In most cases, human papillomavirus in men is not life-threatening. Once inside the body, HPV provokes the appearance of benign growths. But there are seals that have a high oncogenic degree. The development of this strain is the first stage of the formation of oncology. The beginning of a fatal disease can be accidentally "missed". Its origin occurs in the upper layer of the epidermis and does not manifest itself for a long time.
Types of papilloma virus
There are a huge number of papillomaviruses. Some species have not yet been fully studied. If you get infected with one type, you can get a harmless wart, and with another, you can get a malignant growth and cancer. Papillomas in men on the head of the penis are the subject 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). They pass mainly due to 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 quite rare cases they can become the initial stage of the oncological process. This type includes: 6, 11, 42-44.
- High rate of "severe" pathology. This class of pathogens often becomes a 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! Strains of types 13, 31, 33 and 35 deserve special attention. 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).
Features 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 stage. The disease does not manifest itself in any way through external symptoms. Its presence can only be diagnosed by PCR.
- Clinical phase. Various formations appear as a result of increased cell division.
- Dysplasia is a progressive stage. Deformation of the cell structure occurs.
- Carcinoma - the papillomavirus integrates, a malignant mutation of the DNA code occurs. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts that appear in the pelvic area, testicles, glans penis 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 fully revealed themselves (for example, syphilis).
Routes of infection
The most common way to contract 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 abrasions and scratches.
- Hair and beauty salons - the risk of infection is inversely proportional to the handling of tools.
- Surgical and dental interventions can contribute to infection.
Maximum protection is the maintenance of elementary personal hygiene: both in one's own home and outside the home. Barrier methods of contraception can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.
Favorable conditions for progression
After entering the man's body, the virus remains in "dormant" mode for a long time. The following reasons can "activate" it:
- Weakened immunity after prolonged illness.
- The presence of regular physical or emotional "overload".
- Exhaustion 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 in the initial stage of the disease, but in its "height". What prevents the identification of threatening strains in the early stages.
Complex of symptoms
Emerging formations 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, signs of papilloma virus in men:
- Acrochords or filiform papillomas on the stem. Usually flesh or dark brown in color. They reach a size of 5 mm. They appear on the neck, face, scrotum and testicles, groin and armpits. They often get hurt.
- Flat growths are a collection of nodules 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 shins, hands and forearms.
- Condylomas on the head in men are grayish pointed plaques on a stalk. There are singular and plural. Common areas of "habitation" for growths 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 of the feet. If left untreated, after a few weeks they become coarse and a black dot appears in the center.
- Common (simple, vulgar) warts. They appear simultaneously as a whole group. The maximum size is 10 mm. Usually the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The earlier the treatment of papillomavirus begins, the greater the chance of avoiding serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistics 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 reacted with adequate measures.
attention! If the manifestations of papillomavirus are not treated for a long time, they can turn into melanoma - skin cancer.
Establishing a diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? A visit to a dermatologist is the first step to healing. The initial meeting with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the mucous membranes and skin. A detailed examination of the patient is also carried out and individual complaints are listened to.
If the presence of a virus is suspected, the patient is sent for further examination:
- Blood and bladder secretions are donated for analysis. Based on the obtained indicators, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the total DNA material.
- A biopsy of condylomas is performed. The result determines the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- A cytological examination of the mucous membranes is performed.
- Sometimes a 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 leveling the manifestations of the pathology and increasing the period of remission.
A specialist who will help
In order to develop optimal tactics to fight the papillomavirus, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a number of specialists. (Venereologist, proctologist, urologist and, if necessary, oncologist). Initially, you can contact the local therapist who will coordinate your further actions.
Removal of papillomas
When identifying viruses of types 16 and 18, the removal of all types of growths is mandatory. Then 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 is used to remove papillomas if conservative treatment does not lead to the desired result.
The procedure is carried out in different ways:
| Type of intervention | Way of implementation | Purpose and characteristics of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| surgery | The tool is a simple scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the affected area, the doctor's prescription and the wishes of the patient. | It is mainly used for oncological papillomas. |
| A laser | With the help of infrared rays, pathological formations are "burned". | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of the damaged tissue. |
| Cutting with radio knife | Impact on High Frequency Education. | Effective, fast and painless way. It is often used to remove papillomas under the head of the penis. |
| Electrocoagulation | Effect of electric current on papilloma. | It is distinguished by a long 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 overly sensitive areas of the body, such as the head of the penis. Damage to healthy tissues is also possible. |
attention! It is strictly forbidden to get rid of the papilloma yourself at home or smear it with iodine. Such damage can lead to the transition from a benign tumor to a cancerous tumor.
Other therapeutic methods
Conservative treatment of papilloma virus in the representatives of the stronger sex consists in taking drugs.
Specialists usually prescribe the following drugs:
- Stopping increased cell division: creams, ointments.
- Local remedies on a natural basis (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at an affordable price.
- Promotion of the activation of the independent synthesis of interferons in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulating tablets.
- Antiviral drugs.
The dosage, scheme 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. Not every virus can be treated with antibiotics. The need for their use is taken into account 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 upon prior consultation with a specialist. This fact should not be ignored if there are chronic intestinal pathologies.
Prevention of papillomas
Preventive measures for the papilloma virus are possible without special knowledge and skills. 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 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 period of action of the vaccine is approximately 6. 5 years. Vaccinations are suitable for both girls and boys.
Conclusion
In order not to face at a "wonderful" moment the problem of how to get rid of papillomas, you should remember the precautions. Protected sexual contact, alas, is not always a guarantee of good health. A regular preventive medical examination will help. Are they necessaryvaccinations, everyone decides 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.