Papilloma

Papilloma (pl. papillomata) is a benign skin growth which is caused by either prolific skin cell generation or papilloma virus.
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Clinic of Aesthetic Dermatology Patient education Encyclopedia Ādas stāvoklis Papilloma

Common papillomata are often caused by prolific skin cell formation in skin folds and traumatised areas as a result of human growth factors, as well as due to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.

Papilloma is benign skin tumour that is elevated from the skin surface. Papillomata are usually skin-coloured, sometimes yellowish-brown in colour.

Papilloma types

Condyloma and papilloma

Genital warts or condylomas are a type of papilloma caused by various types of papillomavirus and is highly contagious during sexual contact. Clinically they are very similar, but condylomas commonly develop around sexual organs and rectum, visually resembling a cauliflower.

Polyps are not papillomata

Polyps are growths on internal organ mucosa. Respiratory tract can be traumatised by breathing tubes, but the known causes include chronic inflammation, foreign bodies, tumours, as well as other processes that promote uncontrolled cell multiplication without the control of the immune system. Most polyps are benign.

Papilloma areas

Different areas of the body have various conditions for skin growth development – the correlation between the organism and the environment, mechanical traumatisation (clothing, jewellery, etc.) and the microenvironment (moisture, microbes). Papillomata can develop in armpits, on neck, breasts, eyelids, groin, or in anogenital area. Papillomata can develop if the immune system is weakened or is in the state of chronic inflammation.

Papillomata on children and infants

The factors contributing to papilloma development on children are the same as with adults, but the child’s developing immune system may be a contributing factor. Infants can get infected during birth when the fluids of the uterus enter the respiratory tract (causing papillomata on larynx, trachea).

Papilloma examination

Papillomata can be examined and diagnosed by a dermatologist. The skin growth should be examined as soon as it develops; waiting for it to increase in size or number is not advised. During the appointment, the skin growth is examined through a dermatoscope; biopsy can be performed if necessary (taking a tissue sample for lab tests) for evaluating whether the growth is benign.

If papilloma itches, tingles, has a burning sensation, rapidly increases in size, changes its colour and/or structure, or bleeds, such symptoms should not be ignored and an appointment with a dermatologist should be made immediately.

Papilloma removal is advised since the growth can be traumatised and become infected, facilitating further spreading of the infection.  

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