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 from the body that indicates the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to the dates of education in time, you can identify the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papillomas: what is it?
Papilloma - a formation on the skin or mucous membranes. This outgrowth has a soft structure, located on the basis of different thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Usually papillomas are a few millimeters in diameter. When the growth reaches 2 cm, it must be removed, followed by an examination.
The shade of the papilloma resembles the color of the surrounding tissues. If the formation has a rigid structure, then it becomes white, a yellow tint may appear. When the papilloma is on the mucous membrane, it usually has a pink tint. After some time, the formation is covered with a gray coating formed as a result of the growth of connective tissue. Papillomas are benign formations, however, some of them are characterized by an increased risk of degeneration into a cancerous tumor.
On a note!If you find papillomas on the body, you need to see a doctor to diagnose the disease and get rid of the papilloma.
Types of papillomas
There are several variants of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, which are distinguished by individual characteristics. In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| Surname | description |
|---|---|
| Easy | Dense growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. Most often they appear in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. Usually go on by themselves without leaving consequences. |
| even | Rounded shape formations. They are easy to spot visually as they rise above the skin. Often provoke the appearance of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. Usually recognized almost immediately after occurrence |
| plantar | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development are often confused with corns. After some time, edges form on the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. When walking, people notice a manifestation of severe discomfort, sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| threadlike | Elongated outgrowths, resembling several connected filaments. Usually only develop with age. The most popular areas of application: neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to the unfavorable shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| genital warts | Papillomas on the mucous membrane. They are characterized by the highest level of danger, since there is an increased risk of their malignancy. Urgent elimination of these formations is required. If you find such growths, you should immediately consult a doctor |
According to external signs, it is possible to classify a specific papilloma as a specific group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its occurrence, a comprehensive examination with the help of a specialist is required.
Causes of papillomas
These formations appear when infected with the human papillomavirus. When HPV is infected, the 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 the activity of the virus can occur under the influence of a certain spectrum of reasons. Often papillomas are formed during pregnancy, since during the storage of the fetus there is a sharp decrease in immunity, a deterioration in the state of the body. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in the production of hormones, which are manifested not only during pregnancy, but also with the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists speak of a congenital 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 formation of these growths is caused by bad habits, promiscuity. Men with non-traditional orientation have an increased risk of HPV infection. The risk of papilloma formation increases when a person works in hazardous industries, often stays in contaminated premises and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
On a note!Often papillomas appear in the mouth, larynx, trachea.
risk factors
HPV infection, as well as an exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of such factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shocks, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, influenza.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain medications, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places with high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
transmission paths
The most common situations in which there is an increased risk of transmission of the virus:
- Sexual contact without a condom. The probability of transmission of some HPV strains in this case reaches 99%. The mucous membranes are susceptible to infection. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- household contact. Transmission of the virus can occur with the usual handshake, kiss. The risk of infection increases with damage to the skin.
- Personal items, clothing, personal hygiene items that a person shares with a carrier of the virus.
- Regular access to public pools. The lifespan of the virus increases in a humid environment.
- Intrauterine infection is possible if the virus is transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. If you plan to conceive a child, it is advisable to undergo an examination in advance. If this infection is detected, conduct treatment.
localization
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period begins. Activation of the virus occurs in the presence of provoking factors. The virus moves throughout the body along with the blood, which is why the formation of papillomas can occur on any part of the body. There is a risk of papillomas on the internal organs.
On a note!The location of growth is influenced by its diversity. For example, filiform papillomas often appear in places of constant friction.
The most common localization of papillomas:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- surface of the limbs.
danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they carry a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causes concern, it is necessary to conduct tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. The most prone to rebirth are papillomas that form on the mucous membranes. Malignancies are more prone to formations that do not heal for a long time.
On a note!Areas of the body where the papilloma was removed incorrectly have a high risk of degenerating into malignant tumors.
Dangerous consequences that are manifested when refusing treatment for papillomas:
- Rebirth of genital warts 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 a preventive examination, it is almost impossible to detect violations. Pathology manifests itself only in the last stages.
- In case of damage to the papilloma, there is a chance that the infection will spread to undamaged areas. There is a risk of the formation of adjacent growths. Noticing such violations, you need to watch out for an increase in viral activity and undergo symptomatic treatment.
prevention
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 provoke serious complications and deterioration in health. Vaccination takes place in childhood. If desired, the vaccine is given to older people under the age of 26.
On a 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.
To prevent infection, the development of HPV, it is necessary to adjust lifestyle:
- Pay attention to personal hygiene every day. Carry out the necessary procedures after each visit to crowded places.
- Purchase and use personal hygiene items. Do not exchange clothes or shoes, even with close friends.
- Stabilize the state of the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, you need to take vitamin complexes. Pharmacy vitamins are particularly effective in autumn and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the influence of stressors, give up a violent reaction to unpleasant situations.
- Allow enough time for proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To prevent the appearance of papillomas, you need to take care of your health and take the necessary hygiene measures. If the presence of the virus is manifested in the formation of papillomas, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner to treat and eliminate the growths in the early stages of development.