What are papillomas?
The human papilloma virus includes over 600 types of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, derived from a certain source and with characteristic properties), under the influence of which the formation of different categories of papillomas occurs. In medical practice, it is customary to divide types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how fast they grow and where they are localized. Certain papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Identifying the classification of papillomas is very necessary from the point of view of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papillomas into malignant neoplasia.
Papilloma is a benign skin tumor whose structure contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium, which grows upwards and outwards.
Types of papillomas
There are several variants of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, which are characterized by individual characteristics.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compact growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually appear on the fingers, hands and in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. They usually go away on their own, without any consequences. |
| Flat | Formations that have a round shape. They are easy to spot visually because they rise above the skin. They often cause various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. It is usually detected almost immediately after the appearance |
| Planter | Papillomas, which people often confuse with calluses in the first stages of development. After some time, the edges of the formation are formed, and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. While walking, people notice strong discomfort, and sometimes pain occurs. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| Filiform | Elongated growths, similar to several connected threads. It usually develops in old age. The most popular areas of location: the neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to their clumsy shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Condylomas acuminata | Papillomas located on the mucous membrane. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, because there is an increased risk of their malignancy. Urgent elimination of these formations is required. If such growths are detected, consult a doctor immediately. |
Based on external signs, a certain papilloma can be classified into a certain group. In order to accurately determine the type of papilloma and the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination and the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papillomavirus, which is the main cause of papillomas. This viral disease exists in the body for a long time without any external signs. However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, improper diet and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and cause papilloma-like growths to form on the skin.
Among women
An increase in virus activity can occur for a specific number of reasons. Papillomas are often formed during pregnancy, because during pregnancy there is a sharp drop in immunity and the deterioration of the body's condition. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in the production of hormones, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the appearance of genital warts.
In men
When the virus enters the male body, its development in a person with strong immunity is suppressed. Therefore, the carrier of the disease may not be aware of the infection for a long time (from two weeks to several years). The main reason why papillomas appear on the body is the activation of a dormant virus.
Papillomas often occur in the mouth, larynx and trachea.
Risk factors
- A sharp drop in immunity, weakening of the whole body.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, long-term depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages and other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including ARVI, flu.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Active sex life.
- Use of certain medications, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Locations of papillomas
The most common in medical practice are filiform, vulgar or genital papillomas, as well as condylomas.
The location of filiform warts is the face, vulgar warts are more often found in the area of the feet or hands, and condylomas are found exclusively on the mucous membranes (head of the penis and in the urethra in men, in the area of the labia minora and vagina in women), but it happens that any ofThese warts can appear in unusual places.
Removing such papillomas in modern conditions is not difficult, but the danger is the fact that with a decrease in immunity, new papillomas can appear again, which will lead to more serious health consequences, for example, the later appearance of condyloma is fraught with the development of cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts most often appear on the rough soles and balls of the toes. Sometimes a spine can appear on the thumb after severe damage to the skin in this area.
In general, papillomatosis is a generalized form of pathology in which neoplasms are formed throughout the human body. These growths have a characteristic appearance, so that when the manifestations of the disease are seen, they can no longer be confused with any other disease.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size and causes concern, it is necessary to undergo tests to rule out malignant neoplasms. The most prone to degeneration are papillomas that form on mucous membranes. Formations that are not treated for a long time are more susceptible to malignancy.
Areas of the body where a papilloma has been wrongly removed have a high risk of degenerating into cancerous tumors.
- Degeneration of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process takes a long time, but the disease does not manifest itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive inspections, it is almost impossible to identify violations. Pathology appears only in the last stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a possibility of the infection spreading to undamaged areas. There is a danger of growths forming next to each other. If you notice such disturbances, you must pay attention to the increase in the activity of the virus and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of papilloma virus:
- Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy;
- Laser removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave method of treatment.
Prevention of papillomas
According to medical research, the prevalence of HPV among the population older than 50 years is at least 75%. There are many conditions under which the papillomavirus is transmitted. Prevention of infection becomes obvious already at the stage of studying the ways of papillomavirus transmission.
- You should not walk in public places with high temperature and humidity without shoes, because the human papilloma virus can be on the surface of the floor covering, because plantar warts are very contagious;
- it is necessary to reduce the number of physical contacts with an infected person, avoiding the use of their personal belongings;
- During intimate contacts, a condom should be used (unfortunately, this method does not give a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the probability of infection).
Prevention of papillomas at home should focus on observing the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes, disinfecting the bathroom after being visited by other people.