Papillomas are single or multiple benign formations that occur in different parts of the body. From the outside, they appear in the form of papillae with a base. The consistency is thick or soft. The color can vary from light brown to dark brown.
Papillomas on the skin spoil the appearance, on the mucous membranes of internal anatomical structures they provoke bleeding and the appearance of ulcers, on the larynx they damage breathing and change the timbre of the voice. It is possible to get rid of growths using surgical removal, electrocoagulation, laser, cryodestruction and other methods.
what happened
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that affect the skin and epithelial cell structures. The main cause of its occurrence is infection with a human papillomatous virus (with a high or low level of oncogenicity).
The ICD-10 disease code is D23. The classification of the pathological condition depends on the location of the lesion. For example, if the pathology appears on the neck or head in the hair, then code D23 is assigned. 4, if localized on arms and shoulders - D23. 6, if it affects the abdomen, pubic area in men and women, chest and back area - D23 5 and so on.
It is worth noting that the papilloma has a predisposition to degenerate into a malignant form.
The types
There are several types of papillomatous formations, which differ in structure, shape, color and other features.
simple (vulgar)
This is one of the most common types of papillomavirus. The formation of papillomas on the skin in this case can be provoked by several types of strains at the same time. According to statistics, about 30% of the population has encountered them at least once.
The preferred site for common warts is the upper limbs, especially the hands. However, such growths can cover the body, palms, toes and other surfaces.
Such warts occur in areas of skin damage due to a decline in the local immune system.
Outwardly, vulgar papillomas resemble papillae. In the early stages of development, the diameter can reach no more than 2 millimeters. The head of the wart is soft with a uniform structure, rising above the surface of the epidermis.
When such forms appear, light pigmentation is observed. As a result of the continuous intake of food due to the growth of roots deep in the skin, the growths gradually become larger.
Often in the central part you can observe the appearance of hair, which indicates the benign nature of the formation.
Filiform
These are seals with a thin stem and a head at the top. Such growths cannot be confused with other varieties due to the peculiarities of their structure.
The appearance of papillomas on the body of this variety is observed after the age of 45 in places with thin skin. In particular, they form in the armpit, in the sternum in women and men and in the neck area.
As tumors grow in size, they spread and become larger. The growth head is yellow or pink in color. The level of pigmentation is poor.
Flat
In appearance, they resemble small plates that rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The root has a dense structure and grows deep in the layers of the dermis, which can be indicated by the appearance of painful sensations due to mechanical impact or damage.
Such growths are most often located in the area of the upper extremities. There is also papilloma on the face. In some cases, neoplasms of this type appear in the anal area, in the pubic area in men and in the labia majora in women. Due to the fact that in these places they receive active food, they begin to grow actively.
Flat papillomas are difficult to treat. After removal, a scar or scar remains at the site of the growth.
Pointy
From the outside, they look like papillae, the size of which does not exceed 2-3 millimeters in diameter. Neoplasms tend to grow rapidly; from a small growth, large growths appear on the skin. The shape resembles a rooster's comb or cauliflower.
The danger of this type of condylomas is that there is a high probability of developing infectious and inflammatory processes in women in the area of the labia minora or vagina. Such formations are easily injured, which can cause infection.
The problem with such papillomas is that they are prone to frequent relapses even after treatment with antiviral drugs or surgery.
Plantar
The cause of papillomatosis of the skin of the legs is the presence of virus strains of types 1, 2 and 4 in the body. The elements resemble calluses, but in appearance they look like simple papillomas. They are also distinguished by the fact that under mechanical pressure they hurt, they do not have a skin pattern.
Plantar papillomas are prone to self-destruction, especially if they affect the body of a child. Often small blisters begin to form near the primary lesion. Over time, they transform, which contributes to the appearance of mosaic papillomatosis.
Minors
This type of growth occurs in rare cases, mainly in young children. Infection with them occurs at the time of birth, if the mother at that time had genital warts on the genitals.
Localization
Filiform warts are most often located on the face area. They can be placed under the eyes, on the forehead, on the ears, on the neck in men and women. Neoplasms of the vulgar type are characterized by their appearance on the heels and hands. In addition, warts can be on the fingers, buttocks, thighs, elbows, navel, under the mammary glands, papilloma under the arms, on the tongue, in the throat and other parts of the body.
In general, papillomatosis refers to a generalized disease in which the entire body is covered with papillomas.
Also, neoplasms can affect the liver, oral cavity, respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys and others.
Causes
Human papillomavirus is present in almost every body and is not felt for a long time. However, under certain circumstances, it begins to become more active, thus provoking the appearance of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
The development of the pathological process can be influenced by various factors. The most common include the following:
- unprotectedsexualcommunications;
- frequent change of sexual relationsPArtnErs;
- weakeningimmunity;
- DISCREPANCIESSANITARYrates of the oral cavity and intimate area;
- organ diseasesgastrointestinal- intestinal tract;
- violationExcHAnGEprocesses;
- errorfeeding;
- Sightcytostaticor hormonal drugs.
The main risk factor for infection in men is considered bad habits that contribute to lowering the immune system. Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal papillomatosis.
Routes of infection
Experts distinguish 4 types of human papillomavirus transmission.
sexual
This route is considered one of the most common. The virion can enter the human body at any time during sexual contact. You should also keep in mind that barrier contraceptives can only prevent infection of the genitals, while the perineum and pubis remain unprotected.
Away
There is a high survival rate of the virus in a moist environment. In this case, infection is possible when visiting a public place, for example, a bath, swimming pool, sauna or toilet. The virus can also enter the body through the skin while using someone else's cloth or towel.
CONTACT
Infection is possible when the damaged area of the skin comes into contact with the damaged papilloma. This process is called self-infection, when the carrier of the disease himself transfers the virions from a pathological area of the body to healthy ones.
From mother to fetus
The virus does not have the ability to penetrate the placenta. However, infection is possible when the fetus passes through the mother's birth canal.
Diagnosing
If you suspect the development of papillomatosis, it is recommended to contact a venereologist and dermatologist.
The final diagnosis can be made only on the basis of the results obtained during the examination.
Clinical examination
At the appointment, the doctor identifies all types of formations that are present in the human body. They are examined and certain notes are taken. If anogenital warts are detected, the patient receives a referral for examination to a gynecologist. Men can undergo ureteroscopy.
Colposcopy
This is a diagnostic procedure that involves examining the female genital organs. To carry out the manipulation, a special device is used - a colposcope. Thanks to the drugs used during the examination, it is possible not only to detect the virus, but also to assess the nature of its manifestation.
PCR analysis
Polymerase chain reaction makes it possible to detect infection, as well as establish the presence of other pathological processes that can be sexually transmitted.
Cytological examination
It means a classification that divides the pathology into 5 classes. The first shows a normal cytological appearance, the latter means the presence of a large number of atypical cellular structures that can provoke a cancer process.
Histology
It allows you to study the deep areas of the Malpighian layer, which makes it possible to confirm or reject the presence of koilocytes in them.
Screening test
It helps in the rapid detection of high concentrations of the virus in the human body. This type of research has gained wide popularity due to its accuracy.
Treatment
If the wart is not dangerous and is not prone to malignancy, there is no need for special therapeutic measures. The doctor will recommend taking medications to strengthen the immune system. If there is a high probability that the growth will become malignant, the optimal treatment option is prescribed.
Treatment
The vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed using the following antiviral drugs:
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- immunostimulating agents.
If the development of an oncological process is not confirmed, special ointments can be used at home.
surgery
Removal of warts is possible in several ways.
Cryodestruction
A therapeutic procedure that involves the exposure of papillomas to low temperatures, which ultimately leads to the destruction of pathological structures. With high-quality manipulation, it is possible not only to stop the further growth of tumors, but also to prevent their appearance in the future.
The complexity of this method is that there is no way to control the depth of cold penetration into the tissue. If the procedure is not carried out completely, remnants of the papilloma may remain on the skin, which will lead to its reappearance.
Electrocoagulation
Benign tumors are cauterized by applying electric current to them. In this case, the doctor presets the device at a certain frequency and voltage. The type of connection for the device is selected based on the size and thickness of the growth.
Using a loop, the specialist first removes the stem of the formation, and then cauterizes the element itself. During work, simultaneous coagulation of capillaries occurs, which prevents bleeding.
After removal, the operated area is treated with an antiseptic.
radiosurgery
The lesion is exposed to a current of low frequency radio waves. In this case, the electrodes capture only the damaged areas, healthy tissues remain intact. A scar is formed at the site of the removed growth.
Laser
The method is considered one of the most popular due to its simplicity and speed of implementation. The session lasts on average no more than a quarter of an hour.
The procedure itself is not accompanied by pain, but the patient may experience minor discomfort.
The burning of papillomas occurs by exposing it to a laser beam, resulting in layer by layer vaporization of cells and complete removal of the element.
If you treat papillomas in this way, the likelihood of recurrence is minimized.
diets
Food for papillomas in the body means the presence of fermented milk, seafood, honey, garlic, onions, vegetables, lean meat and fish in the diet.
If we talk about fruits, it is recommended to eat them between main meals as a snack. It is better to give preference to yellow, red or orange fruits.
When to hide
Complete removal of papilloma-like formations is recommended if there are many papillomas on the neck and other places where there is a high risk of damage, which can provoke the development of cancer.
Other indications for removal:
- assetHightwarts, which can mean more serious disorders in the body;
- pLANNINGpregnant, since the risk of benign and malignant tumors increases against the background of hormonal changes.
In addition, it is necessary to remove growths if they are prone to malignancy.
Why are they dangerous?
The main danger of papillomas is their ability to degenerate into an oncological form. Also, neoplasms, especially those located in open areas of the body, are more susceptible to injury, which can cause bleeding or infection.
Prognosis after removal
If the removal is performed poorly or is incomplete, the papilloma can reappear. To prevent this from happening, self-medication is not recommended.
In addition, some types of growth by their nature are prone to recurrence, regardless of the effectiveness of therapy. To prevent this, you must first eliminate the root cause.
Preventing
Following a number of recommendations will help prevent the disease:
- deal only with protectedSEX;
- use your articles exclusivelyhygiene;
- strengthen regularlyimmunity;
- eat quality and healthy foodproducts;
- undergo medicalexaminationfor preventive purposes at least once a year.
Papillomas on the body are benign neoplasms, in most cases they do not cause any discomfort to a person. Certain types of growths, especially when exposed to certain factors, can become malignant.
To prevent this condition, when a lump appears, it is recommended to consult a specialist who, if necessary, will prescribe the appropriate treatment.