What are papillomas?
The human papillomavirus contains more than 600 types of strains (cultures of certain types of microorganisms that come from a specific source and have characteristic properties), which result in the formation of different categories of papillomas. In medical practice, it is customary to divide types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, appearance, speed of growth and localization. Certain papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, vagina, penis and bladder area.
Determining the classification of the papilloma is very necessary in terms of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the transformation of the papilloma into a malignant tumor.
A papilloma is a benign skin tumor, the structure of which contains blood vessels and connective tissue, covered by an epithelium that grows upwards and outwards.
Types of papillomas
There are several types of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, which are characterized by individual characteristics.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compacted growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually occur in the fingers, hands, and rarely in the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually go away on their own without any consequences. |
| Apartment | Round formations. They are easily noticed visually as they rise above the skin. They often provoke the occurrence of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. It is usually detected almost immediately after its appearance |
| Plantar | Papillomas, which in the first stage of development, people often confuse with calluses. After some time, the edges of the formation are formed, and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. When walking, people experience severe discomfort, and sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spikes. |
| Filiform | Elongated growths, similar to several interconnected threads. It usually develops in old age. The most popular site areas: neck, under the arms, near the eyes. Due to their awkward shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Condylomas acuminata | Papillomas on the mucous membrane. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, as their risk of malignancy is increased. The urgent termination of these formations is necessary. If you notice such an increase, consult a doctor immediately. |
Based on external signs, a specific papilloma can be assigned to a specific group. In order to accurately determine the type of papilloma and the cause of its appearance, a comprehensive examination and the help of a specialist must be carried out.
Causes of papillomas
According to medical statistics, almost 90% of people today are carriers of the human papillomavirus, 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 trigger the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
Among women
An increase in viral activity can occur for certain reasons. Papillomas often develop during pregnancy, because during pregnancy the immunity drops sharply and the condition of the body deteriorates. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in hormone production, which occur not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the continuous use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about an innate tendency to develop papillomas. Often this factor affects the occurrence of genital warts.
For men
When the virus enters the male body, its development in a person with strong immunity is suppressed. Therefore, the carrier of the disease may not know about the infection for a long time (from two weeks to several years). The main reason why papillomas appear on the body is the activation of a dormant virus.
Papillomas often occur in the mouth, larynx and trachea.
Risk factors
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole body.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, long-lasting depression.
- Smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages and other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including ARVI, influenza.
- Digestive disorders.
- Active sex life.
- Use of certain medications, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places with high humidity: sauna, spa, swimming pool, beach.
Location of papillomas
In the practice of doctors, the most common are filiform, vulgar or genital papillomas, as well as condylomas.
The localization of filiform warts is on the face, vulgar warts more often on the legs or hands, and condylomas exclusively on mucous membranes (in men, on the head of the penis and in the urethra, in women in the labia minora and vagina), but sometimes these wartsthey may appear in unusual places.
Removing such papillomas is not difficult in modern conditions, but the danger is the fact that with a decrease in immunity, new papillomas can appear, which leads to more serious health consequences, for example, the subsequent occurrence of condylomas is fraught with development. cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts most often appear on the callus and balls of the toes. Sometimes a ridge may appear on the thumb after severe damage to the skin in this area.
In general, papillomatosis is a common form of pathology in which neoplasms develop in the human body. These growths have a characteristic appearance, so as soon as you see the manifestations of the disease, it can no longer be confused with any other disease.
Danger
Papillomas are benign tumors, but there is a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma grows suddenly and causes concern, tests should be performed to rule out malignant tumors. Papillomas on the mucous membrane are most prone to degeneration. Formations left untreated for a long time are more susceptible to malignant tumors.
There is a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors in those areas of the body where the papilloma was removed incorrectly.
- Degeneration of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process takes quite a long time, but the disease does not present itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not participate in preventive investigations, it is almost impossible to identify violations. Pathology appears only in the last stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a possibility that the infection will spread to undamaged areas. There is a risk of the formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such disorders, you should pay attention to the increase in viral activity and conduct symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of the papilloma virus:
- Antiviral and immunomodulating therapy;
- Laser removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave treatment method.
Prevention of papillomas
According to medical research, the prevalence of HPV among the population over 50 is at least 75%. There are many conditions for the transmission of the papillomavirus. Prevention of infection becomes evident already at the stage of studying the transmission routes of the papillomavirus.
- Do not walk without shoes in public places with high heat and humidity, because the human papillomavirus can be on the surface of the floor covering, since plantar warts are very contagious;
- you must minimize the number of physical contacts with the infected person, also avoiding the use of your personal items;
- A condom must be used during intimate contact (unfortunately, this method does not give a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of infection).
Prevention of papilloma at home is aimed at observing the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes, disinfecting bathrooms after other people have visited them.