Papillomas are single or multiple benign formations that occur in different parts of the body. Externally they appear in the form of papillae with a base. The consistency is dense or soft. The color can vary from light to dark brown.
Papillomas on the skin spoil the appearance, on the mucous membranes of internal anatomical structures they cause bleeding and the appearance of ulcers, in the larynx they impair breathing and change the timbre of the voice. It is possible to get rid of the growths through surgical excision, electrocoagulation, laser, cryodestruction, and other methods.
What happened
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that affect the skin and epithelial cellular structures. The main cause of its appearance is infection by the human papillomatous virus (with high or low level of oncogenicity).
The ICD-10 disease code is D23. Classification of the pathological condition depends on the location of the lesion. For example, if the pathology appears on the neck or on the head in the hair, the code D23 is assigned. 4, if located on the arms and shoulders - D23. 6, if it affects the abdomen, the pubic part in men and women, chest and back area - D23. 5 and so on.
It is worth noting that papilloma has a predisposition to degenerate into a malignant form.
guys
There are several types of papillomatous formations, which differ in structure, shape, color and other characteristics.
Simple (vulgar)
This is one of the most common types of papillomavirus. The formation of papillomas on the skin in this case can be provoked by several types of strains at once. According to statistics, about 30% of the population has encountered them at least once.
The favorite place for common warts is the upper extremities, especially the hands. However, these growths can cover the body, palms, toes, and other surfaces.
These warts appear on damaged areas of the skin due to a decreased local immune system.
Externally, vulgar papillomas resemble papillae. In the early stages of development, the diameter cannot reach more than 2 millimeters. The head of the wart is soft with a uniform structure and rises above the surface of the epidermis.
When such forms appear, slight pigmentation is noted. As a result of the constant intake of nutrients due to the growth of roots deep in the skin, the growths gradually become larger.
Often in the central part you can observe the appearance of a hair, which indicates the benign nature of the formation.
Filiform
They are seals with a thin stem and a head on top. These growths cannot be confused with other varieties due to the peculiarities of their structure.
The appearance of papillomas on the body of this variety is observed after the age of 45 in areas with thin skin. In particular, they form in the armpit, on the sternum in women and men and in the neck area.
As tumors grow in size, they stretch and enlarge. The head of the growths is yellow or pink. The pigmentation level is weak.
Department
In appearance, they resemble small plates that rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The root has a dense structure and grows deep into the layers of the dermis, which may indicate the appearance of painful sensations due to mechanical impact or injury.
These growths are most often located in the area of the upper extremities. There are also papillomas on the face. In some cases, neoplasms of this type appear in the anal area, in the pubic area in men and on the labia majora in women. Due to the fact that in these places they receive active nutrition, they begin to actively grow.
Flat papillomas are difficult to treat. After removal, a scar or scar remains at the site of the growth.
Pointed
Externally they look like papillae, the size of which does not exceed 2-3 millimeters in diameter. Neoplasms tend to grow rapidly; From a small growth, large growths appear on the skin. The shape resembles a rooster's comb or cauliflower.
The danger of this type of condylomas is that there is a high probability of developing infectious and inflammatory processes in women in the area of the labia minora or vagina. These formations are easily injured and can cause infection.
The problem with these papillomas is that they are prone to frequent relapses even after treatment with antiviral medications or surgery.
Plant
The cause of papillomatosis of the skin of the feet is the presence of virus strains of type 1, 2 and 4 in the body. The elements resemble calluses, but in appearance they look like simple papillomas. They also differ in that they hurt under 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 bubbles often begin to form near the primary lesion. Over time, they transform, which contributes to the appearance of mosaic papillomatosis.
Youth
This type of growth occurs in rare cases, mainly in young children. Infection with them occurs at the time of childbirth, if the mother had genital warts at that time.
Location
Filiform warts are most frequently located in the facial area. They can be located under the eyes, on the forehead, in the ear, on the neck in men and women. Vulgar type neoplasms are characterized by their appearance on the heels and hands. Additionally, warts can be on the fingers, buttocks, thighs, elbows, in the navel, under the mammary glands, on papillomas under the arms, on the tongue, in the throat and on other parts of the body. .
Generally speaking, papillomatosis refers to a generalized disease in which the entire body is covered with papillomas.
Additionally, neoplasms can affect the liver, oral cavity, respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys and others.
Causes
The human papillomavirus 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, thus causing papilloma-like growths to appear on the skin.
The development of the pathological process can be influenced by several factors. The most common include the following:
- unprotectedsexualcommunications;
- frequent sex changepartners;
- weakeningimmunity;
- breachhygienicnorms of the oral cavity and intimate zone;
- organ diseasesgastrointestinal- intestinal tract;
- rapeexchangeprocesses;
- mistakennutrition;
- receptioncytostaticsor hormonal medications.
The main risk factor for infection in men is considered to be bad habits that contribute to a decrease in the immune system. Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal papillomatosis.
Infection routes
Experts distinguish 4 types of human papillomavirus transmission.
Sexual
This path is considered one of the most common. The virion can enter the human body at any time during sexual contact. It is also necessary to take into account that barrier contraceptives can only prevent infection of the genital organs, while the perineum and pubis remain unprotected.
Domestic
There is a high survival rate of the virus in a humid environment. In this case, infection is possible when visiting a public place, for example, a bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna or bath. The virus can also enter the body through the skin while using another person's washcloth or towel.
Contact
Infection is possible at the moment when the damaged area of the skin comes into contact with the injured papilloma. This process is called autoinfection, 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 does not have the ability to penetrate the placenta. However, infection is possible at the time when the fetus passes through the mother's birth canal.
Diagnosis
If you suspect the development of papillomatosis, it is recommended to consult a venereologist and dermatologist.
A final diagnosis can only be made based on the results obtained during the examination.
Clinical examination
At the appointment, the doctor identifies all types of formations present in the human body. They are examined and certain notes are taken. If anogenital warts are detected, the patient is referred for examination by a gynecologist. Men can undergo ureteroscopy.
colposcopy
This is a diagnostic procedure that involves examining the female genital organs. To carry out the manipulation, a special device is used: a colposcope. Thanks to the medications used during the examination, it is possible not only to detect the virus, but also to evaluate the nature of its manifestation.
PCR analysis
The polymerase chain reaction makes it possible to detect infections, as well as establish the presence of other pathological processes that can be sexually transmitted.
cytological examination
It involves a classification that divides the pathology into 5 classes. The first indicates a normal cytological picture, the second means the presence of a large number of atypical cellular structures that can cause a cancerous process.
Histology
It allows you to study deep areas of the Malpighian layer, which makes it possible to confirm or refute the presence of coilocytes in them.
Screen test
It helps to quickly detect high concentrations of the virus in the human body. This type of research has gained great popularity due to its precision.
Treatment
If the wart is not dangerous and is not prone to malignancy, there is no need for special therapeutic measures. 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 is prescribed.
Medicine
The vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed using the following antiviral drugs:
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- immunostimulating agents.
If the development of the oncological process is not confirmed, special ointments can be used at home.
Surgical
Removing warts is possible in several ways.
cryodestruction
A therapeutic procedure that consists of exposing papillomas 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 appearance in the future.
The complexity of this method is that there is no way to control the depth of cold penetration into the tissue. If the procedure is not carried out completely, traces of papilloma may remain on the skin, which will cause its reappearance.
Electrocoagulation
Benign tumors are cauterized by applying electrical current. In this case, the doctor presets the device to a certain frequency and voltage. The type of attachment for the device is selected based on the size and thickness of the growth.
With the help of a loop, the specialist first removes the stem of the formation, and then cauterizes the element. During work, capillary coagulation occurs simultaneously, which prevents bleeding.
After extraction, 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 capture only damaged areas, healthy tissue remains intact. A wound forms at the site of the removed growth.
Laser
The method is considered one of the most popular due to its simplicity and speed of implementation. The session lasts on average no more than a quarter of an hour.
The procedure itself is not accompanied by pain, but the patient may experience slight discomfort.
Burning of papillomas occurs by exposing them to a laser beam, which results in layer-by-layer evaporation of cells and complete excision of the element.
If you treat papillomas in this way, the likelihood of relapses is minimized.
Diet
The nutrition of papillomas in the body implies the presence in the diet of fermented milk, seafood, honey, garlic, onions, vegetables, lean meats and fish.
If we talk about fruits, it is recommended to eat them between main meals as a snack. 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 lead to the development of cancer.
Other removal instructions:
- assetheightwarts, which can mean more serious disorders in the body;
- planningthe pregnancy, since it is against the background of hormonal changes that increases the risk of the appearance of benign and malignant tumors.
Additionally, growths need to be removed if they are prone to malignancy.
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 injuries that can cause bleeding or infection.
Prognosis after removal
If the removal is done poorly or is incomplete, the papilloma may recur. To prevent this from happening, self-medication is not recommended.
Additionally, some types of growths, by their nature, are prone to recurrence, regardless of the effectiveness of therapy. To avoid this, you must first eliminate the root cause.
Prevention
Following a series of recommendations will help prevent the disease:
- deal only with protectedsex;
- use your own items exclusivelyhygiene;
- strengthen regularlyimmunity;
- eat healthy and quality foodsproducts;
- undergo a medical examinationexamfor preventive purposes at least once a year.
Papillomas on the body are benign neoplasms, in most cases they do not cause any discomfort to the 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.