In most cases, human papillomavirus is not life-threatening in men. Once HPV is in the body, it provokes the appearance of benign formations. However, there are seals that have a high level of oncogenicity. The development of this strain is the first stage in the emergence of oncology. The outbreak of a fatal disease can be accidentally "missed". Its origin lies in the upper layer of the epidermis and does not manifest itself for a long time.
Types of papilloma viruses
There are a large number of papilloma viruses. Some species have not yet been thoroughly studied. If you become infected with a wart, you can get a harmless wart, while with another type you can get a malignant formation and cancer. Papillomas in men on the glans receive particular attention because there is a high risk of cancer here.
According to the ICD, the classification of HPV strains is divided into three categories:
- Non-oncogenic group (types 1-3, 5). They usually disappear due to the resistance of the human immune system. They never become malicious.
- Low risk viruses. Transmitted through traditional sexual contact. If conditions for development are favorable, in very 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 a provocateur of malignant genitourinary formations. The most dangerous are types 16 and 18, which contribute to the development of genital cancer in men and cervical cancer in sexual partners.
It is important to know! Particularly noteworthy are the strains of types 13, 31, 33 and 35. 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 penetrating the human body, the papilloma virus always goes through the same stages of development:
- Latent phase. The disease is not manifested in any way by external symptoms. Its presence can only be diagnosed by PCR.
- Clinical phase. The increased cell division creates various formations.
- Dysplasia is a progressive stage. There is a deformation of the cell structure.
- Carcinoma – the papilloma virus integrates, resulting in a malignant mutation of the DNA code. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts that appear in the bikini area, scrotum, glans and foreskin require immediate treatment. Such growths negatively affect a man's personal life, cause health problems in his wife and contribute to the development of papillomatosis in the unborn child. They can also become malignant. Sometimes condylomas are a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases that have not fully manifested themselves (for example, syphilis).
Routes of infection
The most common way to become infected with HPV is through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. In this case, the form of intimate communication does not matter. The domestic route of infection is much rarer. There is a risk of infection when visiting public places:
- Swimming pools, baths, saunas - pathogens are easily transmitted from the host and penetrate through abrasions and scratches.
- Hairdressing and beauty salons – the risk of infection is inversely related to the handling of instruments.
- Surgical and dental procedures can contribute to infection.
Maximum protection is maintaining basic personal hygiene: both within your own four walls and outside the home. Barrier methods of contraception can significantly reduce the risk of disease.
Favorable ascent conditions
After penetrating the male body, the virus remains in "sleep mode" for a long time. The following reasons can "activate" it:
- Weakened immunity after a long illness.
- The presence of regular physical or emotional "overload".
- Exhaustion of the body due to severe stress.
- Various sexually transmitted diseases.
- Increased sweating.
A dangerous feature of HPV is that the characteristic symptoms appear not at the initial stage of the disease, but at its "peak". What prevents the detection of threatening strains in the early stages?
Complex of symptoms
New formations with HPV have their own characteristic nuances. To exclude the presence of other, similar diseases, a careful analysis of the clinical "picture" is required. So, signs of the papilloma virus in men:
- Acrochords or thread-like papillomas on the stalk. 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 collection of nodules that have a shiny surface without wrinkles. Has a beige or pink tint. Usually the size does not exceed 8 millimeters. The shins, hands and forearms are affected.
- Condylomas on the head in men are grayish, pointed plaques on a stalk. There are single ones and multiple ones. Common "habitats" for growths are the pelvis and genitals. The anus often becomes blocked, causing burning, itching and bleeding.
- A spine is a round formation that appears on the outside of the palms and soles of the feet. If left untreated, after a few weeks they become rough and a black dot forms in the middle.
- Common (simple, vulgar) warts. They appear as a whole group at the same time. The maximum size is 10mm. Usually the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The earlier treatment of the papilloma virus is started, the greater the chance of avoiding serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistical data report rare cases of cancer development due to HPV in men. An alarming factor is formations on the surface of the penis and pubic bone. They can develop into a malignant form at any time. Other pimples, for example on the back or in the mouth, should also be responded to with appropriate measures.
Attention! If papillomavirus manifestations are left untreated for a long time, they can develop into melanoma - skin cancer.
to make a diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? Visiting a dermatologist is the first step towards healing. The first appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the mucous membranes and skin. In addition, a detailed survey of the patient is carried out and individual complaints are addressed.
If the presence of a virus is suspected, the patient is sent for further examination:
- Blood and discharge from the bladder are donated for analysis. Based on the indicators obtained, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the general DNA material.
- A biopsy of the condylomas is performed. The result determines the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- A cytological examination of the mucous membranes is carried out.
- Sometimes ureteroscopy is necessary.
After the final anamnesis, the doctor makes a conclusion and determines the treatment complex.
Treatment for men
It is impossible to completely get rid of HPV like the herpes virus. Treatment of papillomas in men is as follows: all therapeutic and surgical measures are aimed at smoothing the manifestations of pathology and prolonging the period of remission.
Specialist who will help
In order to develop optimal tactics to combat the papilloma virus, examination by a number of specialists is required. (Venereologist, proctologist, urologist and if necessary oncologist). First, you can contact your local therapist who will coordinate your next steps.
Removal of papillomas
When identifying viruses of types 16 and 18, removal of all types of growths is a must. Drug therapy is then prescribed that can suppress the causative agent of the disease while maximizing the body's natural defenses. A radical method of eliminating papillomas is used when conservative treatment does not produce the desired result.
The procedure is carried out in different ways:
| Type of intervention | Type of implementation | Purpose and features of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| surgery | The tool is an ordinary scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the affected area, the doctor's prescription and the patient's wishes. | Used mainly for oncological papillomas. |
| Laser | With the help of infrared rays, pathological growths are "burned out". | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of the damaged tissue. |
| Excision with a radio knife | Effects on formation with high frequency waves. | An effective, quick and painless method. Often used to remove papillomas under the glans. |
| Electrocoagulation | Influence of electric current on papilloma. | It is characterized by a lengthy healing process (up to two weeks). According to customer reviews, it is a painful method. A scar is then left behind. |
| Cryodestruction | Liquid nitrogen is used. | Based on patient comments, this is a rather inconvenient method. |
| Chemical methods | Local use of various synthetic active ingredients. | Do not use on hypersensitive areas of the body such as the glans. Damage to healthy tissue 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 in taking medications.
Typically, specialists prescribe the following medications:
- Inhibition of increased cell division: creams, ointments.
- Local active ingredients on a natural basis (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at an affordable price.
- Promoting the activation of independent interferon synthesis in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulatory tablets.
- Antiviral drugs.
Dosage, regimen and duration of the course are determined exclusively by the attending physician. During therapy, qualified monitoring of the effectiveness of the chosen tactics and timely detection of possible allergic reactions are required. Every virus cannot 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 can in no case replace medical prescriptions. The use of various herbal decoctions is possible after prior consultation with a specialist. This fact should not be ignored in the case of chronic intestinal diseases.
Prevention of papillomas
Preventive measures against the papilloma virus are possible without special knowledge and skills. The conditions for a healthy lifestyle, monogamous relationships and personal hygiene are available to every person. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines, vaccination of which significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16 and 18). The two-element vaccine is designed to prevent the most dangerous strains. The most suitable age for vaccination is between 10 and 25 years. The duration of the vaccine's effectiveness is approximately 6. 5 years. Vaccinations are suitable for both girls and boys.
Diploma
So that in a "miraculous" moment you are not faced with the problem of how to get rid of papillomas, you need to observe precautionary measures. Unfortunately, protected sexual intercourse is not always a guarantee of good health. Regular preventive examinations help. Whether vaccinations are necessary, mustEveryone decides for themselves. But if there are proven means that protect against the possibility of a fatal disease, then it would be a sin not to use them.