What is papilloma or papillomatosis?Papilloma is a growth on the surface of the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).Most of the time, they are benign, not very scary, and do not pose a serious threat to life.
These formations can appear in various locations 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 all the seemingly harmless nature of these growths, the risk of them turning into malignant nodules 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 various categories of papillomas are formed.
In medical practice, it is customary to divide the types and types of papillomas according to their origin, appearance, speed of growth and location.Certain papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, vagina, penis, and bladder area.
Important: Identification of the papilloma classification is very necessary for choosing the appropriate treatment method and for analyzing the possible evolution of the papilloma into a 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 benign group;its formation is accompanied by burning and stabbing sensations in the place where a ball-shaped lump subsequently appears.Gradually, the papilloma acquires a dry, keratinized, uneven surface and changes color to a darker one.The size of a simple wart varies from one millimeter to one centimeter.The predominant location of this papilloma in adults is the hands, the area of the fingers and the interdigital space and the outer part 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-shaped growths on the feet, on the leg itself, in people infected with the first, second and third types of HPV.They are often confused with calluses, but several characteristic signs 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 that subsequently turn into “mosaic papillomatosis”.The prevalence is 30%;
- flat warts.This type of papilloma protrudes slightly into 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 on the pubis and in the cervical region.Most often, these papillomas are white, skin-colored and only occasionally acquire a dark shade.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 a long shape.During initial germination, the papilloma resembles 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, both men and women, equally.Location: upper part of the eyelids, neck, armpits, mammary glands, inguinal region;
- Pointed papillomas or (condyloma).Papilla-like growths, growing singly or in several pieces.During the growth process, these papillomas stick 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 region (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 union and the scale of distribution are up to three days.One type of condyloma is papular pustules that are round and smooth in shape;
- basal cell papillomas.Formation of benign origin that does not have the properties to grow and degenerate into malignant neoplasia.Diagnosed mainly in the elderly;
- Choroidpapilloma.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, assessed according to the degree of cancer risk:
- high risk of developing cancer (16, 18, 45, 36);
- average cancer risk (33, 58, 51, 52, 31, 35);
- non-oncogenic papillomas (6, 11, 42, 43, 44);
- Squamous cell papilloma - arises due to the proliferation of epithelial cells and is observed in the elderly.Marked by slow development.The shape is wide at the base, round, with a thin stem.In the initial phase 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 emergence of a squamous cell type of oncology;
- Inverted papilloma is an extremely rare form that has certain characteristics of formation and course.The specific signs are: location in the maxillary, nasal, frontal and paranasal sinuses;unilateral lesion with multiple growths;ingrowth into the bones, causing damage to the palate, sinuses, skull and eye walls;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 displacement of the eyeball are observed.
Important!According to statistics, in 5% of patients who do not take medication measures on 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 any 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.
In this case, 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;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases;
- poor hygiene of the oral cavity and intimate areas;
- movement of the virus from mother to child during pregnancy (congenital factor).
Pay attention!HPV transmission does not always occur through direct contact.Particles of this virus often accumulate on clothing and personal hygiene items.Furthermore, the risk of contracting HPV in public places and medical institutions cannot be excluded.
What are the common symptoms of the disease?
This process usually does not have pronounced symptoms.The first and important harbinger of HPV is the appearance of warty condylomas and papillomas.And taking into account that this virus is also oncogenic in nature, these growths should not be considered completely harmless manifestations.
Sometimes papillomas can manifest themselves 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 (intracstic) papilloma of the mammary gland develops, the following is observed:
- redness around the nipples, burning and itching;
- intense pain and discharge with droplets of blood when pressing on the nipples;
- spontaneous discharge of beige or green color.
This type is benign in nature, but if it is not eliminated, the formation evolves into a malignant tumor, leading to breast cancer.In appearance, the papilloma located on the nipple resembles a nipple-type lump 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 sex should be considered a specific risk group.The cure for intraductal papilloma is only possible through surgery with subsequent observation by a mammologist and gynecologist.
In the case of the formation of papilloma 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 region;
- feel that something is bothering you;
- irrational deepening or thinning of the voice;
- shallow and rapid breathing;
- small rashes in the throat.
The reasons for the formation of these papillomas are: chronic and infectious diseases, use of tobacco and alcohol, unprotected sexual intercourse, frequenting public places.Removing papillomas from the mouth, taking antiviral drugs and a vitamin complex give a good treatment effect.
Important: It is necessary to remove all papillomas, as even one such growth will provoke infection throughout the body.It is not possible to remove papillomas at home, as this is dangerous and strictly prohibited by doctors.
With cervical papilloma, signs of a pathogenic process are manifested as follows:
- inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes;
- itching in the genital region;
- secretion with a greenish and 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, suppressed immunity, poor personal hygiene, excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, intrauterine infection.Premature detection of formations in the form of papillomas on the cervix threatens the development of oncology.Treatment in this case consists in removing the growths and using complex drug therapy.
Note: papillomas can also appear in men's intimate areas (on the scrotum and testicles).However, men are much less likely to face the threat of cancer.
The formation of papillomas on the tongue (papillary compaction of up to two cm) is caused by 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, as children tend to “put everything in their mouths”.Treatment is done by eliminating the source of the infection and taking the necessary medications.
Diagnostic methods
To determine whether you are a carrier of human papillomavirus infection, you need to 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 extraction of a piece of papilloma for biopsy.
Important: If the papilloma has acquired a black color, is swollen, bleeding or purulent bubbles appear, then this is an obvious symptom of the beginning of the progression of the disease and a serious reason to immediately contact a specialist.
Disease treatment methods
To understand how to treat papillomaviruses, you need 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, they are eliminated surgically, if the location of the growth allows, removal using liquid nitrogen and surgitron (radio knife) is used.The last method is recognized as very effective and painless in eliminating not only the formation itself, but also its roots.This indicates that it allows you to permanently rid the treated area of the skin from the reappearance of growths.
Surgical removal of papillomas can also be performed through:
- electrical destruction (use of high frequency current);
- laser radiation;
- scalpel.
Papilloma sanitation also includes the use of a conservative method of treatment with the prescription of antiviral drugs.
In some cases, excluding the oncological factor, an ointment for papillomas, which can be used at home, is very effective.
Attention: 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 medicine that would permanently relieve patients from human papillomavirus, an important factor in preventing this disease is a set of preventive measures, which include: strict personal hygiene, timely and healthy nutrition, careful treatment of all wounds, protected sexual intercourse, complete disinfection after visiting swimming pools and saunas, periodic examination by an immunologist, general health maintenance.