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 on the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back), and much less often they appear on the mucous membranes.At the same time, despite the seemingly harmless nature of these growths, the risk of turning into malignant formations should never be excluded.
Species and species
The human papillomavirus includes more than 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, obtained from a certain source and possessing characteristic properties), under the influence of which different categories of papillomas are formed.
In medical practice, it is customary to divide the types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how fast they grow and where they are located.Some papillomatous formations appear in the oral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the area of the bladder.
Important: Identifying the classification of the papilloma is very necessary in terms of choosing an appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of the papilloma into a malignant neoplasia.
So, what types of papillomas are there:
- simple (vulgar) warts.Most often, their appearance is due to the development of mixed types (26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 63, 77) HPV.This type of papilloma belongs to the group of benign;its formation is accompanied by a burning and stabbing sensation in the place where a ball-shaped growth later appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes its color to a darker one.The size of a common wart is from one millimeter to a 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 seen 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 spread through household contact.Prevalence is 70%;
- plantar warts.Growths in the form of papillomas on the legs, the leg itself, when 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 papillomas.In particular, a smooth surface, the presence of pain when pressing on the papilloma when wearing tight shoes, the formation of small blisters around the papilloma, which later transform into "mosaic papillomatosis".Prevalence is 30%;
- flat warts.This type of papillomas are slightly raised on the skin (2 mm) or subcutaneously, have the shape of an elongated circle and are localized in the facial and nasolabial part, in the chest area, as well as on the labia.In women, flat papillomas appear on the pubis and in the cervical region.Most often, these papillomas are white, flesh-colored, and only occasionally acquire a dark shade.If the growth is damaged, there is a risk that it will develop into cancer, especially if the squamous cell papilloma develops in parallel with hyperkeratosis (the process of thickening of the epidermal layer).Prevalence is 4%;
- filiform papillomas (acrochordae).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 its initial emergence, the papilloma looks like a small bump, which, as it develops, begins to hang down, becomes soft, sometimes watery to the touch.The filiform appearance affects people over 40, both men and women equally.Location: upper eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin area;
- Pointed papillomas or (condylomas).Papillary growths growing individually or in several parts.In the process of growth, such papillomas unite, the surface becomes rough, and the color varies from beige to pink.Scallop-shaped growth.Genital warts are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are localized in the perianal area (anus), groin, between the legs, inside the urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), on the cervix and inner thigh.They grow very quickly - the speed of their fusion and the scale of spread is up to three days.A type of condylomas are papular pustules that have a smooth round shape;
- basal cell papillomas.A formation of benign origin that does not have the properties to grow and degenerate into a malignant neoplasia.Diagnosed mostly in the elderly;
- Choroidal papilloma.Neuroepithelial benign neoplasia arising from the tissue of the choroid plexuses of the brain.
In addition to the listed varieties, papillomas are divided into types, assessed in terms of the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of developing cancer (16, 18, 45, 36);
- medium risk of cancer (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- squamous cell papilloma - occurs due to the proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in elderly people.Marked with slow development.The shape is wide at the base, round, on a thin stem.In the initial stage of development, it is movable, color from beige to dark brown.The size of this type of papillomas can reach 1.5-2 centimeters.With periodic contact, these formations become inflamed, which leads to cell mutation and the appearance of squamous cell type oncology;
- inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that has certain characteristics of formation and course.Specific signs are: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple growths;ingrowth into the bones, resulting in 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 bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation becomes large, there is a change in the facial jaw and displacement of the eyeball.
important!According to statistics, in 5% of patients who do not take medication in time, this type of papilloma becomes malignant.
Why does the disease occur?
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papilloma virus, which is the main cause of papilloma.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 papillomas on the skin.
In this case, the main factors facilitating 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;
- movement of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Pay attention!HPV is not always transmitted 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 in medical facilities cannot be ruled out.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually has no pronounced symptoms.The first and important harbinger of HPV is the appearance of condylomas and wart papillomas.And given the fact that this virus is also oncogenic in nature, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes papillomas can manifest with symptoms such as:
- red spots around the affected area;
- scabies;
- excessive dryness and peeling of the skin;
- "pins and needles" sensation;
- discomfort when moving if it is localized on the genitals.
Manifestations of papilloma depend on the nature of its localization
So, in gynecology, if an 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 the nipples are pressed;
- spontaneous discharge of beige or green color.
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 looks like a nipple-type growth, and its color differs significantly from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of papilloma of the mammary gland is due to: artificial termination of pregnancy, overweight, impaired ovarian function, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and cigarettes and have a promiscuous sex life should be considered a particularly risky group.It is possible to cure intraductal papilloma only by surgery with subsequent monitoring by a mammologist and gynecologist.
In the case of the formation of a papilloma in the throat, at the initial stage the symptoms are not expressed, but when growth appears, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in 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 causes of the formation of such papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, use of tobacco and alcohol, unprotected intercourse, visiting public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex gives a good effect in treatment.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, since even one such growth will provoke an infection of the whole body.You cannot remove papillomas at home, as this is dangerous and is strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, the signs of a pathogenic process are manifested in the following:
- inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- discharge of a greenish, whitish hue, sometimes with a pronounced fetid odor.
The reasons for the appearance 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.Untimely detection of formations in the form of papillomas on the cervix threatens the development of oncology.Treatment in this case consists in removing growths and using complex drug therapy.
Please note: papillomas can also appear in the intimate area of men (on the scrotum and testicles).However, men are much less likely to face the threat of cancer.
The formation of papillomas on the tongue (papilloform thickening up to two cm in size) is caused by close contact with an infected person and by 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 drugs.
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 extraction of a piece of the papilloma for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma has acquired a black color, is swollen, bleeds or purulent blisters appear on it, this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the progression of the disease and a serious reason to immediately contact a specialist.
Methods of treating the disease
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 eliminated surgically, if the location of the growth allows, removal with liquid nitrogen and surgitron (radio knife) is used.The latter method is recognized as very effective and painless for removing not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This shows that it allows you to permanently free the treated skin area from the recurrence of growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be performed by:
- electrical destruction (use of high frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Remediation of papillomas also involves the use of a conservative method of treatment by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if the oncological factor is excluded, the ointment for papillomas, which can be used at home, is very effective in use.
Please note: the use of traditional medicine (ginseng and dandelion tincture, 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 can permanently rid patients of the human papilloma virus, an important factor in preventing this disease is a set of preventive measures, which include: strict personal hygiene, timely and healthy nutrition, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sexual intercourse, complete disinfection after visiting pools and saunas, periodic examination by an immunologist, general health maintenance.