When growths resembling nipples appear on the torso, limbs or face, it is always an unpleasant surprise for a person. These are benign skin formations, which can be multiple or single. Papillomas on the body, unfortunately, are a very common disease that develops due to infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), but its treatment in modern conditions does not cause problems.
What are papillomas?
The human papilloma virus includes more than 600 varieties of strains (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, originating from a specific source and possessing characteristic properties), under the influence of which the formation of various categories occurspapillomas. In medical practice, it is customary to divide the types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, appearance, speed of growth and location. Some papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Identification of the classification of papilloma is very necessary from the point of view of choosing the appropriate treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papilloma into malignant neoplasia.
Papilloma is a benign skin tumor whose structure contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium, which grows upward and outward.
Types of papillomas
There are several varieties of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, characterized by individual characteristics.In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compacted growths with a smooth, semi-circular surface. They usually occur on the fingers, hands and, in rare cases, knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. Usually disappear on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| Flat | Formations that have a round shape. They are easy to notice visually when they rise above the skin. They often provoke the appearance of various inflammatory processes, during which people complain of itching and burning. Usually detected almost immediately after onset |
| Plantar | Papillomas, which are often confused in the early stages of development with calluses. After a while, the edges of the formation are formed and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. When walking, people notice severe discomfort and sometimes pain develops. Another name for these papillomas is thorns. |
| Filiform | Elongated growths, similar to several connected wires. Usually develops in old age. The most popular location areas: the neck area, under the arms, near the eyes. Due to their inconvenient shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury. |
| Condyloma acuminata | Papillomas located on the mucous membrane. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, since there is an increased risk of malignancy. Urgent elimination of these formations is necessary. If such growths are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor. |
Based on external signs, a specific papilloma can be attributed to a specific group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma and the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination and with the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
According to medical statistics, almost 90% of people today carry the human papillomavirus, the main cause of papilloma. This viral disease has existed in the body for a long time without showing any external signs. However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, abnormal nutrition and constant stressful situations suppress the immune system and cause the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
In women
An increase in viral activity can occur for a variety of reasons. Papillomas are often formed during pregnancy, since during pregnancy there is a sharp decrease in immunity and a deterioration in the body's condition. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies of hormone production, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also due to the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists speak of an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. This factor often influences the appearance of genital warts.
At men's
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
HPV infection, as well as exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of the following factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole body.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages and other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including ARVI, influenza.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain medications, including antibiotics.
- Visit public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Papilloma locations
The most common in the practice of doctors are filiform, common or genital papillomas, as well as condyloma.
The location of filiform warts is the face, common warts are more often located on the feet or hands, and condylomas are located exclusively on the mucous membranes (the head of the penis and in the urethra in men, in thearea of the labia minora and vagina in women), but sometimes these warts appear in an unusual place.
Removal of such papillomas is not difficult in modern conditions, but the danger lies in the fact that with a decrease in immunity, new papillomas may reappear, which will lead to more serious health consequences, for example, the subsequent appearance of condyloma is fraught with development. cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts most often appear on the soles of the feet and the tips of the toes. Sometimes a spine may appear on the thumb after severe skin damage 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 once you see the manifestations of the disease, it can no longer be confused with any other disease.
Hazard
Papillomas are benign tumors, but present a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly enlarges and causes concern, it is necessary to undergo tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. Papillomas that form on the mucous membranes are most prone to degeneration. Formations that are not treated for a long time are more likely to become malignant.
Areas of the body where the papilloma was improperly removed have a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that arise if you refuse treatment for papillomas:
- Degeneration of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process lasts quite a long time, but the disease does not manifest itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive examinations, it is almost impossible to identify violations. Pathology appears only in the later stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a risk of infection spreading to undamaged areas. There is a risk of the formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such disorders, you should pay attention to increased viral activity and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Papilloma Virus Treatment:
- Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy;
- Laser Removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave treatment method.
Prevention of papillomas
According to medical research, the prevalence of HPV among the population over 50 is at least 75%. There are many conditions under which the papilloma virus is transmitted. Prevention of infection becomes obvious at the stage of studying the routes of transmission of papillomavirus.
Wart prevention should be based on the following recommendations:
- You should not walk without shoes in very hot and humid public places, as the human papilloma virus can be found on the surface of the floor covering, since plantar warts are very contagious;
- you should minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person, also avoiding the use of their personal belongings;
- During intimate contact, a condom should be used (unfortunately, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the risk of infection).
Prevention of papilloma at home should be aimed at observing the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes and disinfecting bathrooms after visiting other people.