What is a papilloma or papillomatosis?A papilloma is a growth on the surface of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).In most cases, they are harmless, not very scary and do not pose a serious threat to life.
These formations can appear on various parts of the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back) and are much less common on mucous membranes.At the same time, despite all the seemingly harmless nature of these growths, the risk of transformation into malignant nodes should never be excluded.
Species and types
The human papilloma virus includes over 600 strain species (a culture of microorganisms of a specific type, obtained from a specific source and having characteristic properties), under the influence of which the formation of various categories of papillomas occurs.
In medical practice, it is customary to divide the types and types of papillomas according to their origin, appearance, growth rate and localization.Certain papillomatous growths occur in the oral cavity, vagina, penis, and bladder area.
Important: Identification of the papilloma classification is essential for choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of the papilloma into a malignant neoplasm.
So what types of papillomas are there:
- simple (vulgar) warts.Most often, their occurrence is caused by the development of mixed HPV types (26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 63, 77).This type of papilloma belongs to the group of benign;Its formation is accompanied by burning and stinging sensations in the place where a spherical growth later appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and becomes darker in color.The size of a simple wart is between one millimeter and one centimeter.The predominant location of such a papilloma in adults is the hands, the area of the fingers and the interdigital space, as well as the outside of the palms.This variant can also be observed in children on the knees and hands.Vulgar papillomas are divided into single and multiple papillomas (an additional one grows next to the main papilloma).The virus that causes warts is spread through household contact.The prevalence is 70%;
- Plantar warts.Growths in the form of papillomas on the feet and on the leg itself in people infected with the first, second and third types of HPV.Very often they are confused with calluses, but a number of characteristic signs indicate this type of papilloma.In particular, a smooth surface, the presence of pain when pressing on the papilloma when wearing tight shoes, the formation of small bubbles around the papilloma, which later turn into “mosaic papillomatosis”.The prevalence is 30%;
- flat warts.This type of papillomas protrudes slightly on the skin (2 mm) or subcutaneously, has the shape of an elongated circle and is localized in the facial and nasolabial areas, in the chest area, as well as on the labia.In women, flat papillomas appear on the pubic bone and in the neck area.Most often, these papillomas are white, flesh-colored and only occasionally take on a dark color.If the growth is damaged, there is a risk that it will develop into cancer, especially if a squamous papilloma develops in parallel with hyperkeratosis (the 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 bulge, which as it develops begins to droop downwards and feels soft and sometimes watery to the touch.The threadlike appearance affects people over 40 years old, men and women alike.Location: upper part of the eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin;
- Pointed papillomas or (condylomas).Papillary growths that grow either singly or in multiple pieces.During the growth process, such papillomas merge, the surface becomes rough, and the color ranges from beige to pink.Scallop-shaped growth.Condylomas are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are localized in the perianal area (anus), groin, between the legs, urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), cervix and inner thigh.They grow very quickly - the speed of their association and the extent of dispersal are up to three days.One type of condyloma is papular pustules, which have a smooth, round shape;
- Basal cell papillomas.A formation of benign origin that does not have the properties to grow and degenerate into a malignant neoplasm.Diagnosed mainly in the elderly;
- Choroidal papilloma.Neuroepithelial benign neoplasm that grows from the tissue of the choroid plexuses of the brain.
In addition to the listed varieties, papillomas are divided into types that are assessed by the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of 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 – occurs due to proliferation of epithelial cells and is seen 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, the color ranges 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 mutations and the development of squamous cell carcinoma of oncology;
- The inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that has certain development and progression characteristics.Specific signs are: localization in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple growths;Ingrowth into the bones, causing injuries to the palate, sinuses, skull, and eye walls;Relapse five or ten years after full treatment.This type of papilloma is manifested by frequent nasal congestion, accompanied by bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation becomes large, there is a change in the facial jaw and displacement of the eyeball.
Important!According to statistics, this type of papilloma becomes malignant in 5% of patients who do not take timely medical measures.
Why does the disease occur?
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papilloma virus, which is the main cause of papillomas.This viral disease exists in the body for a long time without showing external signs.However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, poor diet and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and provoke the formation of papillo-like growths on the skin.
In this case, the main factors that facilitate the penetration of the virus into the human body are as follows:
- promiscuous and unprotected sexual relationships;
- 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 clothing and personal hygiene items.The risk of infection with HPV in public places and medical facilities cannot be ruled out.
What are the most common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually does not have any pronounced symptoms.The first and most important harbinger of HPV is the appearance of condylomas and warty papillomas.And given the fact that this virus is also oncogenic in nature, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes papillomas can manifest themselves with the following symptoms:
- red spots around the affected area;
- Scabies;
- excessive skin dryness and flaking;
- feeling of “pinching needles”;
- Discomfort when moving if localized on the genitals.
The manifestations of a papilloma depend on the nature of its localization
When intraductal (intracystic) papilloma of the mammary gland develops in gynecology, the following is observed:
- redness around the nipples, burning and itching;
- severe pain and discharge of drops of blood when pressing the nipples;
- spontaneous discharge of beige or green color.
This type is benign in nature, but if it is not eliminated, the formation develops into a malignant tumor, leading to breast cancer.The papilloma located on the nipple visually resembles a nipple-like growth and its color differs significantly from the skin color.
The development of this form of breast papilloma is caused by: artificial abortion, excess weight, impaired ovarian function, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and cigarettes and have promiscuous sex are considered a special risk group.Cure of intraductal papilloma is possible only through surgery followed by observation by a mammologist and gynecologist.
When forming papillomas in the throat, the symptoms are not pronounced in the initial stages, however, when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in the tonsil area;
- the feeling that something is bothering you;
- inappropriate deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow and rapid breathing;
- small rashes in the throat.
The reasons for the formation of such papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, tobacco and alcohol consumption, unprotected sexual intercourse, visiting public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex have a good effect in treatment.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, since even one such growth can cause infection of the entire body.You cannot remove papillomas at home, as this is dangerous and is strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, signs of a pathogenic process are expressed as follows:
- Inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- Discharge of greenish, whitish color, sometimes with a pronounced fetid odor.
The causes of papillomas in this area: sexual intercourse with a man infected with the human papilloma virus, suppressed 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 in removing the growths and using complex drug therapy.
Please note: Papillomas can also occur in the intimate area of men (on the scrotum and testicles).However, the risk of cancer in men is much lower.
The formation of papillomas on the lingual part (papillary compaction up to two cm in size) occurs as a result of close contact with an infected person and when sharing household appliances.This type of growth can also occur in children, as children tend to “put everything in their mouth.”Treatment is carried out by eliminating the source of infection and taking the necessary medications.
Diagnostic methods
To determine whether you are a carrier of human papillomavirus infection, you need to contact an immunologist or dermatologist.To determine the etiology of the papilloma virus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including a general and biochemical blood test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and taking a piece of papilloma for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma has acquired a black color, is swollen, bleeds or purulent bubbles appear on it, this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the course of the disease and a serious reason to immediately consult a specialist.
Methods of treating the disease
To understand how to treat papilloma viruses, 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 place of growth allows, removal is carried out using liquid nitrogen and a Surgitron (radio knife).The latter method is considered very effective and painless, as it eliminates not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This indicates that it allows you to permanently rid the treated skin area of new growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be carried out by:
- electrical destruction (use of high frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- Scalpel.
The cleansing of papillomas also includes the use of a conservative method of treatment by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, when the oncological factor is excluded, an ointment against papillomas that can be used at home is very effective.
Please note: the use of traditional medicine (tincture of celandine and dandelion, garlic and apple juice, castor oil) is essential in the fight against warts and papillomas on the body.
Disease prevention
Since today medicine does not yet know a specific drug that will permanently relieve patients from the human papilloma virus, an important factor in the prevention of this disease is a set of preventive measures, which include: strict personal hygiene, timely and healthy nutrition, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sexual intercourse, complete disinfection after visiting swimming pools and saunas, regular examination by an immunologist, general health maintenance.