In most cases, human papillomavirus in men is not life-threatening. After entering the body, HPV provokes the appearance of benign formations. But there are seals that have a high oncogenic rate. The development of this type is the first stage in the formation of oncology. The beginning of a fatal disease can be "missed" accidentally. Its origin occurs in the upper layer of the epidermis and is not manifested for a long time.
Types of papillomavirus
There are a large number of papillomaviruses. Some species have not yet been fully studied. If you get infected with one type, you can get a harmless wart, while with another you can get a malignant growth and cancer. Papillomas in men on the head of the penis are the object of special attention, as there is a high risk of developing cancer.
The classification of HPV strains is divided into three categories, according to the ICD:
- Non-oncogenic group (types 1-3, 5). Most pass because of the resistance of the human immune system. They never become malignant.
- Low risk viruses. It is transmitted through traditional sexual contact. In the presence of favorable conditions for development, in very rare cases, they can become the initial stage of the oncological process. This type includes: 6, 11, 42-44.
- High percentage of "severe" pathology. This class of pathogens often becomes the provocateur of malignant genitourinary formations. The most dangerous of them are types 16 and 18, which contribute to the development of genital cancer in men and cervical cancer in sexual partners.
It is important to know! It is worth mentioning especially the strains of types 13, 31, 33 and 35. Their danger lies in the development of genital warts in intimate places. A sign of other, no less serious infections is a rash (58, 39. 52, 30, 42, 43, 59, 55, 57, 40, 61, 62 and 67-70).
Characteristics of the development of papillomas in the male body
When entering the human body, the papilloma virus always goes through the same stages of development:
- Latent phase. The disease does not manifest itself in any way with external symptoms. Its presence can only be diagnosed by PCR.
- Clinical stage. Various formations appear as a result of increased cell division.
- Dysplasia is a progressive stage. Deformation of the cellular structure occurs.
- Carcinoma - the papillomavirus integrates, a malignant mutation of the DNA code occurs. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts that appear in the bikini area, scrotum, glans and foreskin require immediate treatment. Such growths negatively affect a man's personal life, provoke health problems for his wife and contribute to the development of papillomatosis in the unborn child. They can also become malignant. Sometimes condylomas are a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases that have not been fully detected (for example, syphilis).
Routes of infection
The most common way to get HPV is through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. In this case, the form of intimate communication does not matter. The domestic route of infection is much less common. There is a risk of infection when visiting public places:
- Swimming pools, baths, saunas - pathogenic microbes are easily transmitted by the host, penetrating through scratches and scrapes.
- Hairdressers and beauty salons - the risk of infection is inversely proportional to the handling of the instruments.
- Surgical and dental interventions can contribute to infection.
The maximum protection is maintaining basic personal hygiene: both in your home and outside. Barrier methods of contraception can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.
Favorable conditions for progress
After entering the male body, the virus remains in "sleep" mode for a long time. The following reasons can "activate" it:
- Weakened immunity after a long illness.
- The presence of regular physical or emotional "overload".
- Fatigue of the body due to severe stress.
- Various venereal pathologies.
- Increased sweating.
A dangerous feature of HPV is that the characteristic symptoms do not appear at the initial stage of the disease, but at its "height". What hinders the identification of threat strains in the early stages.
Complex of symptoms
The formations that appear with HPV have their own distinctive nuances. To exclude the presence of other, similar diseases, it is necessary to carefully analyze the clinical "picture". So, the signs of the papilloma virus in men:
- Acrochords or thread-like papillomas on stalks. Usually flesh colored or dark brown. They reach a size of 5 mm. They appear on the neck, face, scrotum and testicles, groin and armpit. They often get hurt.
- Flat increases are a collection of joints that have a shiny surface without folds. It has a beige or pink tint. Usually the size does not exceed 8 millimeters. Affected areas are the legs, hands and forearms.
- Condylomas on the head in men are gray-tipped plaques on a stalk. There are single and multiple. Frequent "habitat" areas for growth are the pelvis and genitals. Often the anus becomes blocked, causing burning, itching and bleeding.
- The spine is a round formation that appears on the outside of the palms and soles. If left untreated, after a few weeks they become rough and a black dot appears in the center.
- Common warts (simple, vulgar). They appear simultaneously as a whole group. The maximum size is 10 mm. Usually the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The earlier treatment for papillomavirus is started, the greater the chance of avoiding serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistical data report rare cases of cancer development due to HPV in men. An alarming factor are formations on the surface of the penis and pubis. At any moment they can develop into a malignant form. Other pimples, for example on the back, in the mouth, should also be responded to with adequate measures.
Careful! If papillomavirus manifestations are not treated for a long time, they can develop into melanoma - skin cancer.
Establishing the diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? A visit to the dermatologist is the first step towards healing. The initial appointment with a specialist includes a complete visual examination of the mucous membranes and skin. A detailed patient survey is also conducted and individual complaints are heard.
If the presence of a virus is suspected, the patient is sent for additional examination:
- Blood and bladder discharge are donated for testing. Based on the obtained indicators, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the general DNA material.
- A biopsy of the condyloma is done. The result determines the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- A cytological examination of the mucosa is performed.
- Sometimes ureteroscopy is required.
After the final history, the doctor makes a conclusion and determines the treatment complex.
Treatment for men
It is impossible to completely get rid of HPV, like the herpes virus. The treatment of papillomas in men is as follows: all therapeutic and surgical measures are aimed at flattening the manifestations of the pathology and increasing the remission period.
Specialist who will help
To develop optimal tactics to fight the papillomavirus, it is necessary to undergo examination by a number of specialists. (Venereologist, proctologist, urologist and, if necessary, oncologist). At first, you can contact your local therapist, who will coordinate your further actions.
Removal of papillomas
When identifying viruses of types 16 and 18, removing all types of growths is a must. After which a course of drug therapy is prescribed, which is able to suppress the causative agent of the disease and at the same time maximize the body's natural defenses. A radical method to get rid of papillomas is used if conservative treatment does not lead to the desired result.
The procedure is carried out in different ways:
| Type of intervention | Method of implementation | Purpose and features of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | The tool is an ordinary scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the affected area, the medical prescription and the wishes of the patient. | It is mainly used for oncological papillomas. |
| Laser | With the help of infrared rays, pathological growths "burn". | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of damaged tissue. |
| Excision using a radio knife | Impact on high frequency wireless education. | An effective, fast and painless way. It is often used to remove papillomas under the head of the penis. |
| Electrocoagulation | The effect of electric current on papillomas. | It is distinguished by a prolonged healing process (up to two weeks). A painful method, according to customer reviews. Afterwards, a scar remains. |
| Cryodestruction | Liquid nitrogen is used. | Based on the comments of patients, this is a rather inconvenient method. |
| Chemical methods | Local use of various synthetic agents. | Do not use on very sensitive areas of the body, such as the head of the penis. Damage to healthy tissue is also possible. |
Careful! It is strictly forbidden to get rid of the papilloma yourself at home or to smear it with iodine. Such damage can lead to a transition from a benign tumor to a cancerous tumor.
Other therapeutic methods
Conservative treatment of papillomavirus in representatives of the stronger sex consists in taking medications.
Typically, specialists prescribe the following drugs:
- Stopping the growth of cell division: creams, ointments.
- Local agents on a natural basis (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at an affordable price.
- Promotion of activation of independent synthesis of interferons in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulating tablets.
- Antiviral drugs.
The dose, regimen and duration of the course are determined only by the attending physician. During therapy, qualified monitoring of the effectiveness of the chosen tactics and timely detection of possible allergic reactions is necessary. No virus can be treated with antibiotics. The need for their use is considered by the doctor, depending on the course of the disease. The use of folk recipes for HPV in no case can replace medical prescriptions. The use of various herbal decoctions is possible subject to prior consultation with a specialist. This fact should not be overlooked if there is chronic intestinal pathology.
Prevention of papillomas
Preventive measures for the papilloma virus are possible without special knowledge and skills. The conditions for a healthy lifestyle, monogamous relationships and personal hygiene are available to every person. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines, vaccination with which significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV with a high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16 and 18). The vaccine, consisting of two elements, is designed to prevent the most dangerous strains. The most suitable age for vaccination is considered to be between 10 and 25 years. The effective period of the vaccine is approximately 6. 5 years. Vaccinations are suitable for both girls and boys.
CONCLUSION
So that at some "miraculous" moment you do not have to face the problem of how to get rid of papillomas, you need to remember precautions. Protected sexual relations, unfortunately, are not always a guarantee of good health. Regular preventive medical examination will help. Whether vaccines are needed is up to everyone to decide for themselves. But if there are proven means that protect against the possibility of a fatal disease, then it would be a sin not to use them.