Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you focus on the facts, you can immediately disprove this theory. Papillomas occur not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papillomas are the body's signal indicating the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to the education data in a timely manner, you can identify the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papillomas: what is it?
Papilloma - formation on the skin or mucous membranes. This growth has a soft structure, located 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 coating, 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.
For the record!If you find papillomas on the body, you should visit a doctor to diagnose the disease and remove the papilloma.
Types of papillomas
There are several varieties 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 |
|---|---|
| just | Compacted growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. Usually they appear in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually pass on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| apartment | 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 detected almost immediately after the appearance |
| plantar | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development are often confused with calluses. After some time, edges are formed in the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. When walking, people notice a manifestation of strong discomfort, 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 |
| Genital warts | 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 you find such growths, you should immediately consult a doctor |
According to external signs, it is possible to classify a particular papilloma as a specific group. In order to accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, the help of a specialist.
Causes of the appearance of papillomas
These formations occur when infected with the human papilloma virus. When HPV is infected, growths may not appear right away. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts several years. When the body's natural defenses are weakened, overt manifestations of the disease appear. The presence of papillomas is considered an obvious sign of HPV.
Among women
An increase in the activity of the virus can occur under the influence of a certain spectrum of reasons. Often, papillomas are formed during pregnancy, because during the period of carrying the fetus there is a sharp decrease in immunity, deterioration of the condition of the body. 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
Papillomas in most cases are localized 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 stands in polluted premises and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
For the record!Papillomas often appear 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:
- Sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shocks, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent use of alcoholic beverages, 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.
Routes of transmission
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. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- household contact. Transmission of the virus can be done with the usual handshake, kiss. The risk of infection increases with skin damage.
- Personal items, clothing, personal hygiene items that a person shares with a carrier of the virus.
- Regular access to public pools. The life span 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 conceive a child, it is recommended to undergo an examination in advance, if this infection is detected, conduct 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 appear in any area of the body. There is a risk of papillomas on the internal organs.
For the record!The location of growth is affected by its variety. For example, filiform papillomas often appear in places with constant friction.
The most common localization of papillomas:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- the surface of the limbs.
danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causes concern, it is necessary to take tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. Papillomas that form on the mucous membranes are most prone to rebirth. Malignant formations are more susceptible to formations that do not heal for a long time.
For the record!Areas of the body where the papilloma was removed incorrectly have a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that occur when papilloma treatment is refused:
- 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 manifest itself 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 infection spreading to undamaged areas. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such disorders, you should pay attention to an increase in the 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 administered to adults under the age of 26.
For the record!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:
- He takes care of personal hygiene on a daily basis. Carry out the necessary procedures after each visit to crowded places.
- Acquire and use personal hygiene items. Do not exchange clothes and shoes, even with close friends.
- Stabilization of the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, you should take vitamin complexes. Pharmacy vitamins are especially effective in autumn and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the influence of stress factors, give up a violent reaction to unpleasant situations.
- Take enough time for a full rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To prevent the appearance of papillomas, you must 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 in a timely manner for treatment, elimination of growths in the early stages of development.