In most cases, human papillomavirus in men is not life-threatening. After entering the body, HPV provokes the appearance of benign formations. But there are seals with a high oncogenic rate. The development of this strain is the first stage in the formation of oncology. The onset of a fatal disease can be accidentally "missed". Its origin occurs in the upper layer of the epidermis and does not manifest itself for a long time.
Papillomavirus types
There are many papillomaviruses. Some species have not yet been thoroughly studied. If you get infected with one type, you can get a harmless wart, but with another, you can get a malignant form and cancer. In men, papillomas on the head of the penis are the focus of special attention, because the risk of developing cancer is high.
The classification of HPV strains according to the ICD is divided into three categories:
- Non-oncogenic group (types 1-3, 5). They pass mainly due to the resistance of the human immune system. They are never malignant.
- Low-risk viruses. It is transmitted through traditional sexual contact. In extremely rare cases, it can become the initial stage of the oncological process if there are favorable conditions for its development. This type includes: 6, 11, 42-44.
- High percentage of "severe" pathology. This class of pathogens often becomes a provocateur of malignant genitourinary formations. The most dangerous of them are types 16 and 18, which contribute to the development of genital cancer in men and cervical cancer in sexual partners.
Important to know! 13, 31, 33 and 35 types of strains should be specially mentioned. Their danger lies in the development of genital warts in intimate places. Other less serious infections are characterized by a rash (58, 39, 52, 30, 42, 43, 59, 55, 57, 40, 61, 62, and 67-70).
Features of the development of papillomas in the male body
When entering the human body, the papilloma virus always goes through the same stages of development:
- Secret stage. The disease does not manifest itself in any way with external symptoms. Its presence can only be diagnosed by PCR.
- Clinical stage. Various formations appear as a result of increased cell division.
- Dysplasia is a progressive stage. Deformation of the cell structure occurs.
- Carcinoma - papillomavirus joins, a malignant mutation of the DNA code occurs. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts in the bikini area, scrotum, head of the genital organ, and foreskin require immediate treatment. Such growths negatively affect a man's personal life, cause health problems for his wife, and contribute to the development of papillomatosis in an unborn child. They can also be malignant. Sometimes condylomas are a sign of sexually transmitted diseases that have not fully revealed themselves (for example, syphilis).
Ways of infection
The most common way to get HPV is through sexual contact with a virus carrier. At this time, the form of intimate communication is not important. The way of infection at home is less common. There is a risk of infection when visiting public places:
- Swimming pools, baths, saunas - pathogenic microbes are easily transferred from the host, penetrating through abrasions and scratches.
- Hairdressing and beauty salons - the risk of infection is inversely proportional to the handling of instruments.
- Surgical and dental interventions can cause infection.
The maximum protection is to observe basic personal hygiene rules: both in your own home and outside the home. Barrier contraceptive methods can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.
Favorable conditions for development
After entering the male body, the virus remains in "sleep" mode for a long time. The following reasons can "activate" it:
- Weakened immunity after a long illness.
- The presence of regular physical or emotional "overload".
- Exhaustion of the body due to severe stress.
- Various venereal pathologies.
- Increased sweating.
A dangerous feature of HPV is that characteristic symptoms appear "at height" and not at the initial stage of the disease. What prevents the identification of strains that pose a threat in the early stages.
A complex of symptoms
Formations that appear with HPV have their own nuances. It is necessary to carefully analyze the clinical "picture" to exclude the presence of other similar diseases. So, the symptoms of papilloma virus in men:
- Acrochords or thread-like papillomas on the stalk. It is usually fleshy or dark brown in color. reach a size of 5 mm. They appear on the neck, face, scrotum and testicles, groin and armpits. They are often injured.
- Straight growths are a set of nodules with a shiny surface without folds. It has a beige or pink color. Usually the size does not exceed 8 millimeters. Affected areas are the calves, hands and forearms.
- In men, condylomas on the head are grayish pointed plates on the stalk. There is single and multiple. Often the "habitat" for growth is the pelvis and genitals. Often the anus is blocked, causing burning, itching and bleeding.
- The spine is a round formation visible on the outside of the palms and feet. If left untreated, after a few weeks they become rough and a black dot appears in the center.
- Common (simple, vulgar) warts. They appear as a whole group at the same time. The maximum size is 10 mm. Usually the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The sooner papillomavirus treatment begins, the greater the chance of preventing serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistical data indicate rare cases of cancer development due to HPV in men. A disturbing factor is formations on the surface of the penis and pubis. They can turn into a malignant form at any time. Other acne, for example, on the back, in the mouth, should be responded to with adequate measures.
Attention! If papillomavirus manifestations are not treated for a long time, they can turn into melanoma - skin cancer.
Establishing a diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? A visit to a dermatologist is the first step on the road to healing. The initial appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the mucous membranes and skin. A detailed survey of the patient is also conducted, individual complaints are heard.
If the presence of a virus is suspected, the patient is sent for further examination:
- Blood and secretions from the bladder are given for analysis. According to the obtained indicators, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the general DNA material.
- Biopsy of condylomas is performed. The result determines the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- Cytological examination of mucous membranes is performed.
- Sometimes ureteroscopy is required.
After the deadline, the doctor draws a conclusion and prescribes a treatment complex.
Treatment for men
Like the herpes virus, it is impossible to get rid of HPV completely. The treatment of papillomas in men is as follows: all therapeutic and surgical measures are aimed at correcting the manifestations of the pathology and increasing the remission period.
An expert to help
It is necessary to undergo an examination by a number of specialists in order to develop optimal tactics to fight the papillomavirus. (Venereologist, proctologist, urologist and, if necessary, oncologist). First, you can contact your local therapist who will coordinate your next steps.
Removal of papillomas
When identifying viruses of type 16 and 18, it is imperative to remove all types of growths. After that, a course of drug treatment is prescribed, which is capable of suppressing the causative agent of the disease and at the same time maximizing the natural defense of the body. If conservative treatment does not lead to the desired result, a radical method is used to get rid of the papilloma.
The procedure is carried out in different ways:
| Type of intervention | Method of execution | Purpose and features of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | The tool is an ordinary scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the affected area, the medical prescription and the wishes of the patient. | It is mainly used for oncological papillomas. |
| laser | Pathological growths are "burned" with the help of infrared rays. | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of damaged tissues. |
| Cutting with a radio knife | Effect on education with high frequency waves. | An effective, fast and painless way. It is often used to remove papillomas under the head of the penis. |
| Electrocoagulation | Papilloma effect of electric current. | It is distinguished by a long healing process (up to two weeks). A painful method according to customer reviews. Afterwards, a scar remains. |
| Cryodestruction | Liquid nitrogen is used. | According to patient comments, this is a rather inconvenient method. |
| Chemical methods | Local use of various synthetic agents. | Do not use on extremely sensitive areas of the body, such as the head of the penis. Damage to healthy tissues is also possible. |
Attention! It is strictly forbidden to get rid of papilloma at home or smear it with iodine. Such lesions can lead to the transition from a benign tumor to a cancerous one.
Other therapeutic methods
Conservative treatment of papillomavirus in representatives of the stronger sex consists in taking medication.
As a rule, specialists prescribe the following drugs:
- Stopping increased cell division: creams, ointments.
- On a natural basis, local agents (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at a reasonable price.
- To promote the activation of independent synthesis of interferons in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulatory tablets.
- Antiviral drugs.
The dosage, regimen and duration of the course are determined only by the attending physician. Skilled monitoring of the effectiveness of the selected tactics during therapy and timely detection of possible allergic reactions is necessary. No virus can be treated with antibiotics. The need for their use is considered by the doctor depending on the course of the disease. The use of folk recipes for HPV cannot in any case replace medical prescriptions. The use of various herbal decoctions is possible after prior consultation with a specialist. This fact cannot be ignored in case of chronic intestinal pathologies.
Prevention of papillomas
Preventive measures for the papilloma virus are possible without special knowledge and skills. A healthy lifestyle, monogamous relationships and personal hygiene conditions exist for every person. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines, which significantly reduce the risk of developing HPV with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16 and 18). The two-component vaccine is designed to prevent the most dangerous strains. The most suitable age for vaccination is considered to be 10-25 years. The duration of the vaccine is about 6. 5 years. Vaccines are suitable for both girls and boys.
The result
In order not to face the problem of how to get rid of papillomas at a "beautiful" moment, it is necessary to remember about precautions. Protected sex, unfortunately, is not always a guarantee of good health. Regular preventive medical examination will help. Everyone decides for himself whether vaccinations are needed or not. But if there are proven remedies that protect against the possibility of a fatal disease, it would be a sin not to use them.