Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you focus on the facts, you can immediately disprove this theory. Papillomas are found not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papillomas are a signal of the organism that indicates the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to education information in time, you can recognize the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papillomas: what are they?
Papilloma - a formation on the skin or mucous membrane. This growth has a soft structure, it is located at the base of different thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Papillomas are usually several millimeters in diameter. If the growth reaches 2 cm, it must be removed, followed by an examination.
The shade of the papilloma is similar to the color of the surrounding tissues. If the formation has a rigid structure, it becomes white, a yellow tint may appear. If the papilloma is located on the mucous membrane, it usually has a pink tint. After some time, the formation is covered with a gray coating, which is formed as a result of 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.
Note!If you find papillomas on the body, you need to see a doctor to diagnose the disease and eliminate the papilloma.
Types of papilloma
There are several variants 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:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compact growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually appear in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually go away on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| flat | Round shaped formations. They are easy to spot visually, because they rise above the skin. They often cause the appearance of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. It is usually detected almost immediately after the appearance |
| plantar | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development are often confused with corns. After some time, edges are formed on the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. While walking, people notice a manifestation of severe discomfort, sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| filiform | Elongated outgrowths, similar to several connected threads. They usually develop in old age. The most popular areas of location: the neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to their awkward shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Genital warts | Papillomas located on the mucous membrane. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, because there is an increased risk of their malignancy. Urgent elimination of these formations is required. If you find such growths, consult a doctor immediately |
According to external signs, it is possible to classify a certain papilloma into a special group. In order to accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, with the help of an expert.
Causes of papillomas
These formations are formed when they are infected with the human papillomavirus. When HPV is infected, growths may not appear immediately. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts several years. When the body's natural defenses are weakened, obvious manifestations of the disease appear. The presence of papillomas is considered an obvious sign of HPV.
Among women
An increase in virus activity can occur under the influence of a certain range of reasons. Often, papillomas are formed during pregnancy, because during the carrying of the fetus there is a sharp drop in immunity, deterioration of the body's condition. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in the production of hormones, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the appearance of genital warts.
In men
In most cases, papillomas are localized in the anus, genitals, armpits, face and hands. The predisposition to the creation of these growths is caused by bad habits, promiscuity. Men of non-traditional orientation have an increased risk of HPV infection. The risk of papilloma formation increases if a person works in dangerous industries, often stays in contaminated rooms and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
Note!Papillomas often occur in the mouth, larynx, trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as worsening of the disease, can occur under the influence of the following factors:
- A sharp drop in immunity, weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shocks, long-term depression.
- Smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, influenza.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active sex life.
- Use of certain medications, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by a high degree of humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Transmission paths
The most common situations in which there is an increased risk of transmitting the virus:
- Sexual contact without the use of a condom. The probability of transmission of some strains of HPV in this case reaches 99%. Mucous membranes are susceptible to infections. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- contact with the household. Transmission of the virus can be done by a common handshake, kiss. The risk of infection increases with skin damage.
- Personal items, clothing, items for personal hygiene that a person shares with a virus carrier.
- Regular access to public pools. The life span of the virus is extended in a humid environment.
- Intrauterine infection is possible when the virus is transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. If you plan to conceive a child, it is recommended to undergo an examination beforehand, if this infection is detected, to conduct a course of treatment.
Localization
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period begins. Virus activation 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 appear on any part of the body. There is a risk of papilloma on the internal organs.
Note!The location of growth is influenced by its variety. For example, filiform papillomas often occur in places of constant friction.
The most common localization of papilloma:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- surfaces of the limbs.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causing concern, it is necessary to take tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. The most prone to rebirth are papillomas that form on mucous membranes. Malignant ones are more susceptible to formations that do not heal for a long time.
Note!Areas of the body where a papilloma has been wrongly removed have a high risk of degenerating into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that manifest when refusing papilloma treatment:
- 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 inspections, it is almost impossible to detect violations. The pathology manifests itself only in the last stages.
- In case of papilloma damage, there is a possibility of infection spreading to undamaged areas. There is a danger of growths forming next to each other. If you notice such violations, you must pay attention to the increase in the activity of the virus, undergo symptomatic treatment.
Prevention
In order to reduce the risk of HPV infection, prophylaxis is carried out. 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 elderly people under the age of 26.
Note!The vaccine is effective in the absence of HPV in the body. Before it is carried out, diagnostic tests are carried out to detect the virus.
In order to prevent infection and the development of HPV, it is necessary to adjust your lifestyle:
- Take care of your personal hygiene every day. Carry out the necessary procedures after every visit to places with a lot of people.
- Get and use personal hygiene products. Do not exchange 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 autumn and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the influence of stress factors, give up a violent reaction to unpleasant situations.
- Take enough time for proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To prevent the appearance of papillomas, you must take care of your health, implement the necessary hygiene measures. If the presence of the virus is expressed in the formation of papillomas, it is necessary to timely consult a doctor for treatment, removal of growths in the early stages of development.