When nipple-like growths appear on the torso, limbs or face, it is always an unpleasant surprise for a person. These are benign formations on the skin, which can be multiple or single. Unfortunately, papillomas on the body are a very common disease that develops due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), but their treatment in modern conditions is not a problem.
What are papillomas?
The human papillomavirus includes more than 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, derived from a specific source and having 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, how quickly they grow and where they are located. Certain papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Identification of the classification of papilloma is very necessary from the point of view of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papilloma into malignant neoplasm.
Papilloma is a benign skin tumor whose structure contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium, which grows upward and outward.
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:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compacted growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually appear on the fingers, hands and, in rare cases, the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually disappear on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| Department | Formations that have a round shape. They are easy to notice visually as they rise above the skin. They often provoke the appearance of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. It is usually detected almost immediately after onset. |
| Plant | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development people often confuse with calluses. After a while, the edges of the formation are formed and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. When walking, people notice severe discomfort and sometimes pain appears. An alternative name for these papillomas is spines. |
| Filiform | Elongated growths, similar to several connected threads. It generally develops in old age. The most popular location areas: neck area, under the arms, near the eyes. Due to their uncomfortable shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury. |
| Condylomata acuminata | Papillomas located in the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, since there is an increased risk of malignancy. Urgent removal of these formations is required. If such growths are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor. |
Based on external signs, a specific papilloma can be assigned to a specific group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma and the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to carry out a complete examination and the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papillomavirus, which is the main cause of papilloma. This viral disease exists in the body for a long time without showing external signs. However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, abnormal nutrition and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and provoke the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
between women
An increase in virus activity can occur due to a specific variety of reasons. Papillomas often form during pregnancy, since during pregnancy there is a sharp decrease in immunity and a deterioration in the condition of the body. The acceleration of its growth is influenced by pathologies in the production of hormones, 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. This factor often influences the appearance of genital warts.
in men
When the virus enters the male body, its development in a person with strong immunity is suppressed. Therefore, the carrier of the disease may not be aware of the infection for a long time (from two weeks to several years). The main reason why papillomas appear on the body is the activation of a latent virus.
Papillomas often appear in the mouth, larynx and trachea.
Risk factor's
HPV infection, as well as exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of such factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the entire body.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages and other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including ARVI, influenza.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Active sexual life.
- The use of certain medications, in particular antibiotics.
- Visit public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Papilloma locations
The most common in the practice of doctors are filiform, vulgar or genital papillomas, as well as condylomas.
The location of filiform warts is the face, vulgar warts are most often located in the area of the feet or hands, and condylomas are located exclusively on the mucous membranes (the head of the penis and the urethra in men, in the area of the labia minora and vagina in women), but it happens that some of these warts may appear in an unusual place.
Removing such papillomas is not difficult in modern conditions, but the danger is the fact that with a decrease in immunity, new papillomas may reappear, which will lead to more serious health consequences, for example, the subsequent appearance of condylomas. It is full of development. of cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts most often appear on the soles of the feet and rough toe tips. Sometimes a thorn may appear on the thumb after serious damage to the skin in this area.
In general, papillomatosis is a widespread form of pathology in which neoplasms form throughout the human body. These growths have a characteristic appearance, so once the manifestations of the disease are seen, they can no longer be confused with any other disease.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have 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 that form on the mucous membranes. Formations that are not treated for a long time are more susceptible to malignancy.
Areas of the body where the papilloma was incorrectly removed are at high risk of degenerating into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that occur if you refuse treatment for papillomas:
- Degeneration of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process lasts 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. Pathology appears only in the later stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a chance that the infection will spread to undamaged areas. There is a risk of growths forming next to each other. If you notice such disturbances, you should pay attention to the increased activity of the virus and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Papillomavirus treatment:
- Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy;
- Laser removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave treatment method.
Papilloma prevention
According to medical research, the prevalence of HPV among the population over 50 years of age is at least 75%. There are many conditions under which the papillomavirus is transmitted. Prevention of infection becomes obvious already at the stage of studying the transmission routes of the papillomavirus.
Prevention of warts should be based on the following recommendations:
- You should not walk in public places with high levels of heat and humidity without shoes, because the human papillomavirus can remain on the surface of the floor covering, since plantar warts are very contagious;
- it is necessary to minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person, also avoiding the use of their personal effects;
- During intimate relations, a condom must be used (unfortunately, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of infection).
Prevention of papilloma at home should be aimed at following the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes and disinfecting bathrooms after the visit of other people.