Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you focus on the facts, you can disprove this theory immediately. Papillomas are found not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papillomas are a signal from the body, indicating the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to the data of education in a timely manner, you can identify the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papillomas: what is it?
Papilloma - a formation on the skin or mucous membranes. This outgrowth has a soft structure, is located on the base of different thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Usually the papillomas are a few millimeters in diameter. If the growth reaches 2 cm, it must be removed, followed by an examination.
The shade of the papilloma is similar to the color of the surrounding tissues. If the formation has a rigid structure, it turns white, a yellow tint may appear. If the papilloma is located on the mucosa, it usually has a pink tint. After some time, the formation is covered with a gray coating resulting from the growth of connective tissue. Papillomas are benign formations, but some of them are characterized by an increased risk of degeneration into a cancerous tumor.
On a note!If you find papillomas on the body, you need to see a doctor to diagnose the disease and remove the papilloma.
Types of papillomas
There are several varieties of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, characterized by individual features. In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| Last name | The description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compact growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. Usually they occur in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. Usually pass on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| apartment | Round shaped formations. They are easy to notice visually, as they rise above the skin. Often provoke the appearance of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching, burning. Usually detected almost immediately after onset |
| plantar | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development are often confused with corns. After some time, edges form at the level of the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. When walking, people notice a manifestation of severe discomfort, sometimes pain develops. Another name for these papillomas is spines. |
| filiform | Elongated growths, similar to several connected threads. Usually develop in old age. The most sought-after localization areas: the neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to their inconvenient shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Genital warts | Papillomas located on the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, since there is an increased risk of their malignancy. Urgent elimination of such formations is necessary. If you find such growths, you should immediately consult a doctor |
According to the external signs, it is possible to classify a specific papilloma into a specific group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, with the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
These formations occur when infected with the human papillomavirus. When HPV is infected, the growths may not appear immediately. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts for several years. When the body's natural defenses are weakened, obvious manifestations of the disease occur. The presence of papillomas is considered an obvious sign of HPV.
In women
An increase in virus activity can occur under the influence of a specific range of reasons. Often papillomas are formed during pregnancy, since during the carrying of the fetus there is a sharp decrease in immunity, a deterioration in the condition of the body. Acceleration of their growth is affected by pathologies of hormone production, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists speak of an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the appearance of genital warts.
At men's
Papillomas are in most cases localized in the anus, genitals, armpits, face and hands. The predisposition to the formation of these growths is caused by bad habits, promiscuity. Men with a non-traditional orientation have an increased risk of HPV infection. The risk of the formation of papillomas increases if a person works in hazardous industries, often stays in contaminated rooms and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
On a note!Often papillomas occur in the mouth, larynx, trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as an exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of such factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, a weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shocks, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, influenza.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain medications, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by a high degree of humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Transmission routes
The most common situations in which there is an increased risk of transmission of the virus:
- Sexual contact without using a condom. The probability of transmission of certain strains of HPV in this case reaches 99%. The mucous membranes are susceptible to infection. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- domestic contact. The transmission of the virus can be done with the usual handshake, the kiss. The risk of infection increases with skin lesions.
- Personal items, clothing, personal hygiene items that a person shares with a carrier of the virus.
- Regular access to public swimming pools. The lifespan of the virus increases in a humid environment.
- Intrauterine infection is possible when the virus is transmitted 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, carry out treatment.
Location
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period begins. Virus activation occurs in the presence of provoking factors. The virus moves through the body with the blood, which is why the formation of papillomas can occur on any area of the body. There is a risk of papillomas on the internal organs.
On a note!The location of growth is affected by its variety. For example, filiform papillomas often occur in places of constant friction.
The most common location of papillomas:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- limb surface.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they pose a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causes concern, it is necessary to pass tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. Papillomas that form on the mucous membranes are most prone to rebirth. Malignant tumors are more susceptible to formations that do not heal for a long time.
On a note!Areas of the body where the papilloma was removed incorrectly have a high risk of degenerating into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that manifest themselves when 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 later stages.
- In case of damage to the papilloma, there is a risk of spreading the infection to undamaged areas. There is a risk of the formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such violations, you should pay attention to an increase in the activity of the virus and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of HPV infection, prophylaxis is performed. 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 given to people under the age of 26.
On a note!The vaccine is effective in the absence of HPV in the body. Before it is performed, diagnostic tests are performed to detect the virus.
To prevent infection, the development of HPV, it is necessary to adapt the way of life:
- Take care of your daily personal hygiene. Perform the necessary procedures after each visit to crowded places.
- Obtain and use personal hygiene items. Don't swap clothes or shoes, even with close friends.
- Stabilize the state of the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, you need to take vitamin complexes. Pharmacy vitamins are especially effective in the fall and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the influence of stressors, give up a violent reaction to unpleasant situations.
- Allow enough time for a good rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To prevent the appearance of papillomas, you need to take care of your health, take the necessary hygienic measures. If the presence of the virus is expressed in the formation of papillomas, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner for treatment, removal of growths in the early stages of development.