Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you pay attention to the facts, you can immediately disprove this theory. Papillomas are found not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papillomas are a signal of the body indicating the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to educational information in time, you can identify the signs of dangerous diseases.
Papillomas: what is it?
Papilloma - formation on the skin or mucous membranes. This growth has a soft structure, it is located on the basis of different thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Usually papillomas are several millimeters in diameter. If the growth reaches 2 cm, it should be removed, and then an examination should be carried out.
The shade of the papilloma is similar to the color of the surrounding tissue. If the formation has a hard structure, it becomes white, a yellow color may appear. If the papilloma is located on the mucous membrane, it usually has a pink color. After some time, the formation is covered with a gray coating, which is formed as a result of the growth of connective tissue. Papillomas are benign formations, but some are characterized by an increased risk of turning into a cancerous tumor.
On a note!If you find papillomas on the body, you should see a doctor to diagnose the disease and remove the papilloma.
Types of papilloma
There are several types of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papilloma characterized by individual characteristics. In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compressed growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. Usually they are in the area of fingers, hands, rarely in the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. It usually goes away on its own without any results. |
| right | Circular formations. Because they rise above the skin, they are easy to see visually. It often causes various inflammatory processes with complaints of itching and burning. It is usually detected immediately after the appearance |
| plantar | In the early stages of development, papillomas are often confused with corns. After some time, edges are formed in the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. During the walk, people note the manifestation of severe anxiety, sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| filiform | Elongated protrusions similar to several connected threads. It usually develops in old age. The most popular places: the neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to their unfavorable shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Genital warts | Papillomas located in the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, because their risk of malignancy increases. Urgent removal of these compounds is required. If such growths are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor |
According to external signs, a certain papilloma can be classified as a certain group. In order to accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, a thorough examination and the help of a specialist are necessary.
Causes of papillomas
These formations occur when infected with the human papillomavirus. When infected with HPV, the growths may not be immediately visible. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts several years. When the body's natural defenses weaken, obvious manifestations of the disease occur. The presence of papillomas is considered a clear sign of HPV.
Among women
An increase in the activity of the virus can occur under the influence of a certain spectrum. Most often, papillomas are formed during pregnancy, because there is a sharp decrease in immunity, deterioration of the condition of the body during the carrier of the fetus. Acceleration of their growth is affected by pathologies in the production of hormones, which are manifested not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about a congenital tendency to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the formation of genital warts.
In men
In most cases, papillomas are localized in the anus, genitals, armpits, face and hands. The tendency to the formation of these growths is caused by bad habits, depravity. Men with non-traditional orientation are at increased risk of HPV infection. The risk of developing papillomas increases if a person works in hazardous industries, often stays in polluted rooms and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
On a note!Papillomas often occur in the mouth, larynx, and trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of such factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole body.
- Constant stress, nervous shocks, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent consumption of alcohol, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, flu.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain drugs, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Transmission routes
The most common situations in which the risk of transmission of the virus increases:
- Having sex without using a condom. In this case, the probability of transmission of some strains of HPV reaches 99%. Mucous membranes are susceptible to infection. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- domestic relationship. Transmission of the virus can be carried out by ordinary handshakes and kisses. The risk of infection increases with skin damage.
- Personal items, clothing, personal hygiene items shared by a person with a virus carrier.
- Regular access to public pools. The life of the virus is prolonged in a humid environment.
- Intrauterine infection is possible when the virus passes from mother to child during childbirth. If you plan to conceive a child, it is advisable to undergo a preliminary examination, if this infection is detected, take a course of treatment.
Localization
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period begins. Activation of the virus occurs in the presence of provoking factors. The virus moves through the body with the blood, so the formation of papillomas can occur anywhere in the body. There is a risk of papilloma in internal organs.
On a note!The place of growth is affected by its variety. For example, filiform papillomas often occur in places of constant friction.
The most common localization of papillomas:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- surface of limbs.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causing concern, it is necessary to conduct tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. The most prone to rebirth are papillomas formed on mucous membranes. Malignant tumors are more sensitive to formations that do not heal for a long time.
On a note!There is a high risk of turning into cancerous tumors in places where the papilloma was mistakenly removed.
Dangerous consequences of refusing to treat papillomas:
- Rebirth of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process takes a long time, but the disease does not manifest itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive examinations, it is almost impossible to detect violations. Pathology manifests itself only in the last stages.
- When the papilloma is damaged, there is a possibility that the infection will spread to the undamaged areas. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such violations, you should pay attention to the increase in the activity of the virus, you should conduct symptomatic treatment.
Prevention
Prevention is done to reduce the risk of HPV infection. Thanks to vaccination, you can reduce the risk of infection with dangerous strains that cause serious complications and deterioration of health. Vaccination is carried out in childhood. If desired, the vaccine is administered to adults under 26 years of age.
On a note!The vaccine is effective in the absence of HPV in the body. Before implementation, diagnostic tests are carried out to detect the virus.
To prevent the development of infection, HPV, it is necessary to adjust the lifestyle:
- Pay attention to personal hygiene every day. Follow proper procedures after every visit to crowded places.
- Obtain and use personal hygiene products. Do not even exchange clothes or shoes with close friends.
- Stabilize the condition of the immune system. It is necessary to take vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system. Pharmacy vitamins are especially effective in autumn and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the impact of stress factors, refuse to react violently to unpleasant situations.
- Take enough time for proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
In order to prevent the appearance of papillomas, you should take care of your health and implement the necessary hygiene measures. If the presence of the virus is expressed in the formation of papillomas, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time for treatment and removal of growths in the early stages of development.