What is papilloma or papillomatosis?A papilloma is a growth on the surface of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).For the most part, they are benign, not very scary and do not pose a serious threat to life.
These formations can appear in different places of the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back) and are much less likely to appear on the mucous membrane.At the same time, despite the apparently harmless nature of these growths, the risk of turning into malignant lumps should never be excluded.
Types and types
The human papillomavirus includes over 600 types 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 different categories of papillomas occurs.
In medical practice, it is common to divide types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how fast they grow and where they are located.Some papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Important: Identifying the classification of papilloma is very necessary in terms of choosing the right treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papilloma in malignant neoplasm.
So, what types of papillomas are there:
- simple (vulgar) warts.Most often, their appearance is caused by the development of mixed types (26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 63, 77) of HPV.This type of papilloma belongs to the benign group;its formation is accompanied by burning and stinging sensations in the place where a ball-shaped growth appears later.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes color to a darker surface.The size of a simple wart is from one millimeter to one centimeter.The predominant location of such a papilloma in adults is the hands, the area of the fingers and the interdigital space and the outer side of the palms.This variety can also be observed in children's knees and hands.Vulgar papillomas are divided into single and multiple (an additional one grows next to the main one).The virus that causes warts is transmitted through family contact.The prevalence is 70%;
- plantar warts.Growth in the form of papilloma on the leg, on the leg itself, in those infected with the first, second and third types of HPV.Very often they are confused with calluses, but a number of characteristic signs will indicate this type of papilloma.In particular, a smooth surface, the presence of pain when pressing the papilloma when wearing tight shoes, the formation of small bubbles around the papilloma that later turn into "mosaic papillomatosis".The prevalence is 30%;
- flat warts.This type of papilloma protrudes slightly into the skin (2 mm), or subcutaneously, has the shape of an elongated circle and is located on the face and nasolabial parts, in the chest area, as well as on the labia.In women, flat papillomas appear on the pubis and in the cervical area.Most often, these papillomas are white, flesh-colored and only occasionally take on a dark shade.If the growth is damaged, there is a risk that it will turn into cancer, especially if squamous cell papilloma develops in parallel with hyperkeratosis (the process of thickening of the epidermal layer).The prevalence is 4%;
- filamentous papilloma (acrochorda).This type is caused by the second and seventh types of human papillomavirus.It grows on a narrow stem and has a long shape.During the initial germination, the papilloma looks like a small swelling, which, as it develops, begins to hang, becoming soft, sometimes watery to the touch.Filamentous appearance affects people over 40, both men and women.Location: upper eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin area;
- Pointed papilloma or (condyloma).Papillary-like growths, growing individually or in several parts.During the growth process, such papillomas merge, the surface becomes rough and the color varies from beige to pink.Growth in fiscal form.Condylomas are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are located in the perianal area (anus), groin, between the legs, inside the urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), on the cervix and on the inside of the thigh.They grow very quickly - the speed of their union and the rate of distribution is up to three days.A type of condyloma are papular pustules that have a smooth, round shape;
- basal cell papillomas.A formation of benign origin that does not have the property to grow and degenerate into a malignant neoplasm.Diagnosed mainly in the elderly;
- Choroidpapilloma.Benign neuroepithelial neoplasia arising from choroid plexus tissue of the brain.
In addition to the listed varieties, papillomas are divided into types, evaluated in terms of the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of developing cancer (16, 18, 45, 36);
- average risk of cancer (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- squamous cell papilloma - occurs due to proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in the elderly.Marked by slow development.The form is wide at the base, round, on a thin stem.In the initial stage of development, it is mobile, beige to dark brown in color.The size of this type of papilloma can reach 1.5-2 centimeters.With periodic contact, these formations become inflamed, which leads to cell mutation and the appearance of a type of oncology squamous cells;
- Inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that has certain characteristics of formation and flow.The specific signs are: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesions with multiple growths;growth in the bones, leading to lesions of the palate, sinuses, skull walls and eyes;relapse five or ten years after complete treatment.This type of papilloma is manifested by frequent nasal congestion accompanied by bleeding or bleeding.If the formation becomes large, a change in the jaw of the face and a shift in the eye socket is observed.
Important!According to statistics, in 5% of patients who do not take medical measures in time, this type of papilloma becomes malignant.
Why does the disease appear?
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papillomavirus, which is the main cause of papillomas.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 papilloma-like growths on the skin.
In this case, the main factors that facilitate the penetration of the virus into the human body are:
- promiscuous and unprotected sexual relations;
- consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs;
- weak immune system;
- imbalance in metabolism;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- poor hygiene of the oral cavity and intimate areas;
- the movement of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Pay attention!Transmission of HPV does not always occur through direct contact.Very often, particles of this virus settle on clothes and personal hygiene items.Also, the risk of HPV infection in public places and medical institutions cannot be excluded.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually has no pronounced symptoms.The first and important warning sign of HPV is the appearance of condylomas and wart papillomas.And taking into account the fact that this virus is also oncogenic in nature, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes, papillomas can appear with symptoms such as:
- red spots around the affected area;
- scabies;
- excessive skin dryness and flaking;
- feeling of "pins and needles";
- discomfort during movement, if located in the genitals.
Manifestations of papilloma depend on the nature of its localization
So, in gynecology, if the intraductal (intracystic) papilloma of the mammary gland develops, the following are observed:
- redness around the nipples, burning and itching;
- severe pain and discharge with drops of blood when pressing the nipples;
- spontaneous beige or green discharge.
This type is benign in nature, but if not eliminated, the formation develops into a malignant tumor, leading to breast cancer.In appearance, the papilloma located on the nipple resembles a growth of the type of nipple, and its color differs significantly from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of mammary papilloma is caused by: artificial termination of pregnancy, excess weight, impaired ovarian function, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and cigarettes and have promiscuous sex should be considered a special risk group.It is possible to cure intraductal papilloma only through surgery with subsequent observation by a mammologist and gynecologist.
In the case of papilloma formation in the throat, at the initial stage the symptoms are not pronounced, but when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty in swallowing;
- pain in the area of the tonsils;
- feeling that something is bothering you;
- unreasonable deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow and rapid breathing;
- small rashes in the throat.
The reasons for the formation of such papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, the use of tobacco and alcohol, unprotected sexual relations, visits to public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a complex of vitamins gives a good effect in treatment.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, as even such growth will provoke infection of the whole body.You cannot remove papillomas at home, as this is dangerous and is strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, signs of a pathogenic process are manifested as follows:
- inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- discharge of a green, white color, sometimes with a pronounced fetid odor.
Causes of papillomas in this area: sexual intercourse with a man infected with the human papillomavirus, suppressed immunity, poor personal hygiene, excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, intrauterine infection.Early detection of formations in the form of papillomas on the cervix threatens the development of oncology.Treatment in this case consists of removing growths and using complex drug therapy.
Please note: Papillomas can also appear in the intimate area of men (in the scrotum and testicles).However, men are much less likely to face the threat of cancer.
The formation of papillomas on the tongue (papillary-shaped compression up to two cm in size) is caused by close contact with an infected person and in the case of joint use of household appliances.This type of growth can also occur in children, due to the fact that children tend to "put everything in their mouths".Treatment is carried out by eliminating the source of infection and taking the necessary medications.
Diagnostic methods
To determine whether you are a carrier of human papillomavirus infection, you should contact an immunologist or dermatologist.To identify the etiology of the papillomavirus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including a general and biochemical blood test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the extraction of a part of the papilloma for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma has acquired a black color, is swollen, bleeding or purulent bubbles appear on it, then this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the progression of the disease and a serious reason to immediately contact a specialist.
Disease treatment methods
To understand how to treat papillomaviruses, you should know that the choice of treatment depends on where the papillomas are located, what causes them and what type they are.In 90% of papillomas on the body, they are removed surgically, if the location of the growth allows, removal with liquid nitrogen and surgitron (radio knife) is used.The last method is known to be very effective and painless in eliminating not only the formation, but also its roots.This shows that it allows you to permanently clear the treated area of the skin from the reappearance of growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be performed through:
- electrical destruction (use of high-frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Hygiene of papillomas also includes the use of a conservative method of treatment by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if the oncological factor is excluded, an ointment for papilloma, which can be used at home, is very effective in use.
Please note: the use of traditional medicine (tincture of celandine and dandelion, garlic and apple juice, castor oil) is essential in the fight against warts and papillomas on the body.
Disease prevention
Given that today medicine still does not know a specific drug that will permanently rid patients of human papillomavirus, an important factor in preventing this disease is a series of preventive measures, which include: strict personal hygiene, timely and healthy food, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sexual relations, complete disinfection after visiting swimming pools, general immunological examination and sauna.