Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you focus on the facts, you can immediately refute this theory. Papillomas are found not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papillomas are a signal from the body, which indicates the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to the education data in a timely manner, you can identify the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papillomas: what is it?
Papilloma - a formation on the skin or mucous membranes. This outgrowth has a soft structure, is located on the basis of various thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Papillomas are usually a few millimeters in diameter. If the growth reaches 2 cm, it must be removed, followed by examination.
The shade of the papilloma is similar to the color of the surrounding tissues. If the formation has a rigid structure, it turns white, a yellow tint may appear. If the papilloma is located on the mucous membrane, it usually has a pink tinge. After some time, the formation becomes 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 a cancerous tumor.
On a note!If you find papillomas on the body, you need to consult a doctor to diagnose the disease and get rid of the papilloma.
Types of papillomas
There are several varieties of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, which are characterized by individual characteristics. In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| First name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compact growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually occur in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually pass on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| dish | Rounded formations. They are easy to notice visually, as they rise above the skin. Often they provoke the occurrence of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching, burning. Usually detected almost immediately after the appearance |
| footbed | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development are often confused with calluses. After some time borders are formed at the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. While walking, people notice a manifestation of severe discomfort, pain sometimes develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is thorns. |
| filiform | Elongated growths, similar to several connected strands. It usually develops in old age. The most popular localization zones: the neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to the inconvenient form, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Genital warts | Papillomas localized on the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, as the risk of their malignancy increases. Urgent elimination of these formations is required. If you find such growths, you should immediately consult a doctor |
According to external signs, it is possible to classify a specific papilloma as a specific group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, with the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
These formations occur when infected with the human papillomavirus. When HPV is infected, the growths may not appear immediately. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts for several years. When the body's natural defenses are weakened, obvious manifestations of the disease occur. The presence of papillomas is considered an obvious sign of HPV.
Among women
An increase in the activity of the virus can occur under the influence of a specific spectrum of reasons. Often papillomas are formed during pregnancy, since during the bearing of the fetus there is a sharp decrease in immunity, a deterioration in the state 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 due to the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists speak of an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the appearance of genital warts.
In men
Papillomas in most cases are localized in the anus, genitals, armpits, face and hands. The predisposition to the formation of these growths is caused by bad habits, promiscuity. Men with nontraditional orientation have a higher risk of HPV infection. The risk of papilloma formation increases if a person works in hazardous industries, often stays in contaminated environments, and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
On a note!Often papillomas occur in the mouth, larynx, trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as an exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of such factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shocks, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking of alcohol, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, influenza.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active sex life.
- The use of some drugs, especially antibiotics.
- Visit public places characterized by a high degree of humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Routes of transmission
The most common situations where there is an increased risk of virus transmission:
- Sexual contact without the use of a condom. The probability of transmission of some HPV strains in this case reaches 99%. Mucous membranes are susceptible to infections. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- domestic contact. Transmission of the virus can be done with the usual handshake, kiss. The risk of infection increases with skin damage.
- Personal items, clothing, personal hygiene items that a person shares with a carrier of the virus.
- Regular access to public swimming pools. The life span of the virus increases in a humid environment.
- Intrauterine infection is possible 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 in advance, if this infection is detected, conduct a course of treatment.
Location
After the HPV has entered the body, the incubation period begins. Activation of the virus occurs in the presence of provoking factors. The virus moves through the body along with the blood, which is why the formation of papillomas can occur in any area of the body. There is a risk of papillomas on internal organs.
On a note!The location of the growth is influenced by its variety. For example, filiform papillomas often occur in places of constant friction.
The most common localization of papillomas:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- limb surface.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they present a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causing concern, tests should be performed to rule out malignant neoplasms. The most prone to rebirth are papillomas that form on the mucous membranes. Malignant tumors are more susceptible to formations that do not heal for a long time.
On a note!Areas of the body where the papilloma has been incorrectly removed have a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that arise when refusing to treat papillomas:
- 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 manifest itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive examinations, it is almost impossible to detect violations. Pathology manifests itself only in the last stages.
- If there is damage to the papilloma, there is a chance 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 violations, you need to pay attention to an increase in the activity of the virus, undergo symptomatic treatment.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of HPV infection, prophylaxis is performed. 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 older people under the age of 26.
On a note!The vaccine is effective in the absence of HPV in the body. Before it is run, diagnostic tests are run to detect the virus.
To prevent infection, the development of HPV, it is necessary to adjust the lifestyle:
- Take care of personal hygiene every day. Perform the necessary procedures after each visit to crowded places.
- Purchase and use personal hygiene items. Don't trade clothes or shoes, even with close friends.
- Stabilize the state of the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, it is necessary to take vitamin complexes. Pharmacy vitamins are especially effective in the fall and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the influence of stressors, give up a violent reaction to unpleasant situations.
- Set aside enough time for adequate rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To prevent the appearance of papillomas, you need to take care of your health, take the necessary hygiene measures. If the presence of the virus is expressed in the formation of papillomas, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner for treatment, elimination of growths in the early stages of development.