Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you focus on the facts, you can immediately refute this theory. Papillomas are found not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papillomas are a signal of the body, indicating the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to education data at the right time, you can identify the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papilloma: what is it?
Papilloma - a formation on the skin or mucous membrane. This growth has a soft structure, it is placed on the basis of different thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Papillomas are usually several millimeters in diameter. If the growth reaches 2 cm, it should be removed, followed by an examination.
The shade of the papilloma is similar to the color of the surrounding tissue. If the formation has a solid structure, it becomes white, a yellow tint may appear. If the papilloma is located on the mucous membrane, it usually has a pink tint. After some time, the formation is covered with a gray layer, which occurs as a result of 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 papilloma on the body, you should see a doctor to diagnose the disease and eliminate the papilloma.
Types of papillomas
There are several types of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, characterized by individual characteristics. In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Condensed growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. Usually they occur in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases in the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually pass by themselves without any consequences. |
| house | Formations with a rounded 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, burning. It is usually discovered almost immediately after the show |
| sole | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development are often confused with corns. After some time, the edges are formed in the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. While walking, people notice a manifestation of severe discomfort, sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spina. |
| filiform | Elongated protrusions, similar to several connected threads. They usually develop in old age. The most popular areas of location: the neck area, under the armpit, near the eyes. Due to the inappropriate shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Genital warts | Papillomas located in the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of dangerousness, since there is an increased risk of their malignancy. Urgent elimination of these formations is required. If you find such growths, you should immediately consult a doctor |
According to external signs, it is possible to classify a specific papilloma as a specific group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive examination, the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
These formations occur when infected with the human papillomavirus. When HPV is infected, growths may not appear immediately. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts several years. When the body's natural defenses are weakened, visible manifestations of the disease appear. The presence of papillomas is considered a visible sign of HPV.
Among women
An increase in virus activity can occur under the influence of a specific spectrum of reasons. Papillomas are often formed during pregnancy, as during the carrying of the fetus there is a sharp decrease in immunity, a deterioration of the body's condition. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in the production of hormones, which appear not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the continuous use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the appearance of genital warts.
In men
Papillomas in most cases are located in the anus, genitals, armpits, face and hands. The predisposition to the formation of these growths is caused by bad habits, promiscuity. Men of non-traditional orientation have an increased risk of HPV infection. The risk of papilloma formation increases if a person works in hazardous industries, often stays in contaminated rooms and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
On a note!Papillomas often 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, weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, influenza.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain drugs, 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 some strains of HPV in this case reaches 99%. Mucous membranes are susceptible to infection. Types with many oncogenes are considered the most dangerous.
- family contact. Transmission of the virus can be carried out by the usual shaking of hands, kissing. The risk of infection increases with skin damage.
- Personal items, clothing, items of personal hygiene that a person shares with a carrier of the virus.
- Regular access to public pools. The lifespan of the virus increases in a moist environment.
- Intrauterine infection is possible when the virus is transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. If you plan to have a child, it is advisable to undergo an examination in advance, if this infection is detected, take a course of treatment.
Localization
Once HPV enters the body, the incubation period begins. Activation of the virus occurs in the presence of provoking factors. The virus moves through the body along with the blood, which is why the formation of papillomas can occur in any area of the body. There is a risk of papillomas in 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 localization of papillomas:
- The area around the eyes.
- the eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- limb surface.
risk
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have a malignant risk. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causes concern, it is necessary to perform tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. More prone to rebirth are papillomas that form on the mucous membrane. Malignant diseases are more sensitive 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 degeneration into cancerous tumors.
The dangerous consequences that appear when you refuse 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 appear with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive examinations, it is almost impossible to detect violations. The pathology manifests itself only in the last stages.
- In case of damage to the papilloma, there is a possibility of spreading the infection to undamaged areas. There is a risk of growths forming next to each other. If you notice such violations, you should pay attention to the increased activity of the virus, undergo symptomatic treatment.
prevention
To reduce the risk of HPV infection, prophylaxis is carried out. Thanks to vaccination, you can reduce the risk of infection with dangerous strains that provoke serious complications and deterioration of health. Vaccination is carried out in childhood. If desired, the vaccine is given to seniors 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 adjust the lifestyle:
- Take care of personal hygiene every day. Carry out the necessary procedures after every visit to crowded places.
- Take and use personal hygiene items. Do not exchange clothes or shoes, even with close friends.
- Stabilize the condition of the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, you need to take vitamin complexes. Pharmacy vitamins are especially effective in autumn and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the impact of stress factors, give up a violent reaction to unpleasant situations.
- Leave enough time for proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To prevent the appearance of papillomas, you should take care of your health, perform the necessary hygiene measures. If the presence of the virus is expressed in the formation of papillomas, it is necessary to consult a doctor at the right time for treatment, elimination of growths in the early stages of development.