What are papillomas?
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.
Determining the classification of papilloma is very necessary in terms of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papilloma turning into malignant neoplasia.
A papilloma is a benign skin tumor that grows upwards and outwards, with a structure of blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium.
Types of papilloma
There are several types of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papilloma characterized by individual characteristics.
| name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compressed growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually occur on the fingers, hands, and rarely on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually go away on their own without any results. |
| right | Formations that have a round shape. Because they rise above the skin, they are easy to see visually. They often cause various inflammatory processes in which people complain of itching and burning. It is usually detected immediately after the appearance |
| Plantar | In the early stages of development, people often confuse papillomas with calluses. After some time, the edges of the formation are formed and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. During the walk, people feel severe discomfort, sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| Filiform | Elongated growths similar to several connected threads. It usually develops in old age. The most popular places: the neck area, under the arms, near the eyes. Due to their awkward shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Condylomas acuminata | Papillomas located on the mucous membrane. 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. |
Based on external signs, a certain papilloma can be assigned to a certain group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma and the cause of its appearance, a thorough examination and the help of a specialist are necessary.
Causes of papillomas
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.
Among women
An increase in the activity of the virus can occur due to certain reasons. During pregnancy, papillomas often occur, because during pregnancy there is a sharp decrease in immunity and a deterioration in the condition of the body. Acceleration of their growth is affected not only during pregnancy, but also by pathologies in the production of hormones that manifest themselves 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
When the virus enters the male body, its development is suppressed in a person with strong immunity. Therefore, the carrier of the disease can be unaware of the infection for a long time (from two weeks to several years). The main reason for the appearance of papillomas in the body is the activation of a dormant virus.
Papillomas are often found in the mouth, larynx and trachea.
Risk factors
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole body.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking of alcohol and other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including ARVI, flu.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain drugs, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Locations of papillomas
The most common in the practice of doctors are filiform, vulgar or genital papillomas, as well as condylomas.
Filiform warts are located on the face, vulgar warts are more common on the legs or hands, and condylomas are located only on mucous membranes (the head of the penis and the urethra in men, the urethra). in women, the region of the labia minora and vagina), but it happens that these warts can appear in an unusual place.
In modern conditions, it is not difficult to eliminate such papillomas, but the danger is the reappearance of new papillomas with a decrease in immunity, which will lead to more severe consequences for health, for example, the subsequent occurrence of condylomas is fraught with development. cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts are most commonly seen on the rough heels and balls of the toes. Sometimes, after the skin in this area is seriously damaged, a spine can appear on the thumb.
In general, papillomatosis is a generalized form of pathology in which neoplasms occur throughout the human body. These growths have a characteristic appearance, therefore, after seeing the manifestations of the disease, it cannot be confused with another disease.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but there is a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size and causes concern, it is necessary to undergo tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. The most prone to degeneration are papillomas formed in mucous membranes. Formations that have not been treated for a long time are more susceptible to malignant tumors.
There is a high risk of turning into cancerous tumors in places where the papilloma was mistakenly removed.
- Degeneration of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process continues for quite 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 identify violations. The pathology appears only in the last stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a possibility that the infection will spread to undamaged areas. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If you observe such disorders, you should pay attention to the increase in the activity of the virus and proceed to symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of papilloma virus:
- antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy;
- laser removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave therapy.
Prevention of papillomas
According to medical research, the prevalence of HPV in the population over 50 years is at least 75%. There are many conditions in which the papilloma virus is transmitted. Prevention of infection is already evident at the stage of studying the ways of transmission of the papillomavirus.
- You should not walk without shoes in public places with high heat and humidity, because the human papillomavirus can be on the surface of the floor covering, because plantar warts are very contagious;
- you should minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person, and also you should not use their personal belongings;
- A condom should be used during intimate contact (unfortunately, this method does not guarantee 100%, but significantly reduces the probability of infection).
Prevention of papillomas at home should be aimed at observing the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes, disinfecting the bathroom after being visited by other people.