papilloma and a mole?

1. Types of benign skin neoplasms
2. Reasons for appearance
   1. Moles
   2. Warts
   3. Papillomas
3. How to distinguish a wart, papilloma and mole

Moles, papillomas and warts are skin growths that are initially benign in nature. The reasons for the occurrence of these growths are different, and they also differ in appearance. It is necessary to know the differences between moles and warts and papillomas in order to promptly recognize the first symptoms and begin treatment if a neoplasm degenerates into a malignant one.

Types of benign skin neoplasms

The photo shows the appearance of a mole (1), wart (2) and papillomas (3)

Human skin consists of 3 main layers. Benign neoplasms are usually located in the upper and middle layers. Their main distinguishing feature is their slow growth. These growths are strictly localized and do not affect neighboring cells and tissues. They are harmless, but under certain unfavorable conditions they can degenerate into malignant ones.

Among the most common benign neoplasms are the following:

1. Papillomas. The most common are thread-like (acrochords), spreading throughout the body, mainly appearing on the neck, under the arms, and on the chest. Also considered quite common are genital papillomas (condylomas), which are localized on the genitals. Read what causes papillomas.
2. Warts. The most common types: flat (youthful) - most often found on the soles and palms, vulgar (ordinary) - located on the palms, feet, fingers, elbows. Read about the signs of warts.
3. Moles (nevi). The most common are pigmented nevi, which are a cluster of cells that produce melanocytes. They are usually different shades of brown and may protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. Hemangiomas (red, benign neoplasms) are somewhat less common. In essence, this is a pathology of capillary development. They look like nodules that protrude above the skin.

In addition to moles, papillomas and warts, they can also be found on the body atheromas - wen. They arise due to blockage of the ducts of the sebaceous glands. However, unlike the above neoplasms, wen are localized under the skin, can only protrude slightly above it and do not have a characteristic color.

Causes of neoplasms on the skin

Various types of neoplasms are essentially the result of uncontrolled division of epidermal cells. Various factors can trigger this process. Let's look at the causes of moles, papillomas and warts in more detail.

Why do moles appear?

Moles (nevi) appear almost immediately after a person is born. Their maximum number is formed on the body during puberty and is associated with the riot of the hormonal background of a teenager. However, even after reaching puberty, moles can appear from time to time anywhere on the body. However, they can also disappear spontaneously.

Causes of moles:

1. Hereditary tendency. Often, neoplasms can occur in the same places as in older family members. This indicates that information about moles is embedded in human DNA.
2. UV exposure. Under the influence of sunlight, melanin is actively produced in the body. This substance is the basis of the pigment of moles. Melanin, produced in large quantities, accumulates in the form of a scattering of nevi on the body.
3. Effects of X-rays and radiation. Every person receives natural radiation in one amount or another. According to some scientists, this factor may contribute to the appearance of new moles.
4. Hormonal changes. The hormone produced by the pituitary gland also affects the production of melanin. Therefore, any fluctuations in hormonal levels can provoke the appearance of neoplasms.

Factors contributing to the occurrence of warts

The only reason warts appear on the human body is the presence of papillomavirus in the blood. There are many types of HPV (HPV in English), and only certain types of the pathogen provoke the appearance of warts on the skin. Most often, this is HPV type 2. Infection occurs through contact, sexual contact, and also from mother to child during childbirth, feeding, and care.

The papillomavirus may not manifest itself for a long time and become more active in the presence of concomitant favorable factors:

1. Hormonal changes in the body;
2. Decline of the immune system;
3. Lack of vitamins and minerals in the diet;
4. Chronic fatigue, stress;
5. Frequent colds;
6. Taking medications that suppress the immune system;
7. Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
8. Active sexual life without using barrier contraception.

Causes of papillomas

The photo shows papilloma

Papillomas are another form of HPV manifestation. Unlike warts, these tumors appear as a result of the activity of other strains of the pathogen. As a rule, these are 6, 11, 16, 18, 30, 31, 33 and other types.

It is worth noting that the above viruses more often infect mucous membranes than the skin.

HPV, which provokes the formation of papillomas, is transmitted in exactly the same ways as “wart” strains. The risk factors are also the same.

1. Read about types of papillomas

How to distinguish a wart, papilloma and mole?

Only a specialist can accurately determine what he is dealing with - a mole, papilloma or wart. This will require not only a visual examination of the tumor, but also, most likely, additional tests.

However, there is a list of distinctive characteristics by which a neoplasm can be identified. Photos of papillomas, moles and warts can be found on the Internet and you can navigate by them. You can also conduct a self-examination.

Please note the following differences:

1. Moles can have completely different sizes - from a few millimeters to the size of an entire part of the body. Papillomas and warts are on average no more than 2-15 mm. They can grow bigger if they are injured.
2. Nevi have a dense and hard structure. Papillomas are loose and soft to the touch. Warts are dense and keratinized, rough.
3. A mole is an epidermal formation, based on skin cells. Papillomas may have vessels. There are no blood vessels in warts.
4. One of the reasons for the appearance of moles, unlike papillomas and warts, is a hereditary tendency. Papillomas and warts are viral neoplasms, the causative agent of which is transmitted through sexual or household contact.
5. Moles can be of various shades - from red to dark brown and even black. Papillomas are always flesh-colored, light, perhaps slightly pinkish in color. Warts, as a rule, are also flesh-colored, sometimes a little darker due to keratinization of the upper layer of skin.
6. Moles spread throughout the body. Papillomas most often appear in areas where the skin rubs against the fabric of underwear and clothing (armpits, groin, neck). They also often appear on the mucous membranes (condylomas). Warts are localized on the feet and palms.
7. The edge of the pigment spot is usually relatively smooth and clear. Papillomas do not have a clear shape, are often asymmetrical, and almost always hang from the skin. Warts have a clearer edge than papillomas and do not protrude as much.
8. Moles, unlike warts and papillomas, do not cause any discomfort unless they are injured. Papillomas may itch, warts cause mild pain.
9. Papilloma can be distinguished from warts and moles by a specific “leg” on which it hangs from the surface of the skin.

If you do not know how to distinguish moles from warts and papillomas, be sure to consult a doctor if a new formation appears on the body. All skin growths are, to a greater or lesser extent, capable of degenerating and becoming malignant under the influence of various unfavorable factors.

How to distinguish a wart, papilloma and mole - watch the video:

Only a doctor can give a recommendation for the removal of moles, warts and papillomas. These tumors are not treated, but are only removed from the surface of the skin if necessary. Such procedures should be carried out only after a complete examination.