In most cases, human papillomavirus in men is not life-threatening. Once in the body, HPV causes the appearance of benign formations. But there are seals that have a high oncogenic degree. The development of this strain is the first stage in the formation of oncology. The onset of a fatal disease can be "missed" accidentally. Its origin occurs in the upper layer of the epidermis and does not manifest itself for a long time.
Types of papillomaviruses
There are a huge number of papillomaviruses. Some species have not yet been thoroughly studied. If you get infected with one type, you can acquire a harmless wart, while from another you can get a malignant formation and cancer. Papillomas in men on the head of the penis are the subject of special attention, since there is a high risk of developing cancer.
According to the ICD, the classification of HPV strains is divided into three categories:
- Non-oncogenic group (types 1-3, 5). They mostly pass due to the resistance of the human immune system. They never become malignant.
- Low risk virus. Transmitted through traditional sexual contact. In the presence of conditions favorable to development, in quite rare cases, they can become the initial phase of the oncological process. This typology includes: 6, 11, 42-44.
- High percentage of "serious" pathology. This class of pathogens often causes malignant genitourinary formations. The most dangerous are types 16 and 18, which contribute to the development of genital cancer in men and cervical cancer in sexual partners.
This is important to know! Of particular note are strains types 13, 31, 33 and 35. Their danger lies in the development of genital warts in intimate places. A sign of other no less serious infections is a rash (58, 39, 52, 30, 42, 43, 59, 55, 57, 40, 61, 62 and 67-70).
Features of the development of papillomas in the male body
When entering the human body, the papilloma virus always goes through the same stages of development:
- Latent phase. The disease does not manifest itself in any way with external symptoms. Its presence can only be diagnosed by PCR.
- Clinical phase. Various formations appear as a result of increased cell division.
- Dysplasia is a progressive stage. Deformation of the cellular structure occurs.
- Carcinoma: papillomavirus integrates, a malignant mutation of the DNA code occurs. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts that occur in the bikini area, testicular sac, head of the penis and foreskin require immediate treatment. Such growths negatively affect the personal life of a man, cause health problems for his wife and contribute to the development of papillomatosis in the unborn child. They can also become malignant. Sometimes warts are a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases that have not fully manifested themselves (for example, syphilis).
Routes of infection
The most common way to contract HPV is through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. In this case, the form of intimate communication does not matter. The domestic route of infection is much less common. There is a risk of infection when visiting public places:
- Pools, bathrooms, saunas: pathogenic microbes are easily transmitted from the host, penetrating through abrasions and scratches.
- Hairdressers and beauty salons: the risk of infection is inversely proportional to the handling of tools.
- Surgical and dental procedures can contribute to the infection.
The greatest protection is to maintain basic personal hygiene: both at home and outside the home. Barrier contraceptive methods can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.
Favorable conditions for progression
After entering the male body, the virus remains in a "dormant" mode for a long time. The following reasons can "trigger" it:
- Weakened immunity after a long illness.
- The presence of regular physical or emotional "overload".
- Exhaustion of the body due to severe stress.
- Various venereal pathologies.
- Increased sweating.
A dangerous feature of HPV is that the characteristic symptoms appear not at the initial stage of the disease, but at its "peak". This prevents the identification of threatening strains in the early stages.
Complex of symptoms
Emerging formations with HPV have their own distinctive nuances. To exclude the presence of other similar diseases, it is necessary to carefully analyze the clinical "picture". So, the signs of the papilloma virus in men:
- Acrochords or filiform papillomas on the stem. Usually flesh colored or dark brown. Reach a size of 5 mm. They appear on the neck, face, scrotum and testicles, groin and armpits. They often get injured.
- Flat growths are a collection of nodules that have a shiny surface without creases. It has a beige or pinkish tint. Usually the size does not exceed 8 millimeters. The affected areas are the shins, hands and forearms.
- Warts on the head in men are grayish spiky plaques on a stalk. There are singles and multiples. Frequent "habitat" areas for growths are the pelvis and genitals. Often the anus becomes blocked, causing burning, itching and bleeding.
- A spine is a round formation that appears on the outside of the palms and soles. If left untreated, after a few weeks they become rough and a black dot appears in the center.
- Common warts (simple, vulgar). They appear simultaneously as a whole group. The maximum size is 10 mm. Usually the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The earlier treatment for papillomavirus is started, the greater the chance of avoiding serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistical data reports rare cases of cancer development due to HPV in men. An alarming factor are formations on the surface of the penis and pubis. At any time they can develop into a malignant form. Other pimples, for example on the back, in the mouth, should also be treated with appropriate measures.
Attention! If the manifestations of the papillomavirus are left untreated for a long time, they can develop into melanoma, skin cancer.
Establish the diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? Visiting a dermatologist is the first step towards healing. The initial appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the mucous membranes and skin. A detailed patient survey is also conducted and individual complaints are listened to.
If the presence of a virus is suspected, the patient is sent for further examination:
- Blood and secretions from the bladder are donated for analysis. Based on the obtained indicators, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the general DNA material.
- A biopsy of the warts is performed. The result determines the presence or absence of tumor cells.
- A cytological examination of the mucous membranes is performed.
- Sometimes ureteroscopy is necessary.
After the final anamnesis, the doctor draws a conclusion and determines the therapeutic complex.
Treatment for men
It is impossible to completely eliminate HPV, like the herpes virus. Treatment of papillomas in men is as follows: all therapeutic and surgical measures are aimed at leveling the manifestations of the pathology and increasing the period of remission.
Specialist who will help
To develop optimal tactics to combat papillomavirus, it is necessary to undergo examination of numerous specialists. (Venereologist, proctologist, urologist and, if necessary, oncologist). Initially you can contact your local therapist, who will coordinate your further actions.
Removal of papillomas
When identifying viruses of type 16 and 18, it is necessary to remove all types of growths. After which a course of drug therapy is prescribed, which is able to suppress the causative agent of the disease and at the same time maximize the body's natural defenses. A radical method of eliminating papillomas is used if conservative treatment does not lead to the desired result.
The procedure is performed in several ways:
| Type of intervention | Implementation method | Purpose and characteristics of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | The tool is a normal scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the affected area, the medical prescription and the patient's wishes. | Mainly used for oncological papillomas. |
| Laser | With the help of infrared rays, pathological growths are "burned out". | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of damaged tissue. |
| Excision using radio scalpel | Impact on education with high frequency waves. | An effective, fast and painless way. Often used to remove papillomas under the head of the penis. |
| Electrocoagulation | Impact of electric current on papilloma. | It is characterized by a prolonged healing process (up to two weeks). A painful method, according to customer reviews. Afterwards a scar remains. |
| Cryodestruction | Liquid nitrogen is used. | Based on patient comments, this is a rather inconvenient method. |
| Chemical methods | Local use of various synthetic agents. | Do not use on overly sensitive areas of the body, such as the head of the penis. Damage to healthy tissue is also possible. |
Attention! It is strictly forbidden to get rid of papilloma on your own at home or lubricate it with iodine. Such damage can lead to the transition from a benign tumor to a cancerous tumor.
Other therapeutic methods
Conservative treatment of papillomavirus in representatives of the stronger sex consists in taking medications.
Typically, specialists prescribe the following drugs:
- Stop the increase in cell division: creams, ointments.
- Local agents on a natural basis (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at an affordable price.
- Promote the activation of the independent synthesis of interferons in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulatory tablets.
- Antiviral drugs.
The dosage, regimen and duration of the course are determined only by the attending physician. During therapy, qualified monitoring of the effectiveness of the chosen tactics and timely detection of possible allergic reactions is necessary. Any virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. The need for their use is taken into account by the doctor, depending on the course of the disease. The use of folk recipes for HPV in no case can replace medical prescriptions. The use of various herbal decoctions is possible after consultation with a specialist. This fact should not be ignored if chronic intestinal pathologies are present.
Prevention of papillomas
Preventive measures for the papilloma virus are possible without special knowledge and skills. Conditions for a healthy lifestyle, monogamous relationships and personal hygiene are available to every person. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines, vaccination of which significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16 and 18). The vaccine, composed of two elements, is designed to prevent the most dangerous strains. It is believed that the most suitable age for vaccination is between 10 and 25 years. The effective duration of the vaccine is approximately 6. 5 years. Vaccinations are suitable for both girls and boys.
Conclusion
In order not to have to face the problem of how to eliminate papillomas in a "wonderful" time, it is necessary to remember the precautions. Protected sexual intercourse, unfortunately, is not always a guarantee of good health. A regular preventive medical examination will help. It is up to everyone to decide whether vaccinations are necessary. But if there are proven means that protect against the possibility of a fatal disease, then it would be a shame not to use them.