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 various places of the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, stomach, navel and back), and are less likely to appear on mucous membranes.At the same time, although all these types of growth seem harmless, the risk of turning into a malignant lump cannot be excluded.
Species and types
Human papillomavirus includes more than 600 types of strains (cultures of certain types of microorganisms, originating from certain sources and having characteristic features), under the influence of which the formation of various categories of papillomas occurs.
In medical practice, it is customary to divide types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how quickly they grow and where they are localized.Certain papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Important: Identification of papilloma classification is very necessary in terms of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possibility of papilloma development into malignant neoplasia.
So, what types of papillomas are there:
- simple (vulgar) warts.Often, their appearance is caused by the development of mixed types (26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 63, 77) of HPV.This type of papilloma belongs to the benign group;its formation is accompanied by a burning and stabbing sensation where the ball-shaped growth then appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes color to a darker color.The size of a simple wart is from one millimeter to one centimeter.The main locations of such papillomas in adults are the hands, the area of the fingers and interdigital spaces, and the outer part of the palm.This variety can also be observed in children on the knees and hands.Papilloma vulgaris is 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 legs themselves, in those infected with HPV types 1, 2 and 3.Often they are confused with calluses, but some characteristic signs will indicate this type of papilloma.In particular, the smooth surface, the presence of pain when pressing the papilloma when wearing tight shoes, the formation of small blisters around the papilloma that later turn into "mosaic papillomatosis."Prevalence is 30%;
- flat wart.This type of papilloma protrudes slightly on the skin (2 mm), or subcutaneously, has the shape of an elongated circle and is localized on the face and nasolabial area, in the chest area, as well as on the labia.In women, flat papillomas appear on the pubis and in the cervical area.Most often, this papilloma is white, flesh-colored and only sometimes acquires a dark color.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 (a process of thickening of the epidermal layer).Prevalence is 4%;
- filamentous papillomas (acrochords).This type is caused by human papillomavirus types two and seven.It grows on a narrow stalk and has a long shape.During its initial growth, the papilloma looks like a small bump, which, as it grows, begins to hang, becoming soft, sometimes watery to the touch.Filamentous appearance affects people over the age of 40, men and women equally.Location: upper eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin area;
- Pointed papilloma or (condyloma).Papillary-like growths, grow either individually or in several pieces.During the growth process, such papillomas coalesce, the surface becomes rough, and the color ranges from beige to pink.Shell-shaped growth.Condyloma is caused by a sexually transmitted type of HPV.They are localized in the perianal area (anus), groin, between the legs, in the urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), on the cervix and on the inner thigh.They grow very rapidly - the speed of their union and the scale of distribution is up to three days.A type of condyloma is a papular pustule that has a smooth and round shape;
- basal cell papilloma.Formations of benign origin that do not have the ability to grow and degenerate into malignant neoplasia.Diagnosis is mainly in older people;
- Choroidpapilloma.Benign neuroepithelial neoplasia arising from brain choroid plexus tissue.
In addition to the types listed, papillomas are divided into types, assessed in terms of the level of cancer risk:
- high risk of cancer development (16, 18, 45, 36);
- average risk of cancer (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- squamous cell papilloma - appears due to the proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in the elderly.Marked by slow development.Its shape is wide at the base, round, on a thin stem.In the early stages of development, it is mobile, the color from beige to dark brown.The size of this type of papilloma can reach 1.5-2 centimeters.With periodic contact, this formation becomes inflamed, which leads to cell mutation and the appearance of squamous cell oncology;
- Inverted papilloma is a very rare form that has certain characteristics of formation and course.Specific signs are: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesions with multiple growths;growth into the bones, leading to lesions of the palate, sinuses, skull and eye walls;recur five or ten years after full treatment.This type of papilloma is indicated by nasal congestion that is often accompanied by bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation becomes large, changes in the jaw and shift in the eyeball are observed.
Important!According to statistics, in 5% of patients who do not take medical measures 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 papillomavirus, which is the main cause of papillomas.This viral disease exists in the body for a long time without showing any external symptoms.However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, abnormal nutrition and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and trigger the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
In this case, the main factors that facilitate the penetration of the virus into the human body are:
- free and unprotected sex;
- excessive consumption 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 area;
- virus movement from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Pay attention!HPV transmission does not always occur through direct contact.Often, these virus particles settle on clothing and personal hygiene items.Also, the risk of contracting HPV in public places and in medical institutions cannot be excluded.
What are the common symptoms of this disease?
This process usually has no obvious symptoms.The first and important sign of HPV is the appearance of condyloma and wart papilloma.And taking into account the fact that this virus is also oncogenic, this growth cannot be considered a completely harmless manifestation.
Sometimes, papilloma can manifest itself with symptoms such as:
- red spots around the affected area;
- scabies;
- excessive skin dryness and peeling;
- a "pins and needles" feeling;
- discomfort when moving, if localized to the genitals.
The manifestation of papilloma depends on the nature of its localization
So, in gynecology, if the intraductal papilloma (intracystic) of the mammary gland develops, the following is observed:
- redness around the nipple, burning and itching;
- severe pain and discharge with drops of blood when pressing on the nipple;
- spontaneous discharge of beige or green color.
This type is benign, but if it is not eliminated, the formation develops into a malignant tumor, which leads to breast cancer.In appearance, a papilloma located on the nipple resembles a nipple-type growth, and its color is significantly different from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of mammary papilloma is caused by: artificial termination of pregnancy, overweight, impaired ovarian function, viral diseases, and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and smoke and engage in promiscuous sex should be considered a specific risk group.It is possible to cure intraductal papilloma only through surgery with subsequent observation by mammologists and gynecologists.
In the case of the formation of papilloma in the throat, in the early stages the symptoms are not expressed, however, when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in the tonsil area;
- feel that something is bothering you;
- unreasonable deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow and rapid breathing;
- small rash in the throat.
The reasons for the formation of papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, tobacco and alcohol use, unprotected sexual intercourse, visiting public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and vitamin complexes give a good effect in treatment.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, because even one such growth will trigger an infection throughout the body.You can not remove papillomas at home, because this is dangerous and strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, signs of the pathogenic process are shown in the following:
- inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- greenish, whitish discharge, sometimes with a strong foul smell.
Causes of papillomas in this area: sexual contact with men infected with human papillomavirus, suppressed immunity, poor personal hygiene, excessive use 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 of removing the tumor 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 less likely to face the threat of cancer.
The formation of papillomas on the lingual side (papillary-like compaction up to two cm in size) is caused by close contact with infected people and in the case of joint use of household appliances.This type of growth can also appear 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 need to contact an immunologist or a dermatologist.To identify the etiology of papillomavirus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including general and biochemical blood tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and extraction of a piece of papilloma for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma has acquired a black color, swelling, bleeding, or purulent blisters appear on it, then this is a clear symptom of the beginning of the development of the disease and a serious reason to immediately contact a specialist.
Methods of treating diseases
To understand how to treat papillomavirus, you need to know that treatment options depend on where the papilloma is located, what causes it and its type.In 90% of papillomas on the body, they are removed 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 in eliminating not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This shows that it allows you to permanently clear the treated area of the skin from regrowth.
Papilloma removal surgery can also be done through:
- electrical destruction (use of high frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Papilloma sanitation also includes the use of conservative treatment methods by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if oncological factors are excluded, ointment for papilloma, which can be used at home, is very effectively used.
Please note: the use of traditional medicine (celandine and dandelion, garlic and apple juice, castor oil) is important in the fight against warts and papillomas on the body.
Disease prevention
Since today, medicine still does not know a specific drug that will permanently relieve patients from human papillomavirus, 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 swimming pools and health saunas, regular immunology, regular maintenance.