When nipple-like growths appear on the torso, limbs or face, it is always an unpleasant surprise for a person. These are benign formations on the skin, which can be multiple or single. Papillomas on the body, unfortunately, are a very common disease that develops due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, but its treatment in modern conditions is not a problem.
What are papillomas?
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 the formation of various categories of papillomas occurs. In medical practice, it is customary to divide types and types of papillomas based on their origin, their appearance, how quickly they grow and their localization. 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 neoplasm.
Papilloma is a benign skin tumor whose structure contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium, which grows upwards and outwards.
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:
| First name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compacted growths with a smooth, semi-circular surface. They usually occur in 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. |
| Dish | Formations that have a round shape. They are easy to notice visually as they rise above the skin. They often provoke the onset of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. It is usually detected almost immediately after onset |
| Plantar | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development people often confuse with calluses. After a while you can distinguish the edges of the formation and the center of the papilloma. While walking, people feel severe discomfort, and sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| Filiform | Elongated growths, resembling several connected threads. It usually develops at an older age. The most popular localization areas: neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to their awkward shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Condylomata acuminata | Papillomas located on the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, since the risk of malignancy increases. 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 assigned 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 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 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 cause the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
Among women
An increase in virus activity can occur due to a specific set of reasons. Papillomas are often formed during pregnancy, since during pregnancy there is a sharp decrease in immunity and a deterioration in the condition of the body. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in the production of hormones, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists speak of an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor influences 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 occur in the mouth, larynx and trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of such factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the entire 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 sexual life.
- The use of certain drugs, especially antibiotics.
- Visit public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Locations of papillomas
The most common in medical practice are filiform, vulgar or genital papillomas, as well as condylomas.
The site of filiform warts is the face, vulgar warts are located more often in the area of the feet or hands, while warts are located exclusively on the mucous membranes (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 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 may reappear, which will lead to more serious health consequences, for example, the subsequent appearance of warts is fraught of the development of cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts appear most often on the soles of the feet and rough balls of the feet. Sometimes a spine may appear on the thumb after severe damage to the skin in this area.
In general, papillomatosis is a generalized form of pathology in which neoplasms form throughout the human body. These growths have a characteristic appearance, so once the manifestations of the disease are seen, it can no longer be confused with any other disease.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but pose a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size and causes concern, it is necessary to undergo tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. The most subject to degeneration are papillomas that form on the mucous membranes. Formations that are left untreated for a long time are more susceptible to malignancy.
Areas of the body where the papilloma has been removed incorrectly have a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that occur if you refuse treatment for papillomas:
- Degeneration of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process lasts a long time, but the disease does not manifest itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive testing, it is almost impossible to identify violations. The pathology appears only in the last stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a possibility that the infection will spread to undamaged areas. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If such disorders are noticed, it is necessary to pay attention to increased activity of the virus 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 the age of 50 is at least 75%. There are many conditions under which the papilloma virus is transmitted. Prevention of infection becomes evident already in the phase of studying the transmission routes of the papillomavirus.
Prevention of warts should be based on the following recommendations:
- You should not walk without shoes in public places with high levels of heat and humidity, because the human papillomavirus can be found on the surface of the floor covering, as plantar warts are very contagious;
- it is necessary to minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person, also avoiding the use of their personal effects;
- During intimate contact, it is necessary to use a condom (unfortunately, this method does not provide a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of infection).
Prevention of papilloma at home should be aimed at following the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes, disinfecting bathrooms after visiting them by other people.