Papillomas are single or multiple benign formations that occur in different parts of the body. Externally, they are presented in the form of papillae with a base. The consistency is thick or soft. The color can vary from light to dark brown.
Papillomas on the skin spoil the appearance, on the mucous membranes of the internal anatomical structures they cause bleeding and the appearance of ulcers, in the larynx they make it difficult to breathe and change the tone of the voice. Growths can be solved by surgical excision, electrocoagulation, laser, cryodestruction and other methods.
What happened
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that affect the skin and epithelial cell structures. The main cause of its appearance is infection with the human papilloma virus (with a high or low level of oncogenicity).
The disease code according to ICD-10 is D23. The classification of the pathological condition depends on the location of the lesion. For example, if the pathology appears on the neck or head in the hair, then code D23 is assigned to it. 4, if it is localized on the arms and shoulders - D23. 6, if it affects the abdomen, pubic area in men and women, chest and back - D23, 5 and so on.
It is worth noting that papilloma has a predisposition to degeneration into a malignant form.
Species
There are several types of papillomatous formations, which differ in structure, shape, color and other characteristics.
simple (vulgar)
This is one of the most common types of papillomavirus. The formation of papillomas on the skin in this case can be caused by several types of strains at once. According to statistics, about 30% of the population has encountered them at least once.
A favorite place for common warts is the upper limbs, especially the hands. However, such growths can cover the body, palms, toes and other surfaces.
Such warts appear in areas of skin damage due to a decrease in the local immune system.
From the outside, vulgar papillomas resemble papillae. In the early stages of development, the diameter cannot reach more than 2 millimeters. The head of the wart is soft with a uniform structure, rising above the surface of the epidermis.
When such forms appear, slight pigmentation is noticed. As a result of the constant receiving of nutrition due to the growth of roots deep into the skin, the growths gradually become larger.
Often in the central part you can notice the appearance of hair, which indicates the benign nature of the formation.
Filiform
These are seals with a thin stem and a head on top. Such growths cannot be mixed with other varieties due to the peculiarity of their structure.
The appearance of papillomas on the body of this variety is observed after 45 years in places with thin skin. They are especially formed in the armpit, on the sternum in women and men and in the neck area.
As tumors grow, they stretch and become larger. The growth head is colored yellow or pink. The level of pigmentation is weak.
Flat
In appearance, they resemble small plaques that rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The root has a dense structure and grows deep into the layers of the dermis, which can be indicated by the appearance of painful sensations due to mechanical impact or injury.
Such growths are most often localized in the area of the upper extremities. There are also papillomas on the face. In some cases, neoplasms of this type appear in the anal area, on the pubic area in men and on the labia majora in women. Due to the fact that they receive active nutrition in those places, they begin to grow actively.
Flat papillomas are difficult to treat. After removal, a scar or scar remains at the site of the growth.
Pointed
From the outside, they look like papillae, the size of which does not exceed 2-3 millimeters in diameter. Neoplasms tend to grow rapidly; large growths appear from a small growth on the skin. The shape resembles a rooster's comb or cauliflower.
The danger of this type of condyloma is that there is a high probability of developing infectious and inflammatory processes in women in the area of the labia minora or vagina. Such formations are easily injured, which can cause infection.
The problem with such papillomas is that they are prone to frequent recurrences even after treatment with antiviral drugs or surgery.
Planter
The cause of papillomatosis of the skin of the feet is the presence of strains of viruses type 1, 2 and 4 in the body. Elements resemble calluses, but in appearance they look like simple papillomas. They also differ in that they hurt under mechanical pressure, they do not have a skin pattern.
Plantar papillomas are prone to self-destruction, especially if they affect the child's organism. Small blisters often begin to form near the primary lesion. Over time, they transform, which contributes to the appearance of mosaic papillomatosis.
Juvenile
This type of growth occurs in rare cases, mostly in young children. Infection with them occurs at the time of delivery, if the mother had genital warts on her genitals at that time.
Localization
Filiform warts are most often localized in the face area. They can be found under the eyes, on the forehead, on the ear, on the neck in men and women. Vulgar type neoplasms are characterized by their appearance on the heels and hands. In addition, warts can be on the fingers, buttocks, thighs, elbows, in the navel, under the mammary glands, papillomas under the arms, on the tongue, in the throat and other parts of the body.
Generally speaking, papillomatosis refers to a generalized disease in which the entire body is covered with papillomas.
Neoplasms can also affect the liver, oral cavity, respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys and others.
Causes
The human papilloma virus is present in almost every body and is not felt for a long time. However, under certain circumstances, it begins to become more active, causing the appearance of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
The development of the pathological process can be influenced by various factors. The most common include the following:
- unprotectedsexuallycommunications;
- frequent change of sexual relationshippartners;
- weakeningimmunity;
- non-compliancehygienicnorms of the oral cavity and intimate area;
- organ diseasesgastrointestinal- intestinal tract;
- violationexchangeprocesses;
- wrongnutrition;
- receptioncytostaticsor hormonal drugs.
The main risk factor for infection in men is considered to be bad habits that contribute to the reduction of the immune system. Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal papillomatosis.
Routes of infection
Experts distinguish between 4 types of human papillomavirus transmission.
Sexually
This path is considered one of the most common. The virion can enter the human body at any time during sexual contact. You must also take into account that barrier contraception can only prevent infection of the genital organs, while the perineum and pubis remain unprotected.
Domestic
There is a high survival rate of the virus in a moist environment. In this case, infection is possible when visiting a public place, for example, a bathroom, swimming pool, sauna or toilet. The virus can also enter the body through the skin while using someone else's cloth or towel.
Contact
Infection is possible when the damaged area of the skin comes into contact with an injured papilloma. This process is called self-infection, when the carrier of the disease himself transfers virions from a pathological area of the body to a healthy one.
From mother to fetus
The virus has no ability to penetrate the placenta. However, infection is possible when the fetus passes through the mother's birth canal.
Diagnostics
If you suspect the development of papillomatosis, it is recommended to consult a venereologist and a dermatologist.
A final diagnosis can only be made based on the results obtained during the examination.
Clinical examination
During the examination, the doctor identifies all types of formations that are present on the human body. They are reviewed and certain notes are taken. If anogenital warts are detected, the patient receives a referral for an examination by a gynecologist. Men can undergo ureteroscopy.
Colposcopy
This is a diagnostic procedure that includes an examination of the female genital organs. A special device - a colposcope - is used to perform the manipulation. Thanks to the drugs used during the examination, it is possible not only to detect the virus, but also to assess the nature of its manifestation.
PCR analysis
Polymerase chain reaction allows detection of infection, as well as determination of the presence of other pathological processes that can be sexually transmitted.
Cytological examination
It implies a classification that divides the pathology into 5 classes. The first indicates a normal cytological picture, the second means the presence of a large number of atypical cellular structures that can cause the cancer process.
Histology
It allows you to study the deep-lying areas of the malpighian layer, which makes it possible to confirm or deny the presence of koilocytes in them.
Screening test
It helps to quickly detect high concentrations of viruses in the human body. This type of research has gained wide popularity due to its accuracy.
Treatment
If the wart is not dangerous and not prone to malignancy, there is no need for special therapeutic measures. The doctor will recommend taking medicines to strengthen the immune system. If there is a high probability that the growth will become malignant, the optimal treatment option is prescribed.
Medicines
The vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed by using the following antiviral drugs:
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- immunostimulating agents.
If the development of the oncological process is not confirmed, special ointments can be used at home.
Surgical
Removal of warts is possible in several ways.
Cryodestruction
A therapeutic procedure that involves exposing the papilloma to low temperatures, which ultimately leads to the destruction of pathological structures. With high-quality manipulation, it is possible not only to stop the further growth of tumors, but also to prevent their appearance in the future.
The complexity of this method is that there is no way to control the depth of cold penetration into the tissue. If the procedure is not carried out completely, remnants of the papilloma may remain in the skin, which will lead to its reappearance.
Electrocoagulation
Benign tumors are cauterized by applying electric current to them. In this case, the doctor pre-sets the device to a certain frequency and voltage. The type of accessory for the device is selected based on the size and thickness of the growth.
Using a loop, the specialist first removes the stem of the formation, and then cauterizes the element itself. During work, simultaneous coagulation of capillaries occurs, which prevents bleeding.
After removal, the operated area is treated with an antiseptic.
Radiosurgery
The lesion is exposed to a current of low-frequency radio waves. In this case, the electrodes catch only the damaged areas, the healthy tissue remains intact. A wound forms at the site of the removed growth.
Laser
The method is considered one of the most popular due to its simplicity and speed of implementation. On average, a session lasts no more than a quarter of an hour.
The procedure itself is not accompanied by pain, but the patient may feel minor discomfort.
Burning of papillomas is caused by exposure to a laser beam, which leads to the vaporization of cells layer by layer and complete excision of the element.
If you treat papillomas in this way, the likelihood of recurrence is reduced to a minimum.
Diet
Nutrition for papillomas on the body includes the presence of fermented milk, seafood, honey, garlic, onions, vegetables, lean meat and fish in the diet.
If we talk about fruit, it is recommended to eat it between main meals as a snack. It is better to give preference to yellow, red or orange fruits.
When to delete
It is recommended to completely remove papillomas of similar formations if there are many papillomas on the neck and other places where there is a high risk of damage, which can cause the development of cancer.
Other indications for removal:
- activeheightwarts, which can mean more serious disorders in the body;
- planningpregnancy, since the risk of benign and malignant tumors increases in the background of hormonal changes.
In addition, it is necessary to remove growths if they are prone to malignancy.
Why are they dangerous?
The main danger of papillomas is their ability to degenerate into an oncological form. Also, neoplasms, especially those located on exposed parts of the body, are more susceptible to injury that can cause bleeding or infection.
Prognosis after removal
If the removal is performed poorly or is incomplete, the papilloma may reappear. To prevent this from happening, self-medication is not recommended.
In addition, some types of growths are by their nature prone to recurrence, regardless of the effectiveness of therapy. To prevent this, you must first remove the root cause.
Prevention
Adherence to numerous recommendations will help prevent diseases:
- they only deal with the protectedsex;
- use only your itemshygiene;
- strengthen regularlyimmunity;
- eat quality and healthy foodproducts;
- undergo medical treatmentreviewfor preventive purposes at least once a year.
Papillomas on the body are benign neoplasms, in most cases they do not cause any discomfort to a person. Some types of growths, especially when exposed to certain factors, can become malignant.
To prevent this condition, when a lump appears, it is recommended to consult a specialist who, if necessary, will prescribe the appropriate treatment.