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 either multiple or single. Papillomas on the body, unfortunately, are a very common disease that develops due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), but its treatment in modern conditions is not a problem.
What are papillomas?
The human papillomavirus includes over 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 the types and types of papillomas depending on their origin, how they look, how quickly they grow and where they are localized. Certain 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 neoplasia.
Papilloma is a benign skin tumor whose structure contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium, which grows upward and outward.
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:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compacted growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually occur in the fingers, hands, and in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. Usually go away on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| Flat | Formations that have a round shape. They are easy to notice visually as they rise above the skin. They often provoke the occurrence of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching and burning. Usually detected almost immediately after appearance |
| Plantar | Papillomas, which in the first stages of development people often confuse with calluses. After some time, the edges of the formation form, and the center of the papilloma can be distinguished. While walking, people notice severe discomfort, and sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| Filiform | Elongated growths, similar to several connected threads. Usually develops in old age. The most popular areas of location: neck area, under the arms, near the eyes. Due to their awkward shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Condylomas acuminata | Papillomas located on the mucous membrane. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, 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 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 provoke the formation of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
Among women
An increase in virus activity can occur due to a specific range of reasons. Papillomas often form during pregnancy, since during pregnancy there is a sharp decrease in immunity and a deterioration in the body’s condition. 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 talk about an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor influences the occurrence 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.
Often papillomas 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 sex life.
- The use of certain medications, in particular antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Locations 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 more often located in the area of the feet or hands, and condylomas are located exclusively on the mucous membranes (the 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 anyThese warts may 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 severe health consequences, for example, the subsequent occurrence of condylomas is fraught with the development of cervical cancer in women.
Plantar warts most often appear on rough soles and balls of the toes. Sometimes a spine may appear on the thumb after serious 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 you see the manifestations of the disease, it can no longer be confused with any other disease.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but have 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 prone to degeneration are papillomas that form on the mucous membranes. 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.
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 quite a long time, but the disease does not manifest itself 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 infection spreading to undamaged areas. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such disturbances, you need to pay attention to the increase in virus activity and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of papilloma virus:
- Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy;
- Laser removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave method of treatment.
Prevention of papillomas
According to medical research, the prevalence of HPV among the population over 50 years of age is at least 75%. There are many conditions under which the papilloma virus is transmitted. Prevention of infection becomes obvious already at the stage of studying the routes of transmission of papillomavirus.
Prevention of warts should be based on the following recommendations:
- 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, since plantar warts are very contagious;
- you need to minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person, also avoiding the use of their personal belongings;
- During intimate contacts, a condom should be used (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.