In most cases, human papillomavirus in men does not pose a threat to life. Once in the body, HPV causes the appearance of benign formations. But there are seals that have a high oncogenic degree. The development of this strain is the first step in the formation of oncology. The beginning of a fatal illness may be accidentally "missed. "Its origin occurs in the upper layer of the epidermis and does not manifest itself for a long time.
Types of papillomavirus
There are a large number of papillomaviruses. Some species have not yet been fully studied. If you are infected with one type, you may acquire a harmless wart, while with another you may acquire a malignant growth and cancer. Papillomas in men on the head of the penis are the subject of special attention, as they have a high risk of developing cancer.
The classification of HPV strains is divided into three categories, according to the ICD:
- Non-oncogenic group (types 1-3, 5). They pass mainly due to the resistance of the human immune system. They never become evil.
- Low-risk viruses. Transmitted through traditional sexual contact. In the presence of favorable conditions for development, in very rare cases, they can constitute the initial phase of the oncological process. This type includes: 6, 11, 42-44.
- High percentage of "severe" pathology. This class of pathogens often becomes a provocateur of malignant genitourinary formations. The most dangerous are types 16 and 18, which contribute to the development of genital cancer in men and cervical cancer in sexual partners.
It's important to know! Noteworthy are strains of types 13, 31, 33 and 35. Their danger lies in the development of genital warts in intimate places. A sign of other, no less serious infections is a rash (58, 39, 52, 30, 42, 43, 59, 55, 57, 40, 61, 62 and 67-70).
Features of the development of papillomas on the male body
When entering the human body, the papilloma virus always goes through the same stages of development:
- Latent stage. The disease does not manifest itself in any way through external symptoms. Its presence can only be diagnosed by PCR.
- Clinical phase. Various formations appear as a result of increased cell division.
- Dysplasia is a progressive stage. Deformation of the cellular structure occurs.
- Carcinoma - the papillomavirus integrates, a malignant mutation occurs in the DNA code. Invasive cancer develops.
Genital warts that occur in the bikini area, testicular sac, head of the penis and foreskin require immediate treatment. Such growths negatively affect the man's personal life, provoke health problems for his wife and contribute to the development of papillomatosis in the fetus. They can also become malignant. Sometimes condylomas are a symptom of sexually transmitted diseases that have not fully revealed themselves (for example, syphilis).
Infection routes
The most common way to acquire HPV is through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus. In this case, the form of intimate communication does not matter. The domestic route of infection is much less common. There is a risk of infection when visiting public places:
- Swimming pools, baths, saunas - pathogenic microbes are easily transmitted from the host, penetrating through abrasions and scratches.
- Hairdressers and beauty salons – the risk of infection is inversely proportional to the handling of the instruments.
- Surgical and dental interventions can contribute to infection.
The maximum protection is to maintain basic personal hygiene: both at home and outside the home. Barrier contraceptive methods can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.
Favorable conditions for progression
After entering the male body, the virus remains in "sleeping" mode for a long time. The following reasons can "turn it on":
- Weakened immunity after a long illness.
- The presence of regular physical or emotional "overload".
- Exhaustion of the body due to severe stress.
- Various venereal pathologies.
- Increased sweating.
A dangerous feature of HPV is that the characteristic symptoms do not appear at the initial stage of the disease, but at its "peak". Which prevents the identification of threatening strains in the early stages.
Symptom complex
Formations emerging with HPV have their own distinct nuances. To exclude the presence of other similar diseases, it is necessary to carefully analyze the clinical "picture". So, signs of the papilloma virus in men:
- Acrochords or filiform papillomas on the peduncle. Usually flesh or dark brown color. Reach a size of 5 mm. They appear on the neck, face, scrotum and testicles, groin and armpits. They often get hurt.
- Flat growths are a collection of nodules that have a shiny surface without folds. It has a beige or pinkish hue. Normally the size does not exceed 8 millimeters. The affected areas are the shins, hands and forearms.
- Condylomas on the head of men are grayish pointed plaques on a stalk. There are singles and multiples. Frequent "habitat" areas for growths are the pelvis and genitals. Often the anus becomes blocked, causing burning, itching and bleeding.
- The pimple is a round formation that appears on the outside of the palms and soles of the feet. If left untreated, after a few weeks they become rough and a black dot appears in the center.
- Common warts (simple, vulgar). They appear simultaneously as an entire group. The maximum size is 10 mm. Generally the knees, hands and fingers "suffer".
The sooner papillomavirus treatment is started, the greater the chances of avoiding serious health consequences.
Dangerous consequences
Statistical data reports rare cases of developing cancer due to HPV in men. An alarming factor is the formations on the surface of the penis and pubis. At any time they can evolve into a malignant form. Other pimples, for example on the back, in the mouth, should also be treated with appropriate measures.
Attention! If the manifestations of the papillomavirus are not treated for a long time, they can develop into melanoma - skin cancer.
Establishing diagnosis
How to treat papillomas on the head of the penis? Visiting a dermatologist is the first step towards healing. The initial consultation with a specialist includes a complete visual examination of the mucous membranes and skin. A detailed patient survey is also carried out and individual complaints are heard.
If the presence of a virus is suspected, the patient is referred for additional tests:
- Blood and bladder secretions are donated for analysis. Based on the obtained indicators, the causative agent of the virus is isolated from the general DNA material.
- A biopsy of condylomas is performed. The result determines the presence or absence of cancer cells.
- A cytological examination of the mucous membranes is carried out.
- Sometimes ureteroscopy is necessary.
After the final anamnesis, the doctor makes a conclusion and determines the treatment complex.
Treatment for men
It is impossible to completely get rid of HPV, like the herpes virus. The treatment of papillomas in men is as follows: all therapeutic and surgical measures are aimed at leveling the manifestations of the pathology and increasing the period of remission.
Specialist who will help
To develop optimal tactics for combating papillomavirus, it is necessary to be examined by several specialists. (Venereologist, proctologist, urologist and, if necessary, oncologist). In principle, you can contact your local therapist, who will coordinate your further actions.
Papilloma removal
When identifying viruses of types 16 and 18, removal of all types of growths is mandatory. After which a course of drug therapy is prescribed, capable of suppressing the causative agent of the disease and at the same time maximizing the body's natural defenses. A radical method of getting rid of papillomas is used if conservative treatment does not lead to the desired result.
The procedure is carried out in different ways:
| Type of intervention | Implementation method | Purpose and features of the procedure |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | The tool is an ordinary scalpel. The choice of anesthesia depends on the affected area, medical prescription and the patient's wishes. | Mainly used for oncological papillomas. |
| Laser | With the help of infrared rays, pathological growths are "burned". | It is characterized by minimal complications and the possibility of complete removal of damaged tissue. |
| Excision using a radium knife | Impact on education with high frequency waves. | An effective, quick and painless way. Often used to remove papillomas under the head of the penis. |
| Electrocoagulation | Impact of electric current on papilloma. | It is distinguished by a prolonged healing process (up to two weeks). A painful method, according to customer reviews. Afterwards, a scar remains. |
| Cryodestruction | Liquid nitrogen is used. | Based on patient reviews, this is a rather inconvenient method. |
| Chemical methods | Local use of various synthetic agents. | Do not use on overly sensitive areas of the body, such as the head of the penis. Damage to healthy tissue is also possible. |
Attention! It is strictly forbidden to eliminate papilloma yourself at home or smear it with iodine. This damage can lead to the transition of a benign tumor to a cancerous tumor.
Other therapeutic methods
Conservative treatment of papillomavirus in representatives of the stronger sex consists in taking medications.
Typically, experts prescribe the following medications:
- Stop the increase in cell division: creams, ointments.
- Natural-based local agents (celandine) are sold in pharmacies at an affordable price.
- Promoting the activation of independent synthesis of interferons in the patient's body.
- Immunomodulatory tablets.
- Antiviral medications.
The dosage, regimen and duration of the course are determined only by the attending physician. During therapy, qualified monitoring of the effectiveness of the chosen tactics and timely detection of possible allergic reactions are necessary. Any virus cannot be treated with antibiotics. The need for its use is taken into account by the doctor, depending on the evolution of the disease. The use of folk recipes for HPV in no case can replace medical prescriptions. The use of various herbal decoctions is possible with prior consultation with a specialist. This fact should not be ignored if there are chronic intestinal pathologies.
Papilloma prevention
Preventive measures for the papilloma virus are possible without special knowledge and skills. Conditions for a healthy lifestyle, monogamous relationships and personal hygiene are within everyone's reach. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines, vaccination of which significantly reduces the risk of developing HPV with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16 and 18). The vaccine, made up of two elements, was developed to prevent the most dangerous strains. The most appropriate age for vaccination is considered to be between 10 and 25 years old. The vaccine's period of effectiveness is approximately 6. 5 years. Vaccines are suitable for both girls and boys.
Conclusion
So that in one "wonderful" moment you do not have to face the problem of how to get rid of papillomas, you need to remember about precautions. Unfortunately, protected sexual relations are not always a guarantee of good health. Regular preventive medical checkups will help. Whether vaccines are necessary is up to everyone to decide for themselves. But if there are proven means that protect against the possibility of a fatal disease, then it would be a sin not to use them.