What is papilloma or papillomatosis?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 parts of the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back) and are much less likely to appear on the mucous membranes.At the same time, despite the seemingly harmless nature of these growths, the risk of them turning into malignant nodules should never be ruled out.
Species and types
The human papillomavirus includes more than 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, derived from a specific source and having characteristic properties), 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 based on their origin, their appearance, how quickly they grow and their localization.Some papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Important: identification of the classification of papilloma is very necessary in terms of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papilloma into malignant neoplasm.
So, what types of papillomas are there:
- simple (vulgar) warts.Most 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 group of benign ones;its formation is accompanied by burning and stabbing sensations in the place where a ball-shaped growth subsequently appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes color to a darker one.The size of a simple wart varies from one millimeter to one centimeter.The predominant location of such papilloma in adults is the hands, the area of the fingers, the interdigital space and the outer side of the palms.This variety can also be observed in children on the knees and hands.Vulgar papillomas are divided into single and multiple (an additional one grows next to the main one).The virus that causes warts is transmitted through household contact.The prevalence is 70%;
- plantar warts.Growths in the form of papilloma on the feet, on the leg itself, in those infected with the first, second and third types of HPV.Most often they are confused with corns, but a number of characteristic signs will indicate this type of papilloma.In particular, smooth surface, presence of pain when pressing on the papilloma while wearing tight shoes, formation of small vesicles around the papilloma which subsequently transform into "mosaic papillomatosis".The prevalence is 30%;
- flat warts.This type of papillomas protrudes slightly on the skin (2 mm), or subcutaneously, has the shape of an elongated circle and is localized on the facial and nasolabial parts, in the chest area and on the lips.In women, flat papillomas appear on the pubis and in the cervical area.Most often, these papillomas are white, flesh-colored and only occasionally acquire a dark tint.If growth is damaged, there is a risk that it will develop into cancer, especially if squamous cell papilloma develops in parallel with hyperkeratosis (the process of thickening of the epidermal layer).The prevalence is 4%;
- filamentous papillomas (acrochords).This type is caused by the second and seventh types of human papillomavirus.It grows on a narrow stem and has a long shape.During its initial germination, the papilloma appears as a small swelling which, as it develops, begins to hang, becoming soft, sometimes watery to the touch.The stringy appearance affects people over the age of 40 without distinction, both men and women.Location: upper part of the eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, inguinal area;
- Sharp papillomas or (condylomata).Papillary-like growths, growing individually or in several pieces.During the growth process, such papillomas coalesce, the surface becomes rough, and the color varies from beige to pink.Scallop-shaped growth.Warts are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are located in the perianal area (anus), in the groin, between the legs, inside the urethra, in the vagina, in the vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), on the cervix and on the inner thigh.They grow very quickly: the speed of their union and the scale of distribution reaches up to three days.One type of warts are papular pustules which have a smooth, round shape;
- basal cell papillomas.Formation of benign origin that does not have the property of growing and degenerating into a malignant neoplasm.Diagnosed mainly in older people;
- Choroidpapilloma.Benign neuroepithelial neoplasm that grows from the choroid plexus tissue of the brain.
In addition to the listed varieties, papillomas are divided into types, evaluated according to the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of cancer development (16, 18, 45, 36);
- medium cancer risk (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- squamous cell papilloma - appears due to proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in the elderly.Marked by slow development.The shape is wide at the base, round, on a thin stem.In the initial stage of development it is mobile, beige to dark brown in color.The size of this type of papilloma can reach 1.5-2 centimeters.With periodic contact, these formations become inflamed, which leads to cell mutation and the emergence of a type of squamous cell oncology;
- Inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that presents certain characteristics of formation and course.Specific signs are: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple growths;growth in the bones, leading to lesions of the palate, sinuses, skull, and walls of the eyes;relapses five to ten years after complete treatment.This type of papilloma manifests itself with frequent nasal congestion accompanied by bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation becomes large, a change in the facial jaw and a displacement of the eyeball is 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 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 cause 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:
- promiscuous and unprotected sexual intercourse;
- consumption of excessive amounts 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 areas;
- circulation of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Be careful!HPV transmission does not always occur through direct contact.Very often particles of this virus settle on clothes and personal hygiene items.Furthermore, the risk of contracting HPV in public places and medical institutions cannot be ruled out.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually does not have pronounced symptoms.The first and important sign of HPV is the appearance of warts and warts.And taking into account the fact that this virus is also oncogenic in nature, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes, papillomas can manifest with symptoms such as:
- red spots around the affected area;
- scabies;
- excessive dryness and flaking of the skin;
- sensation of “needle pricking”;
- discomfort during movements, if localized on the genitals.
Manifestations of papilloma depend on the nature of its localization
So, in gynecology, if intraductal (intracystic) papilloma of the mammary gland develops, the following is observed:
- redness around the nipples, burning and itching;
- severe pain and discharge with droplets of blood when pressing on the nipples;
- Spontaneous beige or green discharge.
This type is benign in nature, but if it is not eliminated, the formation develops into a malignant tumor, which leads to breast cancer.In appearance, the papilloma located on the nipple resembles a nipple-like growth, and its color differs significantly from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of breast papilloma is caused by: artificial termination of pregnancy, excess weight, reduced ovarian function, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and cigarettes and have promiscuous sexual intercourse should be considered a particularly at-risk group.It is possible to cure intraductal papilloma only by surgery with subsequent observation by a mammologist and gynecologist.
In the case of the formation of papilloma in the throat, in the initial stage the symptoms are not pronounced, however, when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in the tonsil area;
- feeling that something is bothering you;
- unreasonable deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow and rapid breathing;
- small rashes in the throat.
The reasons for the formation of such papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, use of tobacco and alcohol, unprotected sexual intercourse, visiting public places.Removal of papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex give a good effect in treatment.
Important: it is necessary to remove all papillomas, since even one of these growths will cause infection of the entire body.It is not possible to remove papillomas at home, as it is dangerous and is strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, signs of a pathogenic process are manifested as follows:
- inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- discharge of a greenish, whitish hue, sometimes with a pronounced fetid odor.
The causes of papillomas in this area: sexual intercourse with a man infected with the human papillomavirus, suppressed immunity, poor personal hygiene, excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, intrauterine infection.Premature detection of formations in the form of papillomas on the cervix threatens the development of oncology.Treatment in this case consists of removal of growths and the use of complex drug therapy.
Note: papillomas can also appear in the intimate areas of men (on the scrotum and testicles).However, males are much less likely to face cancer risk.
The formation of papillomas on the lingual part (papillary compaction up to two cm in size) is caused by close contact with an infected person and in case of shared use of household appliances.This type of growth can also occur in children, as children tend to “put everything in their mouth.”Treatment is carried out by eliminating the source of the infection and taking the necessary medications.
Diagnostic methods
To determine whether you are a carrier of human papillomavirus infection, you should contact an immunologist or dermatologist.To identify the etiology of papillomavirus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including a general and biochemical blood test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and extraction of a piece of papilloma for biopsy.
Important: if the papilloma has acquired a black color, is swollen, bleeds or purulent blisters appear, then this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the progression of the disease and a serious reason to immediately contact a specialist.
Methods of treatment of the disease
To understand how to treat papillomaviruses you need to know that the choice of treatment depends on where the papillomas are located, what causes them and what type they are.In 90% of papillomas on the body are eliminated 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 indicates that it allows you to permanently rid the treated area of skin from the reappearance of growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be carried out through:
- electrical destruction (use of high frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Sanitization of papillomas also includes the use of a conservative treatment method by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if the oncological factor is excluded, papilloma ointment, which can be used at home, is very effective in use.
Note: the use of traditional medicine (tincture of celandine and dandelion, garlic and apple juice, castor oil) is essential in the fight against warts and papillomas on the body.
Disease prevention
Considering that today medicine still does not know a specific medicine that will permanently save patients from the human papillomavirus, an important factor in the prevention of 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 saunas, periodic examination by an immunologist, maintaining general health.