When nipple-like growths appear on the trunk, limbs or face, it is always an unpleasant surprise for people. These are benign formations on the skin that can occur multiple times or individually. Papillomas on the body, unfortunately, are a very common disease that occurs as a result of infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), but their treatment is not a problem in modern conditions.
What are papillomas?
The human papilloma virus includes over 600 strain species (a culture of microorganisms of a specific type, obtained 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 according to their origin, appearance, growth rate and localization. Certain papillomatous growths occur in the oral cavity, vagina, penis, and bladder area.
Identification of the papilloma classification is very important in terms of choosing the appropriate method of treatment and analyzing the possible development of the papilloma into a malignant neoplasm.
Papilloma is a benign skin tumor whose structure contains blood vessels and connective tissue covered with epithelium that grows upward and outward.
Types of papillomas
There are different variants of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, which are characterized by individual characteristics.In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| Surname | Description |
|---|---|
| Simply | Condensed growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. They usually occur on the fingers, hands and, in rare cases, the knees. Similar formations occur in childhood and adolescence. They usually disappear on their own without leaving any consequences. |
| Apartment | Formations that have a round shape. They are easy to recognize visually because they protrude above the skin. They often trigger the appearance of various inflammatory processes, during which people complain of itching and burning. Usually detected almost immediately after occurrence |
| Plantar | Papillomas, which in the first stages of development are often confused with calluses. After some time, the edges of the formation are formed and the center of the papilloma is visible. When walking, people experience severe discomfort and sometimes pain. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| Thread-like | Elongated growths, resembling several connected threads. Usually develops with age. The most popular locations: neck area, under the arms, near the eyes. Due to their awkward shape, they have a high risk of injury |
| Condylomas acuminata | Papillomas on the mucous membrane. They are extremely dangerous because 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 occurrence, a comprehensive examination and the help of a specialist are required.
Causes of papillomas
According to medical statistics, today almost 90% of people are carriers of the human papilloma virus, which is the main cause of papillomas. This viral disease exists in the body for a long time without showing external signs. However, various internal infections and viruses, exacerbation of chronic diseases, poor diet 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 various reasons. Papillomas often form during pregnancy, since during pregnancy immunity sharply decreases and the body's condition worsens. The acceleration of their growth is influenced by pathologies in hormone production, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists speak of a congenital predisposition to the formation of papillomas. This factor often influences the appearance of genital warts.
In men
When the virus enters the male body, its development is suppressed in a person with strong immunity. 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 for the appearance of papillomas on the body is the activation of a dormant virus.
Papillomas often appear in the mouth, larynx and trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as an exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of the following factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the entire body.
- Constant stress, nervous shock, persistent depression.
- Smoking, frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages and other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including ARVI, influenza.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Active sex life.
- Taking certain medications, especially antibiotics.
- Visiting public places with high humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Locations of papillomas
The most common in the doctor's office are thread-like, vulgar or genital papillomas and condylomas.
The location of thread-like warts is the face, vulgar warts are more often localized in the area of the feet or hands, and condylomas are located exclusively on the mucous membranes (the tip of the penis and in the urethra in men, in men in the urethra). area of the labia minora and vagina in women), however, it happens that these warts appear in an unusual place.
Removal of such papillomas is not difficult in modern conditions, but the danger is that with a decrease in immunity, new papillomas may appear again, leading to more serious health consequences, for example, the subsequent appearance of condyloma is fraught with the development of cervical cancerWomen.
Plantar warts most often appear on rough soles and toe pads. Sometimes spine formation on the thumb can occur 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. Therefore, once you recognize the manifestations of the disease, it is no longer possible to confuse it with another disease.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but carry the risk of malignant development. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size and causes concern, tests must be performed to rule out malignant neoplasms. The most susceptible to degeneration are papillomas that form on the mucous membranes. Formations that are not treated for a long time are more susceptible to malignancy.
In areas of the body where the papilloma has been improperly removed, there is a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that occur if you refuse treatment for papillomas:
- Degeneration of genital warts in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process takes quite a long time, but the disease does not manifest itself in characteristic symptoms. Without preventive examinations, it is almost impossible to detect violations. Pathology appears only in the final stages.
- If the papilloma is damaged, there is a chance that the infection will spread to undamaged areas. There is a risk of the formation of adjacent growths. If you notice such disorders, you need to pay attention to the increased viral activity and undergo symptomatic treatment.
Treatment of papilloma virus:
- Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy;
- laser removal;
- Treatment of viral papillomas with nitrogen (cryodestruction);
- Radio wave treatment method.
Prevention of papillomas
According to medical studies, the prevalence of HPV in the population over 50 years of age is at least 75%. There are many conditions under which the papilloma virus is transmitted. The prevention of infection becomes clear already at the stage of studying the ways of transmission of the papilloma virus.
Prevention of warts should be based on the following recommendations:
- In public places with high heat and humidity, you should not walk without shoes, as the human papilloma virus can be on the surface of the floor covering, as plantar warts are very contagious;
- You must minimize the number of physical contacts with an infected person and also avoid using personal items.
- A condom should be used for intimate contacts (unfortunately, this method does not offer a 100% guarantee, but it significantly reduces the likelihood of infection).
Prevention of papillomas at home should be aimed at observing the rules of personal hygiene, airing shoes and disinfecting bathrooms after visiting other people.