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 impair appearance, on the mucous membranes of internal anatomical structures they cause bleeding and the appearance of ulcers, on the larynx they impair breathing and alter the timbre of the voice. It is possible to eliminate 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 with human papillomatous virus (with a high or low level of oncogenicity).
The ICD-10 disease code is D23. The classification of the pathological condition depends on the location of the lesion. For example, if the pathology appears on the neck or head in the hair, then code D23 is assigned. 4, if located on the arms and shoulders - D23. 6, if it affects the abdomen, pubic part in men and women, chest and back area - D23, 5 and so on.
It is important to highlight that the papilloma is predisposed to degenerate into a malignant form.
Types
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 the same time. According to statistics, around 30% of the population has encountered them at least once.
The preferred location for common warts is the upper limbs, especially the hands. However, these growths can cover the body, palms, toes, and other surfaces.
These warts occur in damaged areas of the skin due to a decrease in the 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 and uniform in structure, rising above the surface of the epidermis.
When these forms appear, slight pigmentation is observed. As a result of constantly receiving nutrition due to the roots growing deep into the skin, the growths gradually become larger.
Often in the central part it is possible to observe the appearance of a hair, which indicates the benign nature of the formation.
filiform
They are seals with a thin rod and a head at the top. Such 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 places with thin skin. In particular, they form in the armpits, on the sternum in women and men, and in the neck area.
As tumors increase in size, they stretch and become larger. The head of the bumps is yellow or pink. The pigmentation level is weak.
Flat
In appearance, they resemble small plaques 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 be indicated by the appearance of painful sensations due to mechanical impact or injury.
These growths are most often located on the upper extremities. There are also papillomas on the face. In some cases, neoplasms of this type appear in the anal region, in the pubic region in men and in the labia majora in women. Due to the fact that in these places they receive active nutrition, they begin to grow actively.
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 quickly: from a small growth, large growths appear on the skin. The shape resembles a rooster or cauliflower comb.
The danger of this type of condyloma is that there is a high probability of the development of infectious and inflammatory processes in women in the area of the labia minora or vagina. These formations are easily injured, which can cause infection.
The problem with these papillomas is that they are prone to frequent relapses, even after treatment with antiviral drugs or surgery.
To plant
The cause of papillomatosis of the skin of the feet is the presence of virus strains of types 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, they do not have a skin pattern.
Plantar papillomas are prone to self-destruction, especially if they affect a child's body. Often, small blisters 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 often located in the facial area. They can be located under the eyes, on the forehead, in the ear, on the neck in both men and women. Vulgar type neoplasms are characterized by their appearance on the heels and hands. Also, warts can be on the fingers, buttocks, thighs, elbows, in the navel, under the mammary glands, papillomas under the arms, on the tongue, in the throat and on other parts of the body.
Generally speaking, papillomatosis refers to a widespread disease in which the entire body is covered in papillomas.
In addition, neoplasms can affect the liver, oral cavity, respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys and others.
Causes
The human papillomavirus is present in almost all organisms and does not make itself felt for a long time. However, under certain circumstances, it begins to become more active, 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 change of sexualitypartners;
- weakeningImmunity;
- non-compliancehygienicnorms of the oral cavity and intimate region;
- organ diseasesgastrointestinal- intestinal tract;
- violationexchangeLaw Suit;
- wrongnutrition;
- Front deskcytostaticsor 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 bathroom. The virus can also enter the body through the skin when using someone else's washcloth or towel.
Contact
Infection is possible the moment the damaged area of the skin comes into contact with the injured papilloma. This process is called autoinfection, when the disease carrier himself transfers virions from a pathological area of the body to healthy areas.
From mother to fetus
The virus does not have the ability to penetrate the placenta. However, infection is possible the moment the fetus passes through the mother's birth canal.
Diagnosis
If you suspect the development of papillomatosis, it is recommended to contact a venereologist and dermatologist.
The final diagnosis can only be made based on the results obtained during the examination.
Clinical examination
During the consultation, the doctor identifies all types of formations that are present in the human body. They are examined and certain notes are made. If anogenital warts are detected, the patient is referred for examination to a gynecologist. Men can undergo ureteroscopy.
Colposcopy
This is a diagnostic procedure that involves examining the female genitals. To carry out 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 assess the nature of its manifestation.
PCR analysis
The polymerase chain reaction allows you to detect infections, as well as establish the presence of other pathological processes that can be transmitted sexually.
Cytological examination
It implies a classification that divides the pathology into 5 classes. The former indicates a normal cytological picture, the latter means the presence of a large number of atypical cellular structures that can provoke a cancerous process.
Histology
It allows studying deep areas of the Malpighian layer, which makes it possible to confirm or refute the presence of koilocytes there.
Screening test
Helps quickly detect high concentrations of the virus in the human body. This type of research has gained great popularity due to its accuracy.
Treatment
If the wart is not dangerous and is not prone to malignancy, there is no need for special therapeutic measures. Your doctor will recommend taking medications to strengthen your immune system. If there is a high probability that the tumor will become malignant, the optimal treatment option is prescribed.
Medicine
The vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed with the following antiviral drugs:
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- immunostimulating agents.
If the development of an oncological process is not confirmed, special ointments can be used at home.
Surgical
Wart removal is possible in several ways.
Cryodestruction
Therapeutic procedure that involves 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 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 penetration of the cold into the tissue. If the procedure is not carried out completely, remnants of papilloma may remain on the skin, which will lead to its reappearance.
Electrocoagulation
Benign tumors are cauterized by applying electric current to them. In this case, the doctor pre-adjusts the device to a certain frequency and voltage. The type of device fixation is selected based on the size and thickness of the growth.
Using a handle, the specialist first removes the rod from the formation, and then cauterizes the element itself. During work, the capillaries simultaneously clot, which prevents bleeding.
After removal, 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 the 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 average session lasts no more than a quarter of an hour.
The procedure itself is not accompanied by pain, but the patient may feel slight discomfort.
The burning of papillomas occurs through exposure to a laser beam, resulting in the evaporation of cells layer by layer and complete excision of the element.
If you treat papillomas in this way, the likelihood of relapse will be minimized.
Diet
Nutrition for papillomas on the body implies the presence of fermented milk, seafood, honey, garlic, onions, vegetables, lean meat and fish in the diet.
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 in other places where there is a high risk of damage, which can provoke the development of cancer.
Other indications for removal:
- activeheightwarts, which can mean more serious disorders in the body;
- planningpregnancy, as it is in the context of hormonal changes that the risk of the appearance of benign and malignant tumors increases.
In addition, it is necessary to remove growths if they are prone to malignancy.
Why are they dangerous?
The main danger of papillomas is the ability to degenerate into an oncological form. Furthermore, neoplasms, especially those located in open areas of the body, are more susceptible to injury, which can cause bleeding or infection.
Prognosis after removal
If removal is performed poorly or incompletely, the papilloma may reappear. To prevent this from happening, self-medication is not recommended.
Furthermore, 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 quality and healthy foodproducts;
- undergo medical treatmentexamfor preventive purposes at least once a year.
Papillomas on the body are benign neoplasms, in most cases they do not cause any discomfort to humans. 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.