What is papilloma or papillomatosis?Papilloma is a tumor on the surface of the skin caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).For the most part, they are benign, not very scary, and do not pose a serious threat to life.
These formations can appear in various places on the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back), and are much less likely to appear on the mucous membranes.At the same time, despite the seemingly harmless nature of these growths, the risk of transformation into malignant masses should never be excluded.
Species and types
The human papilloma virus includes more than 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, originating from a specific source and possessing characteristic properties), under the influence of which the formation of various categories of papillomas occurs.
In medical practice, it is customary to divide the types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, appearance, speed of growth and location.Some papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Important: Identification of the classification of papilloma is very necessary to choose the appropriate treatment method and analyze the possible development of papilloma into malignant neoplasia.
So, what types of papillomas are there:
- simple (common) warts.Most often, their appearance is caused by the development of mixed types (26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 63, 77) of HPV.This type of papilloma belongs to the group of benign papillomas;its formation is accompanied by burning and stabbing sensations in the place where a ball-shaped growth later appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes color to darker.The size of a single wart ranges from one millimeter to one centimeter.The predominant location of this papilloma in adults is the hands, the finger area and the interdigital space, as well as the outer side of the palms.This variety can also be seen in children on the knees and hands.Common papillomas are divided into single and multiple (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.Growths in the form of papilloma on the feet, 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 papilloma.In particular, a smooth surface, the presence of pain when pressing on the papilloma when wearing tight shoes, the formation of small blisters around the papilloma which subsequently turn into “mosaic papillomatosis”.The prevalence is 30%;
- flat warts.This type of papilloma protrudes slightly on the skin (2 mm), or subcutaneously, has the shape of an elongated circle and is localized on the facial and nasolabial parts, in the chest area, as well as on the lips.In women, flat papillomas appear on the pubis and in the cervical region.Most often, these papillomas are white, flesh-colored and only occasionally acquire a dark shade.If the growth is damaged, there is a risk that it will develop into cancer, especially if a squamous papilloma develops alongside hyperkeratosis (the process of thickening of the epidermal layer).The prevalence is 4%;
- filamentous papillomas (acrochorda).This type is caused by the second and seventh types of human papillomavirus.It grows on a narrow stem and has a long shape.During its initial germination, the papilloma looks like a small bulge, which, as it develops, begins to hang down, becoming soft, sometimes watery to the touch.The filamentous appearance affects people over 40, both men and women.Location: upper part of the eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin region;
- Sharp papillomas or (condyloma).Papillary-like growths, growing either individually or in several pieces.During the growth process, these papillomas unite, the surface becomes rough, and the color changes from beige to pink.Scallop-shaped growth.Warts are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are located in the perianal area (anus), in the groin, between the legs, inside the urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), on the cervix and inside the thigh.They grow very quickly - the speed of their union and the scale of distribution can be up to three days.One type of condyloma consists of papular pustules that have a smooth, round shape;
- basal cell papillomas.Formation of benign origin that does not have the properties to develop and degenerate into malignant neoplasia.Diagnosed primarily in older adults;
- Choroid papilloma.Benign neuroepithelial neoplasia developing from the choroid plexus tissue of the brain.
In addition to the listed varieties, papillomas are divided into types, assessed depending on the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of developing cancer (16, 18, 45, 36);
- average cancer risk (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- squamous papilloma - appears due to the proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in older people.Marked by slow development.The shape is wide at the base, round, on a thin stem.At the initial stage of development, it is mobile, coloring from beige to dark brown.The size of this type of papilloma can reach 1.5-2 centimeters.With periodic contact, these formations become inflamed, which leads to cell mutation and the emergence of squamous cell type oncology;
- inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that has certain characteristics of formation and development.The specific signs are: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple growths;internal growth in 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 manifested by frequent nasal congestion accompanied by bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation becomes significant, there is a change in the facial jaw and a shift in the eyeball.
Important!According to statistics, in 5% of patients who do not take medications on time, this type of papilloma becomes malignant.
Why does the disease appear?
According to medical statistics, almost 90% of people today carry the human papilloma virus, the main cause of papilloma.This viral disease has existed in the body for a long time without showing any external signs.However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, abnormal nutrition and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and cause the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
In this case, the main factors facilitating 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;
- metabolism imbalance;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- poor hygiene of the oral cavity and intimate areas;
- movement of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Be careful!Transmission of HPV does not always occur through direct contact.Very often, particles of this virus are deposited on clothing and personal hygiene items.Additionally, the risk of contracting HPV in public places and medical institutions cannot be excluded.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually does not have pronounced symptoms.The first and important warning sign of HPV is the appearance of warty warts and papillomas.And taking into account the fact that this virus is also oncogenic in nature, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes papillomas can manifest with symptoms such as:
- red spots around the affected area;
- scabies;
- excessive dryness and peeling of the skin;
- “needle-prick” sensation;
- discomfort during movement, if localized on the genitals.
The manifestations of papilloma depend on the nature of its location
So, in gynecology, if an intraductal (intracystic) papilloma of the mammary gland develops, the following are observed:
- redness around the nipples, burning and itching;
- severe pain and discharge with droplets of blood when pressing on the nipples;
- spontaneous discharge of beige or green color.
This type is benign in nature, but if it is not eliminated, the formation turns into a malignant tumor leading to breast cancer.In appearance, the papilloma located on the nipple resembles a nipple-like growth, and its color significantly differs from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of breast papilloma is caused by: artificial termination of pregnancy, excess weight, impaired ovarian function, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and cigarettes and have light sex should be considered a particular risk group.It is possible to cure intraductal papilloma only by surgical intervention followed by observation by a mammologist and gynecologist.
In the case of the formation of papillomas in the throat, at the initial stage the symptoms are not pronounced, however, when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in the tonsil area;
- feeling that something is bothering you;
- unreasonable deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow, rapid breathing;
- small rashes in the throat.
The reasons for the formation of such papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, tobacco and alcohol consumption, unprotected sexual intercourse, visiting public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex give a good effect to the treatment.
Important: it is necessary to remove all papillomas, because even one such growth will cause infection of the whole body.You cannot remove papillomas at home, as this is dangerous and strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, signs of a pathogenic process are manifested as follows:
- inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- discharge of a greenish and whitish tint, sometimes with a pronounced fetid odor.
The causes of papillomas in this area: sexual intercourse with a man infected with the human papillomavirus, suppression of immunity, poor personal hygiene, excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, intrauterine infection.Untimely detection of formations in the form of papillomas on the cervix threatens the development of oncology.In this case, treatment involves removing the growths and using complex drug therapy.
Warning: papillomas can also appear in the intimate area of men (at the level of the scrotum and testicles).However, men are much less likely to face the threat of cancer.
The formation of papillomas on the lingual part (papillary compaction of up to two cm) is caused by close contact with an infected person and in case of shared use of household appliances.This type of growth can also appear in children, as children tend to "put everything in their mouth."Treatment involves eliminating the source of infection and taking the necessary medications.
Diagnostic methods
To determine whether you have human papillomavirus infection, you should contact an immunologist or dermatologist.To identify the etiology of papillomavirus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including a general and biochemical blood test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and extraction of a piece of papilloma for biopsy.
Important: if the papilloma has acquired a black color, it is swollen, bleeding or purulent blisters appear on it, then this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the progression of the disease and a serious reason to immediately contact a specialist.
Methods for treating the disease
To understand how to treat papillomaviruses, you should know that the choice of treatment depends on where the papillomas are located, their causes and their type.In 90% of papillomas in the body, they are removed surgically, if the localization of the growth allows, removal with liquid nitrogen and surgitron (radio knife) is used.The latter method is recognized as very effective and painless in eliminating not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This indicates that it helps to permanently rid the treated skin area of the reappearance of growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be carried out by:
- electrical destruction (use of high frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Sanitation of papillomas also includes the use of a conservative method of treatment by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if the oncological factor is excluded, an ointment against papillomas, which can be used at home, is very effective.
Please note: the use of traditional medicine (tincture of celandine and dandelion, garlic and apple juice, castor oil) is indispensable in the fight against warts and papillomas on the body.
Disease prevention
Considering that today medicine still does not know a specific drug that would permanently relieve patients of the human papilloma virus, an important factor in the prevention of this disease is a set of preventive measures, which include: strict personal hygiene, healthy and timely nutrition, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sex, complete disinfection after visiting swimming pools and saunas, periodic examination by an immunologist, general health maintenance.