Papillomas are single or multiple benign formations that occur in various parts of the body. Externally they appear in the form of papillae with bases. The consistency is dense or soft. The color can range from light to dark brown.
Papillomas on the skin spoil the appearance, on the mucous membranes of internal anatomical structures they provoke bleeding and the appearance of ulcers, in the larynx they impair breathing and change the timbre of the voice. It is possible to eliminate growths by surgical removal, electrocoagulation, laser, cryodestruction and other methods.
What
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that affect the skin and epithelial cell structures. The main cause of its occurrence is infection with a human papillomatous virus (with high or low oncogenicity).
The ICD-10 disease code is D23. The classification of the pathological condition depends on the location of the lesion. For example, if the pathology occurs on the neck or head in the hair, it is given the code D23. 4 assigned when located on arms and shoulder – D23. 6 if it affects the abdomen, pubic area in men, etc. in women, chest and back area – D23, 5 and so on.
It is worth noting that papilloma tends to degenerate into a malignant form.
species
There are several types of papillomatous formations that differ in structure, shape, color and other characteristics.
Simple (vulgar)
This is one of the most common types of papilloma viruses. The formation of papillomas on the skin in this case can be provoked by several types of stress at once. According to statistics, about 30% of the population has encountered them at least once.
The most common location for common warts is the upper limbs, especially the hands. However, such growths can cover the body, palms, toes, and other surfaces.
Such warts arise in areas of skin damage caused by a weakened local immune system.
Externally, vulgar papillomas resemble papillae. In the early stages of development, the diameter can reach no more than 2 millimeters. The wart head is soft and has a uniform structure that protrudes above the surface of the epidermis.
When such forms occur, slight pigmentation is noticeable. Due to the constant feeding due to root growth deep in the skin, the growths gradually become larger.
Often in the central part one can observe the appearance of a hair, which indicates the benignity of the formation.
Thread-like
These are seals with a thin stalk and a head at the top. Due to the peculiarities of their structure, such plants should not be confused with other varieties.
The appearance of papillomas on the body of this variety is observed after the age of 45 in places with thin skin. They form particularly in the armpit, on the breastbone in women and men and in the neck area.
As the tumors increase in size, they expand and become larger. The growth head is colored yellow or pink. The pigmentation is weak.
Apartment
In appearance, they resemble small plaques that protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. The root has a dense structure and grows deep into the layers of the dermis, which may be indicated by the appearance of painful sensations due to mechanical impact or injury.
Most often, such growths are localized in the upper extremities. There are also papillomas on the face. In some cases, neoplasms of this type occur in the anal area, pubic area in men and on the labia majora in women. Due to the fact that they receive active nutrition in these places, they begin to grow actively.
Flat papillomas are difficult to treat. After removal, a scar or scar remains at the site of growth.
Pointed
Externally, they look like papillae, the size of which does not exceed 2-3 millimeters in diameter. Neoplasms tend to grow rapidly; A small growth develops into large growths on the skin. The shape resembles a cockscomb or cauliflower.
The danger of this type of condyloma is that infectious and inflammatory processes are likely to occur in women in the area of the labia minora or vagina. Such formations are easily injured, which can lead to infection.
The problem with such papillomas is that they often tend to relapse even after treatment with antiviral drugs or surgery.
Plantar
The cause of papillomatosis of the skin of the feet is the presence in the body of virus strains of types 1, 2 and 4. The elements resemble calluses, but visually look like simple papillomas. They are also characterized by the fact that they hurt when subjected to mechanical pressure and do not have a skin pattern.
Plantar papillomas are prone to self-destruction, especially if they affect a child's body. Small blisters often begin to form near the primary lesion. Over time, they change, which contributes to the appearance of mosaic papillomatosis.
Youthful
This type of growth occurs in rare cases, mainly in young children. Infection with them occurs at the time of birth if the mother had genital warts on the genitals at that time.
Localization
Thread warts are most often located on the facial area. They can be located under the eyes, on the forehead, on the ear and on the neck in men and women. Neoplasms of the vulgar type are characterized by their appearance on the heels and hands. In addition, warts can appear 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.
Papillomatosis is generally understood to be a generalized disease in which the entire body is covered with papillomas.
In addition, neoplasms can affect the liver, oral cavity, respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys and others.
causes
The human papilloma virus is present in almost every body and does not make itself felt for a long time. However, under certain circumstances it begins to become more active, causing papilloma-like growths to appear on the skin.
The development of the pathological process can be influenced by various factors. The most common include the following:
- unprotectedsexuallyCommunication;
- frequent gender changespartner;
- weakeningimmunity;
- Non-compliancehygienicNorms of the oral cavity and intimate areas;
- Organ diseasesGastrointestinal- intestinal tract;
- violationExchangeprocesses;
- incorrectNutrition;
- receptionCytostaticsor hormonal medications.
The main risk factor for infection in men is bad habits that contribute to a weakened immune system. Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal papillomatosis.
Routes of infection
Experts distinguish 4 types of transmission of the human papilloma virus.
Sexually
This way is considered one of the most common. The virion can enter the human body at any time during sexual contact. You also need to take into account that barrier contraceptives can only prevent infection of the genital organs, while the perineum and pubic bone remain unprotected.
Domestic
In a humid environment, the survival rate of the virus is high. In this case, infection is possible when visiting a public place, such as a bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna or toilet. The virus can also enter the body through the skin when using another person's washcloth or towel.
Contact
Infection is possible at the moment when the damaged skin area comes into contact with the 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 healthy ones.
From mother to fetus
The virus is unable to penetrate the placenta. However, infection is possible the moment the fetus passes through the mother's birth canal.
diagnosis
If you suspect the development of papillomatosis, it is recommended to contact a venereologist and dermatologist.
A final diagnosis can only be made based on the results of the examination.
Clinical examination
At the appointment, the doctor identifies all types of formations that are present on the human body. They are examined and certain notes are made. If anogenital warts are detected, the patient is referred for an examination by a gynecologist. Men can undergo ureteroscopy.
Colposcopy
This is a diagnostic procedure in which the female genital organs are examined. To carry out the manipulation, a special device is used - a colposcope. Thanks to the drugs used in 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 detecting infection, as well as detecting other pathological processes that are sexually transmitted.
Cytological examination
Implies a classification that divides pathology into 5 classes. The former indicates a normal cytological picture, the latter means the presence of a large number of atypical cellular structures that can trigger a cancerous process.
histology
Allows examination of deep areas of the Malpigh layer, thereby confirming or refuting the presence of koilocytes in it.
Screening test
Helps to quickly detect high concentrations of the virus in the human body. This type of research is very popular due to its accuracy.
Treatment
If the wart is harmless and not susceptible to malignant development, no special therapeutic measures are required. The doctor will recommend taking medications to strengthen the immune system. If there is a high probability that the growth will become malignant, the optimal treatment option will be prescribed.
Medication
The vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed using the following antiviral drugs:
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- immunostimulating agents.
If the development of an oncological process is not confirmed, special ointments can be used at home.
Surgical
There are several ways to remove a wart.
Cryodestruction
A therapeutic procedure in which papillomas are exposed 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 future appearance.
The complexity of this method is that there is no way to control the depth of penetration of cold into the tissue. If the procedure is not carried out completely, remnants of the papilloma may remain in the skin, leading to its recurrence.
Electrocoagulation
Benign tumors are cauterized by applying electrical current. In this case, the doctor introduces the device to a specific frequency and voltage. The method of attachment of the device is selected based on the size and thickness of the type of growth.
Using a loop, the specialist first removes the trunk of the formation, and then cauterizes the element itself. During the work, coagulation of the capillaries occurs at the same time, which prevents bleeding.
After removal, the operated area is treated with an antiseptic.
Radiosurgery
The lesion is exposed to a stream of low-frequency radio waves. In this case, the electrodes only detect damaged areas, leaving healthy tissue untouched. A wound forms at the site of the removed growth.
Laser
Due to its simplicity and speed of implementation, the method is considered one of the most popular. On average, the meeting lasts no longer than a quarter of an hour.
The procedure itself is not painful, but the patient may experience some discomfort.
Burning of papillomas occurs due to the action of a laser beam, which leads to layer-by-layer evaporation of cells and complete removal of the element.
Treating papillomas in this way will minimize the likelihood of recurrences.
diet
Nutrition for papillomas on the body assumes the presence in the diet of fermented milk, seafood, honey, garlic, onions, vegetables, lean meat and fish.
If we talk about fruits, it is recommended to eat them as a snack between main meals. It is better to give preference to yellow, red or orange fruits.
When to delete?
Complete removal of papilloma-like formations is recommended if there are many papillomas on the neck and other places where there is a high risk of damage that can provoke the development of cancer.
Other indications for removal:
- activeHeightwarts, which can mean more serious diseases in the body;
- planningpregnancy, since against the background of hormonal changes, the risk of the appearance of benign and malignant tumors increases.
In addition, it is necessary to remove growths if they are prone to malignant diseases.
Why are they dangerous?
The main danger of papillomas is their ability to degenerate into an oncological form. Additionally, neoplasms, especially those located in open areas of the body, are more susceptible to injury, which can lead to bleeding or infection.
Prognosis by distance
If the removal is performed poorly or is incomplete, the papilloma may recur. To prevent this, self-medication is not recommended.
In addition, some types of growths are naturally prone to recurrence, regardless of the effectiveness of therapy. To prevent this, you must first eliminate the root cause.
prevention
Following a number of recommendations will help prevent the disease:
- Only deal with protected peoplesex;
- Only use your own articleshygiene;
- strengthen regularlyimmunity;
- Eat high quality and healthy foodsProducts;
- undergo a medical examinationInvestigationfor preventive purposes at least once a year.
Papillomas on the body are benign neoplasms that in most cases 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 appropriate treatment.