Are filiform warts an early stage of cancer?

Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Filiform warts are not cancer; they are caused by a virus, which means they are a viral infection that manifests as a skin disease. The pathogen responsible is the human papillomavirus, making it a benign skin condition. It is also important to note that filiform warts are different from skin tags, and many people confuse the two. In fact, these are two completely different skin conditions: filiform warts are an infectious disease, while skin tags are a benign tumor of the skin. Although both can be treated with lasers, skin tags only affect appearance, whereas filiform warts are contagious and can be transmitted to oneself or others. Therefore, if you find filiform warts, it is best to seek laser treatment at a hospital as soon as possible.

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Written by He Da Wei
Dermatology
49sec home-news-image

Can the ointment for filiform warts be effective?

Filiform warts are a type of common wart that can occur on any part of the body. Filiform warts are characterized by their raised surfaces with keratinized tips, and are commonly found on the neck, forehead, eyelids, and underarms. These are benign growths caused by an infection of the skin with the human papillomavirus. Topical medications are generally less effective, and physical treatments such as carbon dioxide laser therapy are commonly used and quite effective. Typically, about a week after treatment, the treated area can scab over and gradually fall off to return to normal. The majority of people can be cured with one treatment. For those with recurrent conditions, it is advisable to use Chinese medicine to adjust the constitution in conjunction with the treatment.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can filiform warts be transmitted between spouses?

Filiform warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is quite contagious. Transmission between spouses can be more severe due to prolonged contact, or sharing items like towels and bath mitts, which can lead to infection. Once one person is infected, it is crucial to seek standardized treatment at a hospital. The most common treatment currently used is laser removal, which in most cases can cure the condition in one or two sessions. However, some patients may experience recurrent outbreaks, requiring laser treatment each time to prevent the warts from multiplying and spreading. During treatment, towels and bath mitts should be frequently disinfected and not shared. Additionally, it is recommended to engage in regular exercise to boost the immune system, or take oral medications that enhance immunity to prevent recurrence.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Are filiform warts prone to recurrence?

Filiform warts are caused by an infection with the human papillomavirus, and are highly contagious. They typically grow in the folds of the skin, such as the neck or armpits. Once detected, it is advised to seek laser treatment at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital. After laser removal, recurrence is common within half a month to a month. If recurrence is observed, it is best to remove them promptly, and after several repetitions, they can generally be completely cured. Due to the contagious nature of this condition, it is advisable not to share face towels with family members to avoid cross-infection. Additionally, one should avoid frequently scratching the affected areas, as this can lead to further spreading.

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Written by Zhang Jing
Dermatology Department
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The difference between skin tags and filiform warts

Skin tags and filiform warts are two completely different skin conditions. In terms of etiology, skin tags are benign skin tumors, also known as soft fibromas. Filiform warts, on the other hand, are an infectious skin disease caused by human papillomavirus infection. Regarding the location of occurrence, skin tags commonly develop in areas of skin folds such as the neck and armpits. Filiform warts, aside from these areas, can also occur in other locations, such as the face and trunk. Regarding the appearance of the skin lesions, skin tags can be filamentous, but they can also be spherical, and their surface doesn't have any keratinized material, making their texture very soft overall. Filiform warts are filamentous growths with a keratinized surface, making them appear harder and feel rougher to the touch. Both conditions can be treated with lasers. However, since filiform warts are a viral skin disease with some contagiousness, it is important to seek medical advice and laser removal at a hospital as soon as they are discovered.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What are filamentous warts?

Filiform warts are a type of skin disease caused by the human papillomavirus infection, and they belong to a kind of common warts, often seen in women, with a certain degree of contagiosity. They are usually related to a decline in the body’s immune function. For example, in cancer patients or those with HIV where the immune system is compromised, filiform warts can easily occur. The clinical presentation of filiform warts typically includes brown or light brown lesions, some of which match the normal skin tone. They appear as elongated, soft, pedunculated growths and can vary in number from several to several hundred. They generally occur on eyelids, neck, and scalp among other areas. For the treatment of filiform warts, options under medical guidance include using carbon dioxide laser therapy, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, or removal through high-frequency electrical ion cauterization.