In most cases, human papilloma virus in men is not life-threatening. Once in the body, HPV causes the appearance of benign formations. But there are seals that have a high oncogenic degree. The development of this strain constitutes the first step in the formation of oncology. The onset of a deadly disease can be accidentally "missed. "Its origin is in the upper layer of the epidermis and does not appear for a long time.
Types of papillomavirus
There are a large number of papillomaviruses. Some species have not yet been studied in depth. If you are infected with one type of wart, you can acquire a harmless wart, while with another you can develop a malignant formation and cancer. Papillomas in men on the head of the penis are subject to special attention, since the risk of developing cancer is high.
The classification of HPV strains is divided into three categories, according to the ICD:
- Non-oncogenic group (types 1-3, 5). They disappear mainly due to the resistance of the human immune system. They never get smart.
- Low risk virus. Transmitted by traditional sexual contact. In the presence of favorable conditions for development, in quite rare cases they can become the initial stage of the oncological process. This type includes: 6, 11, 42-44.
- High percentage of "serious" pathologies. 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.
It is important to know this! It is especially worth noting strains of types 13, 31, 33 and 35. Their danger lies in the development of genital warts in intimate places. A sign of other, no less serious infections is 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:
- Latent stage. The disease in no case manifests itself through external symptoms. Its presence can only be diagnosed by PCR.
- Clinical phase. Various formations appear as a result of increased cell division.
- Dysplasia is a progressive stage. A deformation of the cellular structure occurs.
- Carcinoma - the papillomavirus integrates, a malignant mutation of the DNA code occurs. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts that appear in the bikini area, testicular sac, head of the penis and foreskin require immediate treatment. Such growths negatively affect the personal life of a man, cause health problems in his wife and contribute to the development of papillomatosis in the unborn child. They can also become smart. Sometimes warts are a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases that have not fully revealed themselves (for example, syphilis).
Routes of infection
The most common way to get HPV is through sexual contact with someone who has the virus. In this case, the form of intimate communication does not matter. The household route of infection is much less common. There is a risk of infection when visiting public places:
- Swimming pools, baths, saunas - pathogenic microbes are easily transmitted from the host, entering through abrasions and scratches.
- Hair and beauty salons - the risk of infection is inversely proportional to the handling of instruments.
- Surgical and dental procedures can contribute to infection.
Maximum protection involves maintaining basic personal hygiene: both at home and outside. Barrier methods of contraception can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
Conditions favorable to progression
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 intense stress.
- Various venereal pathologies.
- Increased sweating.
A dangerous feature of HPV is that characteristic symptoms appear not at the initial stage of the disease, but at its "heyday". This prevents the identification of threatening strains at an early stage.
Symptom complex
Emerging formations with HPV have their own distinctive nuances. To exclude the presence of other similar diseases, it is necessary to carefully analyze the clinical "picture". So, the signs of the papilloma virus in men:
- Acrocords or filiform papillomas on the stem. Usually flesh colored or dark brown. Reach a size of 5 mm. They appear on the neck, face, scrotum and testicles, groin and armpits. They often get injured.
- Flat growths are a collection of nodules that have a shiny surface without wrinkles. Has a beige or pinkish tint. Usually the size does not exceed 8 millimeters. The affected areas are the shins, hands and forearms.
- Condyloma on the head in men are grayish sharp plaques on a stalk. There are single ones and multiple ones. Common "habitat" areas for growths are the pelvis and genitals. Often the anus becomes blocked, causing burning, itching and bleeding.
- A spine is a round formation that appears on the outside of the palms and soles. If left untreated, they become rough after a few weeks and a black spot appears in the center.
- Common warts (simple, common). They appear simultaneously as a whole group. The maximum size is 10 mm. Usually the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The earlier treatment against papillomavirus is started, the greater the chances of avoiding serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistical data report rare cases of the development of cancers due to HPV in men. Formations on the surface of the penis and pubis are an alarming factor. At any time, they can develop into a malignant form. Other pimples, for example on the back, in the mouth, should also be treated with adequate measures.
Attention! If the manifestations of papillomavirus are not treated for a long time, they can develop into melanoma – skin cancer.
Establish the diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? Seeing a dermatologist is the first step towards healing. The first appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the mucous membranes and skin. A detailed patient survey is also carried out and individual complaints are listened to.
If the presence of a virus is suspected, the patient is sent for additional examination:
- Blood and bladder discharge are collected for analysis. Based on the obtained indicators, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the general DNA material.
- A biopsy of the condyloma is performed. The result determines the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- A cytological examination of the mucous membranes is carried out.
- Sometimes a ureteroscopy is necessary.
After the final anamnesis, the doctor draws a conclusion and determines the therapeutic complex.
Treatment for men
It is impossible to completely get rid of HPV, like the herpes virus. Treatment of papillomas in men is as follows: all therapeutic and surgical measures are aimed at leveling the manifestations of pathology and increasing the remission period.
Specialist who will help
To develop optimal tactics for combating papillomavirus, it is necessary to undergo examination by a number of specialists. (Venereologist, proctologist, urologist and, if necessary, oncologist). As a first step, you can contact your local therapist, who will coordinate your further actions.
Removal of papillomas
When identifying viruses types 16 and 18, removal of all kinds of growths is essential. After which, a drug treatment is prescribed, capable of suppressing the causative agent of the disease while maximizing the body's natural defenses. A radical method of getting rid of papillomas is used if conservative treatment does not lead to the desired result.
The procedure takes place in different ways:
| Type of intervention | Implementation method | Purpose and features of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | The tool is a regular scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the area concerned, the medical prescription and the wishes of the patient. | Used mainly for oncological papillomas. |
| Laser | Thanks to infrared rays, pathological growths are "burned". | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of damaged tissues. |
| Excision using a radio knife | Impact on education with high frequency waves. | An effective, quick and painless way. Often used to remove papillomas under the head of the penis. |
| Electrocoagulation | Impact of electric current on the papilloma. | It is distinguished by a prolonged 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 reviews, this is a rather inconvenient method. |
| Chemical methods | Local use of various synthetic agents. | Do not use on overly 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 yourself at home or smear it with iodine. Such damage can lead to the transition from a benign tumor to a cancerous tumor.
Other therapeutic methods
Conservative treatment of papillomavirus in the stronger sex consists of taking medications.
As a rule, specialists prescribe the following medications:
- Stop the increase in cell division: creams, ointments.
- Local agents with a natural base (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at an affordable price.
- Promote the activation of the independent synthesis of interferons in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulatory tablets.
- Antiviral drugs.
The dosage, regimen and duration of treatment are determined solely by the attending physician. During treatment, qualified monitoring of the effectiveness of the chosen tactics and timely detection of possible allergic reactions are necessary. No virus can be treated with antibiotics. The need for their use is taken into account by the doctor depending on the course of the disease. The use of traditional recipes against HPV cannot in any way replace medical prescriptions. The use of various plant decoctions is possible subject to prior consultation with a specialist. This fact should not be ignored in cases of chronic intestinal pathologies.
Prevention of papillomas
Preventive measures against the papilloma virus are possible without special knowledge and skills. The conditions for a healthy lifestyle, monogamous relationships and personal hygiene are available to everyone. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines, vaccination of which significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16 and 18). The vaccine, composed of two elements, is designed to prevent the most dangerous strains. The most suitable age for vaccination is considered to be between 10 and 25 years old. The duration of effectiveness of the vaccine is approximately 6. 5 years. Vaccines are suitable for both girls and boys.
Conclusion
So that at some "wonderful" time you do not have to face the problem of how to get rid of papillomas, you need to remember the precautions. Unfortunately, safe sex is not always a guarantee of good health. A regular preventive medical examination will be useful. It is up to each individual to decide whether vaccinations are necessary or not. But if there are proven means that protect against the possibility of a fatal disease, then it would be a sin not to use them.