What are papillomas?
Human papillomavirus includes over 600 types of species (a culture of microorganisms of a certain type, derived from a specific source and has characteristic properties), under the influence of which the formation of different categories of papillomas occurs. In medical practice, it is customary to divide the types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how fast they grow and where they are located. Some papillomatous growths appear in the intraoral cavity, in the vagina, on the penis and in the bladder area.
Identifying the classification of papilloma is very necessary from the point of view of choosing the right treatment method and analyzing the possible development of papilloma into malignant neoplasm.
Papilloma is a benign skin tumor, the structure of which contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium, which grows upwards and outwards.
Types of papillomas
There are several types of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, characterized by individual characteristics.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Condensed 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 leaving any consequences. |
| Flat | Formations that have a round shape. They are easily noticed visually as they rise above the skin. They often provoke the appearance of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. It is usually discovered almost immediately after the show |
| Plantar | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development people often confuse with calluses. After some time, the edges of the formation are formed and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. While walking, people notice severe discomfort and sometimes pain appears. An alternative name for such papillomas is spina. |
| 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 arms, near the eyes. Due to their difficult shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Condylomas acuminata | Papillomas located on the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of dangerousness, since there is an increased risk of their malignancy. Urgent elimination of these formations is required. If such growths are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor. |
Based on external signs, a specific papilloma can be assigned to a certain group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma and the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to carry out 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 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.
Among women
An increase in virus activity can occur for a number of specific reasons. Papillomas are often formed during pregnancy, as during pregnancy there is a sharp decrease in immunity and a deterioration of the body's condition. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in the production of hormones, which appear not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the continuous 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 appear in the mouth, larynx and trachea.
Risk factors
- A sharp drop in immunity, weakening of the whole body.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages and other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including ARVI, influenza.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Active sex life.
- Use of certain medications, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Location of papillomas
The most common in the practice of doctors are filiform, vulgar or genital papillomas, as well as condylomas.
The location of filiform warts is the face, vulgar warts are most often located in the area of the legs or hands, and condylomas are located exclusively in the mucous membrane (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 some These warts can appear in an unusual place.
Removing such papillomas is not difficult in modern conditions, but the danger is the fact that with a decrease in immunity, new papillomas can reappear, which will lead to more serious health consequences, for example, the subsequent appearance of condylomasis full of development. of cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts appear most often on the calluses and balls of the toes. Sometimes a spine can appear on the big toe after serious 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 once you see the manifestations of the disease, it can no longer be confused with any other disease.
risk
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have a malignant risk. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size and causes concern, it is necessary to undergo tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. More prone to degeneration are papillomas that form on the mucous membrane. Formations that are not treated for a long time are more susceptible to malignancy.
Areas of the body where the papilloma was removed incorrectly have a high risk of degeneration 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 appear with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive examinations, 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 risk of growths forming next to each other. If you notice such concerns, you should pay attention to the increased activity of the virus and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of papilloma virus:
- antiviral and immunomodulating 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 in which the papilloma virus is transmitted. The prevention of infection becomes evident already at the stage of studying the ways of papillomavirus transmission.
- You should not walk in public places with high levels of heat and humidity without shoes, because the human papillomavirus can be on the surface of the floor covering, as plantar warts are very contagious;
- you should minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person, also avoiding the use of his personal items;
- During intimate contacts, a condom should be used (unfortunately, this method does not give a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the possibility of infection).
Prevention of papilloma at home should be aimed at observing the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes, disinfecting bathrooms after they have been visited by other people.