What is papilloma or papillomatosis?Papilloma is a growth on the surface of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).For the most part, they are benign, not very scary, and do not pose a serious threat to life.
These formations can appear in various places on the body (chest, thighs, chin, neck, face, cheeks, head, abdomen, navel and back), and are much less likely to appear on mucous membranes.At the same time, despite the seemingly harmless nature of these growths, the risk of their turning into malignant lumps should never be excluded.
Species and types
The human papillomavirus includes more than 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, derived 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 depending on their origin, appearance, how quickly they grow and where they are located.Certain papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Important: Identification of the classification of papilloma is very necessary to choose the appropriate treatment method and analyze the possible development of papilloma into malignant neoplasm.
So, what types of papillomas exist?
- simple (vulgar) warts.Most often, its appearance is caused by the development of mixed types (26, 27, 28, 29, 41, 63, 77) of HPV.This type of papilloma belongs to the group of benign ones;Its formation is accompanied by burning and throbbing sensations in the place where a ball-shaped growth then appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes color to a darker one.The size of a simple wart is one millimeter to one centimeter.The predominant location of this type of papilloma in adults is the hands, the area of the fingers and the interdigital space and the outside of the palms.This variety can also be seen in children on the knees and hands.Vulgar papillomas are divided into single and multiple (an additional one grows next to the main one).The virus that causes warts is transmitted through household contact.The prevalence is 70%;
- plantar warts.Papilloma-like growths on the feet, the leg itself, in people infected with the first, second and third types of HPV.They are very often confused with calluses, but a number of characteristic signs will 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 blisters around the papilloma, which later transform into "mosaic papillomatosis."The prevalence is 30%;
- flat warts.This type of papillomas protrudes slightly above the skin (2 mm), or subcutaneously, has the shape of an elongated circle and is located on the facial and nasolabial parts, in the chest area, as well as on the lips.In women, flat papillomas appear in the pubis and cervical area.Most often, these papillomas are white, flesh-colored and only occasionally acquire a dark tint.If the growth is damaged, there is a risk of it developing into cancer, especially if squamous cell 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 an elongated shape.During its initial germination, the papilloma looks like a small lump that, as it develops, begins to hang down, becoming soft, sometimes watery to the touch.The filamentous appearance affects people over 40 years of age, both men and women alike.Location: upper eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, groin area;
- Pointed papillomas or (condyloma).Papillary-like growths, growing singly or in several pieces.During the growth process, these papillomas join together, the surface becomes rough and the color varies from beige to pink.Scallop-shaped growth.Condylomas are caused by sexually transmitted types of HPV.They are located in the perianal area (anus), groin, between the legs, inside the urethra, vagina, vulva (vestibular papillomatosis), on the cervix and on the inner thigh.They grow very quickly: the speed of their attachment and the scale of distribution is up to three days.One type of condyloma is papular pustules that have a round and smooth 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 older people;
- Choroidal papilloma.Benign neuroepithelial neoplasm that grows from the tissue of the choroid plexuses of the brain.
In addition to the listed varieties, papillomas are divided into types, evaluated according to the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of cancer development (16, 18, 45, 36);
- average cancer risk (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- Squamous cell papilloma: appears due to the proliferation of epithelial cells and is seen in older people.Marked by slow development.The shape is wide at the base, round, on a thin stem.At the initial stage of development, it is mobile, beige to dark brown in color.The size of this type of papilloma can reach 1.5-2 centimeters.With periodic contact, these formations become inflamed, which leads to cell mutation and the appearance of a squamous cell type of oncology;
- Inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that has certain features of formation and course.The specific signs are: location in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple growths;inward growth of bones, causing lesions of the palate, sinuses, skull, and walls of the eyes;relapse five or ten years after complete treatment.This type of papilloma is manifested by frequent nasal congestion accompanied by bloody discharge or bleeding.If the formation becomes large, a change in the facial jaw and a shift in the eyeball is observed.
Important!According to statistics, in 5% of patients who do not take pharmacological measures in time, this type of papilloma becomes malignant.
Why does the disease occur?
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papillomavirus, which is the main cause of papilloma.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, abnormal nutrition and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and provoke the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
At the same time, the main factors that facilitate the penetration of the virus into the human body are:
- promiscuous and unprotected sexual relations;
- 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;
- passing of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Pay attention!HPV transmission does not always occur through direct contact.Very often, particles of this virus settle on clothing and personal hygiene items.In addition, the risk of contracting HPV in public places and in medical institutions cannot be excluded.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually does not present pronounced symptoms.The first and important harbinger of HPV is the appearance of condylomas and warty papillomas.And taking into account the fact that this virus is also oncogenic in nature, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes, papillomas can manifest with symptoms such as:
- red spots around the affected area;
- scabies;
- excessive dryness and peeling of the skin;
- “needle prick” sensation;
- Discomfort when moving, if located in the genitals.
The manifestations of papilloma depend on the nature of its location.
So, in gynecology, if intraductal (intracystic) papilloma of the mammary gland develops, the following is observed:
- redness around the nipples, burning and itching;
- severe pain and discharge with drops of blood when pressing the nipples;
- Spontaneous beige or green discharge.
This type is benign in nature, but if not removed, the formation turns into a malignant tumor and leads to breast cancer.In appearance, the papilloma located on the nipple resembles a nipple-type growth and its color differs significantly from the color of the skin.
The development of this form of breast papilloma is caused by: artificial termination of pregnancy, excess weight, impaired ovarian function, viral diseases and weak immunity.
Women who drink alcohol and cigarettes and have promiscuous sexual relations should be considered a particular risk group.It is possible to cure intraductal papilloma only by surgery followed by observation by a mammologist and a gynecologist.
In the case of papilloma formation in the throat, at the initial stage the symptoms are not pronounced, however, when growth occurs, the symptoms are expressed as follows:
- difficulty swallowing;
- pain in the tonsil area;
- feel that something is bothering you;
- unreasonable 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 relations and visits to public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex gives a good effect in treatment.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, since even one such growth will lead to infection throughout the body.It is impossible to remove papillomas at home, as it is dangerous and strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, signs of a pathogenic process manifest themselves as follows:
- inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital area;
- discharge of a greenish, whitish hue, sometimes with a pronounced foul odor.
The causes of papillomas in this area: sexual intercourse with a man infected with the human papillomavirus, depressed 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 of removing the growths and using complex drug therapy.
Please note: papillomas can also appear in the intimate area of men (in the scrotum and testicles).However, men are much less likely to face the threat of cancer.
The formation of papillomas on the lingual part (papillary compaction up to two cm in size) occurs due to close contact with an infected person and in the case of shared use of household appliances.This type of growth can also appear in children, because children tend to “put everything in their mouths.”Treatment is carried out by eliminating the source of infection and taking the necessary medications.
Diagnostic methods
To determine if you are a carrier of human papillomavirus infection, you should contact an immunologist or dermatologist.To identify the etiology of the papillomavirus, instrumental and laboratory tests are indicated, including a general and biochemical blood test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and removal of a piece of papilloma for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma has acquired a black color, is swollen, bleeds or purulent blisters appear, then this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the progression of the disease and an important reason to immediately contact a specialist.
Methods of treatment of the disease.
To understand how to treat papillomaviruses, it is necessary 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 are removed surgically, if the location of the growth allows, removal with liquid nitrogen and surgitron (radioknife) is used.The latter method is considered very effective and painless in removing not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This indicates that it allows you to permanently eliminate the recurrence of growths in the treated skin area.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be performed by:
- electrical destruction (use of high frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Sanitation of papillomas also includes the use of a conservative treatment method by prescribing antiviral drugs.
In some cases, if the oncological factor is excluded, an ointment for papillomas is very effective, which can be used at home.
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
Considering that today medicine does not yet know a specific drug that permanently relieves patients of human papillomavirus, an important factor in the prevention of this disease is a set of preventive measures, including: strict personal hygiene, timely and healthy nutrition, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sexual relations, complete disinfection after visiting swimming pools and saunas, periodic examinations by an immunologist and general maintenance of health.