What are papillomas?
The human papillomavirus includes more than 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, obtained from a certain source and possessing characteristic properties), under the influence of which different categories of papillomas are formed. In medical practice, it is customary to divide the types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how fast they grow and where they are located. Some papillomatous formations appear in the oral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the area of the bladder.
Identifying the classification of papilloma is very necessary from the point of view of choosing an appropriate method of treatment and analysis of the possible development of papilloma into malignant neoplasia.
A papilloma is a benign skin tumor, the structure of which contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with an epithelium that grows upwards and outwards.
Types of papillomas
There are several varieties of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, characterized by individual characteristics.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| just | Compacted growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually appear on the fingers, hands, and rarely on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually disappear on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| Apartment | Formations that have a round shape. They are easily noticed 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 the appearance |
| Plantar | Papillomas, which in the first stages of development, people often confuse with calluses. After some time, the edges of the formation are formed and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. When walking, people notice strong discomfort, and sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spikes. |
| Filamentous | Elongated growths similar to several connected threads. It usually develops in old age. The most popular areas of location: the neck area, under the arms, near the eyes. Due to their awkward shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Pointed condylomas | Papillomas located on the mucous membrane. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, since there is an increased risk of their malignancy. It is necessary to urgently remove these formations. If such growths are found, you should immediately consult a doctor. |
Based on external signs, a specific papilloma can be assigned to a certain group. In order to accurately determine the type of papilloma and the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination and the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papilloma virus, which is the main cause of papilloma. This viral disease exists 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 provoke the formation of papillomas on the skin.
Among women
An increase in virus activity can occur due to a certain set of reasons. Papillomas often form during pregnancy, because during pregnancy there is a sharp decrease in immunity and deterioration of the body's condition. The acceleration of their growth is affected by pathologies in the production of hormones, which occur not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about a congenital predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects 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 know about 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 factors
- Sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages 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.
Location of papillomas
The most common in the practice of doctors are filiform, vulgar or genital papillomas, as well as condylomas.
The localization of filiform warts is the face, vulgar warts are more often in the area of the legs or hands, and condylomas are located exclusively on the mucous membranes (the head of the penis and in the urethra in men, in the area of the labia minora and the vagina in women), butit happens that these warts 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 can appear, which will lead to more serious health consequences, for example, the subsequent appearance of condylomas is fraught with the development of cancerof the cervix in women.
Plantar warts most often appear on the rough soles and balls of the toes. Sometimes a thorn may appear on the thumb after serious damage to the skin in this area.
In general, papillomatosis is a generalized form of pathology in which neoplasms are formed throughout the human body. These growths have a characteristic appearance, so once you see the manifestations of the disease, it can no longer be confused with another 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 susceptible to degeneration are the papillomas that form on the mucous membranes. Formations that are not treated for a long time are more prone to malignancy.
Areas of the body where the papilloma was removed incorrectly have a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
- 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 manifests itself only in the last stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a possibility of infection spreading to undamaged areas. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such disturbances, you should pay attention to the increase in viral activity and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of papilloma virus:
- Antiviral and immunomodulating therapy;
- Laser removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave method of treatment.
Prevention of papillomas
According to medical research, the prevalence of HPV among the population over 50 is at least 75%. There are many conditions in which the papilloma virus is transmitted. Prevention of infection becomes obvious already at the stage of studying the ways of transmission of papilloma virus.
- You should not go to public places with high levels of heat and humidity without shoes, because the human papilloma virus can be on the surface of the flooring, since plantar warts are very contagious;
- you must minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person, also avoiding the use of his personal belongings;
- During intimate contacts, a condom should be used (unfortunately, this method does not give a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of infection).
Prevention of papilloma at home should be aimed at observing the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes, disinfecting bathrooms after being visited by other people.