Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you focus on the facts, you can quickly disprove this theory. Papilloma is found not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papilloma is a body signal, indicating the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to educational data in time, you can identify the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papilloma: what is it?
Papilloma - formation on the skin or mucous membrane. This growth has a soft structure, located on the basis of various thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Papillomas usually have a diameter of several millimeters. If the growth reaches 2 cm, it must 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 rigid structure, it becomes white, a yellow color may appear. If the papilloma is located on the mucosa, it usually has a pink color. After some time, the formation is covered with a gray coating, which occurs due to the growth of connective tissue. Papillomas are benign formations, but some of them are characterized by an increased risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
On the note!If you find a papilloma on the body, you need to see a doctor to diagnose the disease and remove the papilloma.
Types of papillomas
There are several types of this formation. There are more than 100 types of papilloma, characterized by individual features. In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy | Dense growth with a semicircular smooth surface. Usually it occurs in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. Usually passes on its own without leaving consequences. |
| flat | A formation with a round shape. They are easy to see visually, because they rise above the skin. Often triggers the occurrence of various inflammatory processes, where people complain of itching, burning. Usually detected almost immediately after appearance |
| plantar | Papilloma, which in the early stages of development is often confused with a corn. After some time, edges are formed on the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. While walking, people notice manifestations of severe discomfort, sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for the papilloma is a thorn. |
| filiform | Elongated growth, similar to several connected threads. Usually develops in old age. The most popular location areas: the neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to their cumbersome shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Genital warts | Papilloma located on the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest level of danger, because there is an increased risk of their violence. Immediate elimination of this formation is required. If you find such a growth, you should immediately see a doctor |
According to external signs, it is possible to classify certain papillomas as a certain group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, the help of specialists.
Causes of papillomas
This formation occurs when infected with the human papillomavirus. When HPV is infected, the growth may not be immediately visible. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts for several years. When the body's natural defenses are weakened, obvious disease manifestations occur. The presence of papillomas is considered a clear sign of HPV.
Among women
An increase in viral activity can occur under the influence of a spectrum of specific causes. Often papillomas are formed during pregnancy, because during pregnancy there is a sudden decrease in immunity, a deterioration in the condition of the body. The acceleration of their growth is affected by pathologies in the production of hormones, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the continuous use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about a natural tendency for the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the occurrence of genital warts.
In men
Papilloma in most cases is localized in the anus, genitals, armpits, face and hands. The tendency for the formation of this growth is caused by bad habits, free association. Men with non-traditional orientation have an increased risk of HPV infection. The risk of papilloma formation increases if a person works in a hazardous industry, is often in a polluted room, and comes into contact with dangerous chemicals.
On the note!Papillomas often occur in the mouth, larynx, trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as disease exacerbation, can occur under the influence of factors such as:
- A sudden decrease in immunity, weakens the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, influenza.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain drugs, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by high levels of humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Delivery route
The most common situations where there is an increased risk of virus transmission:
- Sexual intercourse without using a condom. The probability of transmission of some types of HPV in this case reaches 99%. Mucous membranes are susceptible to infection. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- domestic relations. Transmission of the virus can be done by ordinary handshakes, kisses. The risk of infection increases with damage to the skin.
- Personal items, clothing, personal hygiene items shared by a person with a virus carrier.
- Frequent access to public swimming pools. The lifespan of the virus increases in a humid environment.
- Intrauterine infection may occur when the virus is passed from mother to child during childbirth. If you are planning to conceive a child, it is advisable to undergo an examination first, if this infection is detected, run a course of treatment.
Localization
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period begins. Virus activation occurs in the presence of a provoking factor. The virus travels through the body along with the blood, which is why the formation of papillomas can occur in any part of the body. There is a risk of papilloma on internal organs.
On the note!The location of growth is influenced by its diversity. For example, filiform papillomas often occur in places of constant friction.
The most common localization of papilloma:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- surface of the body.
danger
Papilloma is a benign neoplasm, but it has a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causing concern, it is necessary to take tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. The most prone to rebirth are papillomas that form on the mucous membrane. Malignancy is more susceptible to formation that does not heal for a long time.
On the note!Areas of the body where papillomas are removed incorrectly have a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that appear when refusing to treat papilloma:
- 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 show itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive inspections, it is almost impossible to detect violations. Pathology shows itself only at the last stage.
- If there is damage to the papilloma, there is a possibility of the infection spreading to the undamaged area. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If you see such a violation, you need to pay attention to the increase in viral activity, 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 cause serious complications and deterioration of health. Vaccination is carried out in childhood. If desired, the vaccine is given to parents under the age of 26.
On the note!This vaccine is effective if there is no HPV in the body. Before it is carried out, a diagnostic test is carried out to detect the virus.
To avoid infection, the development of HPV, it is necessary to adjust the lifestyle:
- Take care of your personal hygiene every day. Carry out the necessary procedures after each visit to a crowded place.
- Obtain and use personal hygiene items. Do not exchange clothes or shoes, even with close friends.
- Stabilizes the condition of the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, you need to take a vitamin complex. Pharmaceutical vitamins are especially effective in autumn and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the influence of stress factors, release violent reactions to unpleasant situations.
- Provide enough time for proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To avoid the appearance of papillomas, you need to take care of your health, carry out the necessary hygiene measures. If the presence of the virus is indicated in the formation of papilloma, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time for treatment, elimination of growth in the early stages of development.