Papillomas are single or multiple benign growths that appear in different parts of the body. Externally, they are presented in the form of papillae with a base. The consistency is thick or soft. The color can vary from light to dark brown.
Papillomas on the skin spoil the appearance, on the mucous membranes of the internal anatomical structures they provoke bleeding and the appearance of ulcers, in the larynx they disrupt breathing and change the timbre of the voice. It is possible to get rid of growths using surgical excision, 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 appearance is infection with 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 to it. 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 degeneration into a malignant form.
Kinds
There are several types of papillomatous formations that differ in structure, shape, color and other characteristics.
simple (vulgar)
This is one of the most common types of papilloma virus. The formation of papillomas on the skin in this case can be provoked by several types of strains at once. According to statistics, about 30% of the population has encountered them at least once.
The favorite place for common warts is the upper limbs, especially the hands. However, such growths can cover the body, palms, toes and other surfaces.
Such warts appear in areas of skin damage due to a decrease 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, slight pigmentation is noted. As a result of the constant supply of food due to the growth of roots deep into the skin, the growths gradually become larger.
Often in the central part you can observe the appearance of a hair, which indicates the benign nature of the formation.
Filamentous
These are seals with a thin stem and a head on 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, on the sternum in women and men, and in the neck area.
As tumors increase in size, they stretch and become larger. The head of the growths is colored yellow or pink. The level of pigmentation is weak.
Apartment
In appearance, they resemble small plaques 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 injury.
Such growths are most often located in the area of the upper limbs. There are also papillomas on the face. In some cases, neoplasms of this type appear in the area of the anus, the pubis in men and the labia majora in women. Due to the fact that in these places they receive active nutrition, they begin to grow actively.
Flat papillomas are difficult to treat. After removal, a scar or scar remains at the site of the growth.
Pointed
Outwardly, they look like papillae, the size of which does not exceed 2-3 millimeters in diameter. Neoplasms tend to grow quickly; from a small growth on the skin large growths appear. The shape resembles a rooster's comb or a cauliflower.
The danger of this type of condylomas is that there is a high probability of the development of infectious and inflammatory processes in women in the area of the labia minora or the vagina. Such formations are easily injured, which can cause infection.
The problem with such papillomas is that they are prone to frequent recurrences even after treatment with antiviral drugs or surgery.
Plantar
The cause of papillomatosis of the skin of the legs is the presence in the body of viral strains of types 1, 2 and 4. The elements look like calluses, but in appearance they resemble simple papillomas. They are also distinguished by the fact that they hurt under mechanical pressure, they do not have a skin pattern.
Plantar papillomas are prone to self-destruction, especially if they affect the child's body. Often small blisters begin to form near the primary lesion. Over time, they transform, which contributes to the appearance of mosaic papillomatosis.
Juvenile
This type of growth occurs in rare cases, mainly in young children. Infection with them occurs during childbirth, if at that time the mother had genital warts on her genitals.
Localization
Thread-like warts are most often localized in the face area. They can be located under the eyes, on the forehead, on the ear, on the neck in men and women. Vulgar type neoplasms are characterized by their appearance on the heels and hands. In addition, warts can be on the fingers, buttocks, thighs, elbows, in the navel, under the mammary glands, papillomas under the armpits, on the tongue, in the throat and other parts of the body.
Broadly speaking, papillomatosis refers to a generalized disease in which the entire body is covered with papillomas.
Neoplasms can also affect the liver, oral cavity, respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys, etc.
reasons
The human papilloma virus is present in almost every body and is not felt for a long time. However, under certain circumstances, it begins to become more active, thereby 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 sex changepartners;
- weight lossimmunity;
- discrepancyhygienicnorms of the oral cavity and intimate area;
- organ diseasesgastrointestinal- intestinal tract;
- violationexchangeprocesses;
- wrongfeeding;
- receptioncytostaticsor hormonal drugs.
The main risk factor for infection in men is considered to be bad habits that contribute to a decrease in the immune system. Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal papillomatosis.
Routes of infection
Experts distinguish 4 types of transmission of the human papilloma virus.
Sexual
This path 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 prevent infection only of the genital organs, while the perineum and pubis remain unprotected.
Homemade
There is a high degree of survival 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 at the moment 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 virions from a pathological area of the body to a healthy one.
From mother to fetus
The virus does not have the ability to penetrate the placenta. However, infection is possible at the time of passage of the fetus through the birth canal of the mother.
Diagnosis
If you suspect the development of papillomatosis, it is recommended to contact a venereologist and dermatologist.
A final diagnosis can only be made based on the results obtained during the examination.
Clinical examination
During the appointment, the doctor identifies all types of formations that are present on the human body. These are reviewed and notes are made. If anogenital warts are found, the patient is referred to a gynecologist. Men can undergo ureteroscopy.
Colposcopy
This is a diagnostic procedure that involves examining the female genital organs. A special device - a colposcope - is used to carry out the manipulation. Thanks to the drugs used during the study, it is possible not only to detect the virus, but also to assess the nature of its manifestation.
PCR analysis
Polymerase chain reaction allows to detect infection, as well as to establish the presence of other pathological processes that can be sexually transmitted.
Cytological examination
Includes a classification dividing the pathology into 5 classes. The first shows a normal cytological picture, the second means the presence of a large number of atypical cell structures that can provoke a cancer process.
Histology
It allows you to examine deep areas of the Malpighian layer, which allows you to confirm or refute the presence of koilocytes in them.
Screening test
It helps to quickly detect 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 not prone to malignant formation, there is no need for special therapeutic measures. The doctor will recommend taking drugs to strengthen the immune system. If there is a high probability that the entity will become malignant, the optimal treatment option is prescribed.
medicines
The vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed with the help of 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.
Surgically
Removal of warts is possible in several ways.
Cryodestruction
A therapeutic procedure that involves exposing 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 difficulty with this method is that there is no way to control the depth of cold penetration into the fabric. If the procedure is not carried out completely, the remnants of the papilloma may remain in the skin, which will lead to its reappearance.
Electrocoagulation
Benign tumors are cauterized by applying an electric current to them. In this case, the doctor pre-sets the device to a certain frequency and voltage. The type of attachment 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 the capillaries occurs, which prevents bleeding.
After removal, the operated area is treated with an antiseptic.
Radiosurgery
The lesion is exposed to a stream of low-frequency radio waves. In this case, the electrodes capture only the damaged areas, the healthy tissue remains untouched. A wound forms at the site of the removed growth.
A laser
The method is considered one of the most popular due to its simplicity and speed of implementation. On average, the session takes no more than a quarter of an hour.
The procedure itself is not accompanied by pain, but the patient may experience slight discomfort.
The burning of papillomas occurs by exposure to a laser beam, which leads to layer-by-layer vaporization of the cells and complete excision of the element.
If you treat papillomas in this way, the likelihood of recurrence is minimized.
Diet
Nutrition for papillomas on the body implies the presence in the diet of fermented milk, seafood, honey, garlic, onions, vegetables, lean meat and fish.
If we talk about fruits, it is recommended to eat them between the main meals as a snack. It is better to give preference to yellow, red or orange fruits.
When to delete
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 that can provoke the development of cancer.
Other indications for removal:
- activeheightwarts, which can mean more serious disorders in the body;
- planningpregnancy, because against the background of hormonal changes, the risk of the appearance of benign and malignant tumors increases.
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 exposed parts of the body, are more susceptible to injury, which can cause bleeding or infection.
Prognosis after removal
If the removal is done poorly or is incomplete, the papilloma may reappear. To prevent this, it is not recommended to self-medicate.
In addition, some types of growths are inherently prone to recurrence, regardless of the effectiveness of therapy. To prevent this, you must first eliminate the root cause.
Prevention
Following a number of recommendations will help prevent the disease:
- deal only with protectedsex;
- use your own elements exclusivelyhygiene;
- regular reinforcementimmunity;
- eat quality and healthy foodproducts;
- undergo medicalReviewfor preventive purposes at least once a year.
Papillomas on the body are benign neoplasms, in most cases they do not cause 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 appropriate treatment.