What is papilloma or papillomatosis?A papilloma is a growth on the surface of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).In most cases, they are benign, not very scary and do not pose a serious threat to life.
These formations can appear in different parts of the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back) and are less likely to appear on mucous membranes.At the same time, despite all the apparently harmless nature of these growths, the risk of turning into malignant lumps should never be excluded.
Species and species
Human papillomavirus includes more than 600 types of strains (a culture of a certain type of microorganisms from a certain source and with characteristic properties), under their influence, the formation of different categories of papillomas occurs.
In medical practice, it is customary to divide types and types of papillomas according to their origin, appearance, how quickly they grow and where they are localized.Certain papillomatous growths appear in the oral cavity, vagina, penis, and bladder.
Important: determining the classification of papilloma is very necessary in terms of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papillomas into malignant neoplasia.
So, what types of papillomas are there:
- simple (vulgar) warts.Often, their appearance is associated with the development of mixed types of HPV (26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 63, 77).This type of papilloma belongs to the group of benign ones;its formation is then accompanied by burning and stabbing sensations where the ball-shaped growth appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes its color to a darker color.The size of a simple wart is from one millimeter to one centimeter.In adults, the predominant place for such papillomas is the hands, the area of the fingers and the interdigital space, and the outer side of the palms.This variety can also be observed in children with knees and hands.Vulgar papillomas are single and multi-divided (an additional one grows next to the main one).The virus that causes warts is transmitted through household contact.The prevalence is 70%;
- plantar warts.Papilloma-like growths on the legs, the leg itself, in people infected with the first, second and third types of HPV.Very often they are confused with calluses, but a number of characteristic signs will indicate this type of papillomas.A particularly smooth surface, the presence of pain when pressing the papilloma when wearing narrow shoes, the formation of small bubbles around the papilloma, which later turn into "mosaic papillomatosis".Prevalence 30%;
- straight warts.Papillomas of this type protrude slightly on the skin (2 mm) or extend subcutaneously, have the shape of an elongated circle and are localized on the face and nasolabial parts, chest area, as well as on the labia.In women, flat papillomas appear on the pubis and cervical region.Most often, these papillomas are white, flesh-colored, and only sometimes acquire a dark color.If the growth is damaged, there is a risk of it becoming cancerous, especially when squamous cell papilloma develops in parallel with hyperkeratosis (a process of thickening of the epidermal layer).Prevalence 4%;
- filamentous papillomas (acrochords).This type is caused by the second and seventh types of human papillomavirus.It grows on a narrow stem and has an elongated shape.During the initial germination, the papilloma appears as a small bump, as it develops, it begins to hang down, soft, sometimes watery to the touch.Filamentous appearance affects people over 40, both men and women equally.Location: the upper part of the eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin area;
- Pointed papillomas or (condyloma).Papillary growths that grow separately or in several parts.In the process of growth, such papillomas merge, the surface becomes rough, the color changes from beige to pink.Comb-shaped growth.Condylomas are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are localized in the perianal area (anus), groin, between the legs, inside the urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), cervix and inner thigh.They grow very quickly - their speed of fusion and the scale of distribution is up to three days.The type of condyloma is papular pustules with a smooth, round shape;
- basal cell papillomas.A formation of benign origin that does not have the characteristics to grow and turn into a malignant neoplasm.It is mainly diagnosed in elderly people;
- Choroid papilloma.Neuroepithelial benign neoplasia growing from the tissue of the choroid plexuses of the brain.
In addition to the listed types, papillomas are divided into types that are evaluated according to the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of developing cancer (16, 18, 45, 36);
- average risk of cancer (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- squamous cell papilloma - appears due to the proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in the elderly.It is marked by slow development.The shape is basically wide, round, on a thin body.In the initial stage of development, it is mobile, the color is from beige to dark brown.The size of papillomas of this type can reach 1.5-2 centimeters.In periodic contact, these formations become inflamed, which causes cell mutation and the formation of the squamous cell type of oncology;
- inverted papilloma is a very rare form with certain characteristics of formation and progression.Special signs: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple growth;entering the bones, leading to damage to the palate, sinuses, skull and eye walls;relapse five or ten years after complete treatment.This type of papilloma is often manifested by nasal congestion accompanied by bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation is large, there is a change in the jaw and a shift in the eyeball.
It is important!According to statistics, this type of papilloma becomes malignant in 5% of patients who do not take timely medical measures.
Why does the disease occur?
According to medical statistics, almost 90% of people today are carriers of the human papillomavirus, which is the main cause of papillomas.This viral disease exists in the body for a long time without showing any external symptoms.However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, abnormal nutrition and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and cause the appearance of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
In this case, the main factors that facilitate the penetration of the virus into the human body are:
- promiscuous and unprotected sex;
- excessive use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs;
- weak immune system;
- imbalance in metabolism;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- poor hygiene of the oral cavity and intimate areas;
- transmission of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Pay attention!HPV transmission does not always occur through direct contact.Often, particles of this virus are placed on clothes and personal hygiene items.Also, the risk of HPV infection in public places and medical institutions cannot be excluded.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually has no obvious symptoms.The first and important precursor of HPV is the appearance of condylomas and warty papillomas.And considering that this virus is also oncogenic, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes papillomas can manifest themselves with the following symptoms:
- red spots around the affected area;
- itching;
- excessive drying and peeling of the skin;
- feeling of "needles";
- if it is localized in the genitals, discomfort when moving.
Manifestations of papillomas depend on the character of its localization
Thus, if an intraductal (internal) papilloma of the mammary gland develops in gynecology, the following are observed:
- redness, burning and itching around the nipple;
- severe pain and discharge with drops of blood when pressing on the nipples;
- beige or green spontaneous ejaculation.
This type is benign, but if not removed, the formation turns into a malignant tumor that causes breast cancer.In appearance, papilloma located on the nipple resembles a nipple-type growth, and its color differs significantly from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of mammary papilloma is caused by: artificial termination of pregnancy, excess weight, ovarian dysfunction, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and smoke and have sex should be considered a special risk group.Intraductal papilloma can be treated surgically only with the subsequent observation of a mammologist and gynecologist.
In the case of the formation of papilloma in the throat, the symptoms are not pronounced at the initial stage, but when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in the tonsil region;
- feeling that something is bothering you;
- unreasonable deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow and rapid breathing;
- small rashes in the throat.
The causes of the formation of such papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, tobacco and alcohol use, unprotected sex, visiting public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex gives a good effect in treatment.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, because such a growth will lead to infection of the whole body.You can not remove papillomas at home, because it is dangerous and strictly prohibited by doctors.
Signs of a pathogenic process with cervical papilloma are manifested in the following:
- inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- discharge of a greenish, whitish color, sometimes with a distinct odor.
Causes of papillomas in this area: sexual intercourse with a man infected with human papillomavirus, weakening of immunity, non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, excessive consumption of smoking and alcohol, intrauterine infection.Failure to timely detect formations in the form of papillomas on the cervix threatens the development of oncology.In this case, the treatment consists in the removal of growths and the use of complex drug therapy.
Please note: Papillomas can also appear in the intimate area of men (scrotum and testicles).However, men are less likely to be at risk of cancer.
The formation of papillomas on the tongue (papillary compression up to two cm in size) occurs during close contact with an infected person and the joint use of household appliances.This type of growth can also be seen in children, as children tend to "throw everything in their mouths".Treatment is carried out by eliminating the source of infection and taking the necessary drugs.
Diagnostic methods
You should contact an immunologist or dermatologist to determine whether you are a carrier of human papillomavirus infection.To determine the etiology of papillomavirus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including a general and biochemical blood test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and removal of a piece of papilloma for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma has acquired a black color, swollen, bleeding or purulent blisters appear, this is a clear sign of the beginning of the course of the disease and a serious reason to contact a specialist immediately.
Disease treatment methods
To understand how to treat papillomaviruses, you need to know that the choice of treatment depends on where the papillomas are located, what causes them and what type they are.In 90% of papillomas on the body, they are removed surgically, if the location of the growth allows, removal with liquid nitrogen and surgitron (radio knife) is used.The latter method is known to be very effective and painless in removing not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This indicates that it allows the treated area of the skin to be permanently saved from the reappearance of growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be performed by the following methods:
- electrical destruction (use of high-frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Sanitization of papillomas includes the use of conservative treatment with the appointment of antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if the oncological factor is excluded, an ointment for papillomas that can be used at home is very effective.
Please note: it is important to use traditional medicine (tincture of celandine and ginger, garlic and apple juice, castor oil) in the fight against warts and papillomas.
Disease prevention
Given that medicine today still does not know a special drug that will permanently save patients from human papillomavirus, an important factor in preventing this disease is a complex of preventive measures, which include: strict personal hygiene, timely and healthy nutrition, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sex, complete disinfection, immunologist and general health examination after visiting swimming pools.