What is papilloma or papillomatosis?A papilloma is a growth on the surface of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).They are mostly benign, not scary and do not pose a serious threat to life.
These formations can appear in different places on the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back), and it is much rarer that they appear on the mucous membranes.At the same time, despite the seemingly harmless nature of these growths, the risk of turning into malignant nodules should never be ruled out.
Species and types
The human papilloma virus includes over 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, which originates from a certain source and has characteristic properties), under the influence of which the creation of different categories of papillomas occurs.
In medical practice, it is customary to divide types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how fast they grow and where they are localized.Certain papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Important: Identifying the classification of papillomas is very necessary in terms of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papillomas into malignant neoplasia.
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;its formation is accompanied by a burning and stinging sensation in the place where a ball-shaped growth appears later.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes color to a darker one.The size of a common wart is from one millimeter to a centimeter.The predominant location of such a papilloma in adults is the hands, the area of the fingers and interdigital space, and the outside of the palms.This diversity can also be observed in children on their 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 spread by household contact.The prevalence is 70%;
- plantar warts.Growths in the form of papillomas on the feet, the leg itself, in those infected with the first, second and third types of HPV.They are often confused with calluses, but a series of characteristic signs will indicate this type of papilloma.In particular, the smooth surface, the presence of pain when pressing on the papillomas when wearing tight shoes, the formation of small blisters around the papillomas that later transform into "mosaic papillomatosis".The prevalence is 30%;
- flat nipples.This type of papilloma 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, as well as 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 take on a dark shade.If the growth is damaged, there is a danger that it will turn into cancer, especially if the squamous cell papilloma develops in parallel with hyperkeratosis (a 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 looks like a small bump, which, as it develops, begins to hang down, becoming soft, sometimes watery to the touch.The stringy appearance affects people over 40, both men and women alike.Location: upper eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin area;
- Pointed papillomas or (condylomas).Growths similar to papillae, which grow singly or in several pieces.During the growth process, such papillomas merge, the surface becomes rough, and the color ranges from beige to pink.Cap-shaped growth.Condylomas are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are located in the perianal area (anus), groin, between the legs, inside the urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), on the cervix and on the inside of the thigh.They grow very quickly - the speed of their connection and the scale of distribution is up to three days.A type of condyloma are papular pustules that have a smooth, round shape;
- basal cell papilloma.A formation of benign origin that does not have the properties of growth and degeneration into a malignant neoplasia.It is diagnosed mainly in elderly people;
- Choroidpapilloma.Neuroepithelial benign neoplasia growing from the tissue of the choroid plexuses of the brain.
In addition to the listed varieties, papillomas are divided into types, which are evaluated in terms of the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of developing cancer (16, 18, 45, 36);
- average cancer risk (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- squamous cell papilloma - appears due to the proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in the elderly.Characterized by slow development.The shape is wide at the base, round, on a thin stem.In the initial stage of development, it is mobile, in color from beige to dark brown.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 appearance of squamous-type oncology;
- inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that has certain characteristics of formation and course.Specific signs are: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple outgrowths;ingrowth into the bone, which leads to lesions of the palate, sinuses, skull and walls of the eye;relapse five or ten years after complete treatment.This type of papilloma is manifested by frequent nasal congestion accompanied by bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation becomes large, a change in the facial jaw and displacement of the eyeball is observed.
Important!According to statistics, in 5% of patients who do not take medication measures in time, this type of papilloma becomes malignant.
Why does disease occur?
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papillomavirus, which is the main cause of papillomas.This viral disease exists in the body for a long time without 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 papilloma-like growths to form 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 relations;
- 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;
- transmission of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Pay attention!HPV is not always transmitted through direct contact.Very often, particles of this virus settle on clothes and personal hygiene items.Also, the risk of HPV infection in public places and in healthcare institutions cannot be ruled out.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually has no pronounced symptoms.The first and important sign of HPV is the appearance of condylomas and papillomas.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;
- "pins and needles" sensation;
- discomfort when moving, if it is localized on the genitals.
Manifestations of papilloma depend on the nature of its localization
So, in gynecology, if an intraductal (intracystic) papilloma of the mammary gland develops, the following is observed:
- redness around the nipples, burning and itching;
- severe pain and discharge with drops of blood when pressing on the nipples;
- spontaneous beige or green discharge.
This type is benign in nature, but if not eliminated, the formation develops into a malignant tumor that leads to breast cancer.In appearance, a papilloma located on the nipple resembles a growth of the wart type, and its color is significantly different from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of breast papilloma is caused by: artificial termination of pregnancy, excessive body weight, disturbed ovarian function, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and cigarettes and have promiscuous sex should be considered a special risk group.Intraductal papilloma can only be cured by surgery with subsequent supervision by a mammologist and gynecologist.
In the case of the formation of papillomas in the throat, the symptoms are not expressed at the initial stage, however, when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in the area of the tonsils;
- feeling that something is bothering you;
- unreasonable deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow and rapid breathing;
- a small rash in the throat.
The reasons for the appearance of such papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, use of tobacco and alcohol, unprotected sexual relations, visiting public places.A good effect in treatment is given by removing papilloma from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, because even one such growth will cause an infection of the whole body.You cannot remove papillomas at home, because it is dangerous and doctors strictly prohibit it.
In cervical papilloma, the signs of the pathogenic process are manifested in the following:
- inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- discharge of a greenish, whitish hue, sometimes with a pronounced fetid smell.
Causes of papilloma in this area: sexual intercourse with a man infected with the human papilloma virus, weakened immunity, poor personal hygiene, excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, intrauterine infection.Untimely detection of formations in the form of papillomas on the cervix threatens the development of oncology.Treatment in this case consists of removing growths and applying complex drug therapy.
Please note: Papillomas can also appear in the private part of men (on the scrotum and testicles).However, men are much less likely to face the threat of cancer.
The appearance of papilloma on the lingual part (papillary thickening up to two cm in size) occurs through close contact with an infected person and in the case of joint use of household appliances.This type of growth can also occur in children, due to the fact that children tend to "put everything in their mouths".Treatment is carried out by removing the source of infection and taking the necessary drugs.
Diagnostic methods
In order to determine whether you are a carrier of human papillomavirus infection, you should contact an immunologist or a dermatologist.To identify the etiology of papilloma virus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including a general and biochemical blood test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and removal of papilloma pieces for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma turns black, swells, bleeds or purulent blisters appear on it, then this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the progression of the disease and a serious reason to immediately consult a specialist.
Disease treatment methods
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, they are removed surgically, if the location of the growth allows, liquid nitrogen and surgitron (radio knife) removal is used.The latter method is recognized as very effective and painless in removing not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This indicates that it allows you to permanently free the treated area of skin from the re-appearance of growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be performed by:
- electrical destruction (use of high-frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Remediation of papillomas also involves the use of a conservative method of treatment by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if an oncological factor is excluded, an ointment for papillomas, which can be used at home, is very effective.
Please note: the use of traditional medicine (celandine and dandelion tincture, garlic and apple juice, castor oil) is necessary in the fight against warts and papillomas on the body.
Disease prevention
Given that medicine today still does not know a specific drug that will permanently rid patients of human papillomavirus, an important factor in the prevention of this disease is a set of preventive measures that include: strict personal hygiene, timely and healthy diet, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sexual intercourse, complete disinfection after visiting an immunologist, periodic maintenance of health and sauna.