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 degree of oncogenicity. The development of this strain is the first stage in the formation of oncology. The beginning of a fatal disease can be accidentally "missed". Its origin occurs in the upper layer of the epidermis and does not manifest itself for a long time.
Types of papillomavirus
There are a huge number of papillomaviruses. Some species have not yet been thoroughly studied. If you get infected with one type, you can get a harmless wart, while with the other you can get a malignant formation and cancer. Papillomas in men on the head of the penis are the subject of special attention, because there is a high risk of developing cancer.
The classification of HPV strains is divided into three categories, according to the ICD:
- Neo-oncogenic group (types 1-3, 5). They mostly pass because of the resistance of the human immune system. They never become malignant.
- Low risk viruses. It is transmitted through traditional sexual contact. In the presence of favorable conditions for development, in quite rare cases, they can become the initial stage of the oncological process. This type includes: 6, 11, 42-44.
- High percentage of "severe" pathology. This class of pathogens often becomes the provocateur of malignant genitourinary formations. The most dangerous of them are types 16 and 18, which contribute to genital cancer in men and cervical cancer in sexual partners.
It's important to know! The strains of types 13, 31, 33 and 35 stand out in particular. 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 is not manifested by external symptoms in any way. 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 cell structure occurs.
- Carcinoma - the papilloma virus integrates, a malignant mutation of the DNA code occurs. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts that occur in the bikini area, scrotum, glans penis and foreskin require immediate treatment. Such growths negatively affect a man's personal life, cause health problems for his wife and contribute to the development of papillomatosis in an unborn child. They can also become malignant. Sometimes condylomas are a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases that have not been fully detected (for example, syphilis).
Routes of infection
The most common way to get HPV is through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. In this case, the form of intimate communication is not important. The route of infection in the household is much less common. There is a risk of infection when visiting public places:
- Pools, baths, saunas - pathogenic microbes are easily transferred from the host, penetrating through scratches and scrapes.
- Hairdressing and beauty salons - the risk of infection is inversely proportional to the handling of instruments.
- Surgical and dental interventions can contribute to infection.
The maximum protection is the maintenance of basic personal hygiene: both in your own home and outside the home. Barrier methods of contraception can significantly reduce the risk of disease.
Favorable conditions for advancement
After entering the male body, the virus remains in a "sleeping" 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 do not appear in the initial stage of the disease, but at its "height". This prevents the identification of dangerous strains in the early stages.
A complex of symptoms
Formations with nascent HPV have their own characteristic shades. In order to exclude the presence of other, similar diseases, it is necessary to carefully analyze the clinical "picture". So, the signs of papillomavirus in men:
- Acrochords or filiform papillomas on the stem. It is usually fleshy or dark brown in color. Reach a size of 5 mm. They appear on the neck, face, scrotum and testicles, groin and armpits. They often get hurt.
- Flat growths are a set of nodules that have a shiny surface without wrinkles. It has a beige or pink shade. Usually the size does not exceed 8 millimeters. Affected areas are lower legs, hands and forearms.
- Condylomas on the head in men are grayish spiky plaques on the shaft. There are single and multiple. Common "habitat" areas for growths are the pelvis and genitals. Often the anus becomes blocked, causing burning, itching and bleeding.
- The 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 (simple, vulgar) warts. They appear simultaneously as a whole group. The maximum size is 10 mm. Usually the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The earlier papillomavirus treatment is started, the greater the chances of avoiding serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistical data speak of rare cases of cancer development due to HPV in men. Formations on the surface of the penis and pubis are an alarming factor. At any moment they can develop into a malignant form. Other pimples, for example on the back, in the mouth, should also be responded to with adequate measures.
Attention! If the manifestations of the papilloma virus are not treated for a long time, they can develop into melanoma - skin cancer.
Establishing a diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? A visit to a dermatologist is the first step towards healing. The first examination with a specialist includes a detailed visual examination of the mucous membrane and skin. A detailed survey of the patient is also conducted and individual complaints are heard.
If the presence of the virus is suspected, the patient is sent for an additional examination:
- Blood and discharge from the bladder are given for analysis. Based on the obtained indicators, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the general DNA material.
- A condyloma biopsy is performed. The result determines the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- A cytological examination of the mucous membrane is performed.
- Sometimes a ureteroscopy is needed.
After the final anamnesis, the doctor draws a conclusion and determines the treatment complex.
Treatment for men
It is impossible to completely get rid of HPV, like the herpes virus. The 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.
A specialist to help
In order to develop the optimal tactics to fight the papillomavirus, it is necessary to undergo an examination by numerous experts. (venerologist, proctologist, urologist and, if necessary, oncologist). You can first contact your local therapist, who will coordinate your further actions.
Removal of papillomas
When identifying viruses type 16 and 18, it is necessary to remove all types of growths. After that, a course of drug therapy is prescribed, which is able to suppress the cause of the disease and at the same time maximize the body's natural defenses. A radical method of dealing with papillomas is used if conservative treatment does not lead to the desired result.
The procedure is performed in different ways:
| Type of intervention | Method of implementation | Purpose and characteristics of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | The tool is an ordinary scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the affected area, the doctor's prescription and the wishes of the patient. | It is used mainly for oncological papillomas. |
| Laser | With the help of infrared rays, pathological growths are "burned". | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of damaged tissue. |
| Radioknife excision | The influence of high-frequency waves on education. | Effective, fast and painless way. It is often used to remove papillomas under the head of the penis. |
| Electrocoagulation | The effect of electric current on papillomas. | It is characterized by a long-term healing process (up to two weeks). A painful method, according to customer reviews. After that, a scar remains. |
| Cryodestruction | Liquid nitrogen is used. | Based on the comments of patients, this is a rather inconvenient method. |
| Chemical methods | Local use of various synthetic agents. | Do not use on sensitive parts of the body, such as the head of the penis. Damage to healthy tissues is also possible. |
Attention! It is strictly forbidden to get rid of the papilloma yourself at home or smear 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 the stronger sex consists of taking medication.
Specialists usually prescribe the following drugs:
- Stopping increased cell division: creams, ointments.
- Local agents on a natural basis (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at an affordable price.
- Promotion of activation of independent interferon synthesis in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulatory tablets.
- Antiviral drugs.
The dosage, regimen and duration of the course are determined only by the doctor. During therapy, qualified monitoring of the effectiveness of the chosen tactics and timely detection of possible allergic reactions is necessary. No virus can 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 recipes. The use of various herbal decoctions is possible with prior consultation with a specialist. This fact should not be ignored if there are chronic intestinal pathologies.
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, vaccinations that significantly reduce the risk of developing HPV with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16 and 18). The vaccine, which consists of two elements, is designed to prevent the most dangerous strains. The most suitable age for vaccination is considered to be between 10 and 25 years. The period of effectiveness 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 get rid of papillomas in one "wonderful" moment, you must remember precautions. Protected sexual intercourse, unfortunately, is not always a guarantee of good health. Regular preventive medical examinations will help. Everyone decides for himself whether vaccinations are necessary. But if there are proven means that protect against the possibility of a deadly disease, then it would be a sin not to use them.