Papilloma is a benign formation on the skin or mucous membranes caused by one of the many types of viruses in the Papovaviridae family. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the generic name for a group of non-enveloped DNA viruses that are transmitted in various ways. HPV infection can occur during intercourse with microtrauma of the mucous membranes and skin during childbirth (from an infected mother to a child).
Human papillomavirus in adults
Human papilloma infection (PVI) is quite common. Numerous studies show that over 80% of the young population are carriers of it. The infection that penetrates the body affects the squamous epithelium of the skin and can multiply there for years. Its various types, affecting the mucous membranes, cause the appearance of benign conjunctival, oral and genital formations.
Papillomas in women
An infection with the human papillomavirus is equally threatening for men and women. However, some types of pathogenic microorganisms pose great threats to the health and life of women. Numerous studies have shown that HPV can cause cervical cancer.
Papillomavirus in pregnant women
A severe weakening of the immune system and hormonal imbalance can provoke active reproduction and symptomatic manifestations of the papillomavirus, which has long been inactive in the body. During pregnancy, the appearance of papillomas on the skin and mucous membranes can frighten expectant mothers. In this case, the woman urgently needs a consultation with a gynecologist.
HPV is not a contraindication to conception, although there is a high chance that the baby will be infected during labor.
Papillomas in men
The papilloma in men, for the most part, does not lead to clinical manifestations. But men are at the same time a source of infection and infect their sexual partners. In the normal state of the immune system, the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is reduced to zero. However, with immunodeficiency, the situation can change, and the presence of the papillomavirus in the blood begins to manifest itself actively, and in some cases, aggressively.
The type of sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts affects men and women alike. HPV 16 and 18, which can cause cervical cancer in women, are rarely detected in men. Once in the body, the papillomavirus of this type remains in the urethral canal for some time, after which it self-eliminates due to the lack of a favorable environment for its reproduction. Genital genital warts in men can occur:
- most often on the coronal groove and frenulum of the penis;
- much less often on the body of the penis or on the head;
- in the area of the external opening of the urethra;
- in the urethra itself;
- in the perianal area and in the anal canal.
Compared to women, the papilloma rarely causes cancer to develop in men. Diagnosing HPV in the male body is also difficult.
Human papilloma in children
Papillomas in women and men as well as in children affect all organs with integumentary or transitional epithelium. It can be the skin, the mucous membrane of the mouth, the throat, the respiratory tract. The transmission of the human papillomavirus in childhood occurs:
- during intrauterine development of the fetus;
- when the child passes through the mother's birth canal;
- Contact Household Path from Parents to Baby;
- within the team (kindergarten, school, sports and development departments).
But even if a child is infected, the papillomavirus can clear itself from the body after a certain period of time. If this did not happen immediately after the onset of puberty, in many cases papillomas on the body and mucous membranes disappear.
Papillomas on the body
Most common in children are clinical manifestations of the human papilloma in the form of common or vulgar warts. They are usually found on the inside and back of the palms of the hands or in the knee area. But often the appearance of papillomas with a protruding keratinized surface on any part of the body. They cause no discomfort and are painless. If injured, such formations can begin to hurt and bleed.
Papillomas in children on the lining of the larynx
The most common diagnosis in children when the human papillomavirus is present in their body is laryngeal papillomatosis. If an infection occurs during childbirth and the infection is transmitted from mother to child, its external manifestations are usually observed before the baby reaches the age of five. The cause of the larynx papilloma is the penetration of HPV types 6 and 11 into the child's body.
Routes of infection, types of PVI and their manifestations
The papilloma virus is highly contagious. The transmission routes are varied, which significantly increases the number of people at risk. More than a hundred types of papilloma pathogens are divided into different types by modern medicine, which are characterized by their own routes of transmission, external manifestations and the extent of damage to health.
How is the human papilloma transmitted?
Infection with the papillomavirus can occur through sexual intercourse, household use, or during childbirth, in which pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted from mother to child. It is also possible for a person to become infected with one of the papillomaviruses themselves. Autoinoculation can occur in the event of mechanical damage to the skin or mucous membranes, for example during epilation.
Papillomas: causes of infection through sexual intercourse
The reasons for a papillomavirus infection can be different. But one of the most common is sexual transmission. In addition, you can become infected not only with vaginal, but also anal and even oral sex. There are around 40 types of papillomavirus, the transmission of which is frequent partner changes and early onset of sexual activity.
Domestic transmission of the virus
The insidious effect of HPV is that it has a high chance of household transmission. Various factors can increase the risk of contracting the papillomavirus. The reasons for this are different, for example:
- the presence of cuts and scratches on the skin, as well as excessive dryness of the integument with the appearance of cracks;
- Diseases that weaken the immune system (HIV infection, flu, herpes);
- Long-term use of drugs with a powerful effect that suppress the functioning of the immune system.
Infection of babies during childbirth
Like many genital infections, papillomavirus can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. In addition, the baby can become infected during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman carries HPV types 6, 11, 16, or 18, the most common pathogens affect the baby's oral lining. These types of papilloma infections often cause juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx to develop.
Many women mistakenly believe that having a caesarean will help keep the baby from getting infected. But even in this case, the probability of transmission of the papillomavirus remains, and pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted via the placenta.
How does the human papillomavirus manifest itself?
HPV is a group of viruses that provoke the development of benign tumors in vivo and under certain factors that lead to their malignancy. Papillomas can be cutaneous or anogenital, depending on their location. Such neoplasms can manifest themselves:
- Common warts, characterized by a dense, rough surface with additional growths. The size of such neoplasms is 1 mm. As a rule, their appearance is observed on the palms and fingers in the knee area (mainly in children), but such papillomas can also be present on the body. The spread of warts is facilitated by a rapid decrease in immunity.
- Plantar warts that cause particular discomfort and pain. The causative agents of such neoplasms are different types of HPV: 1, 2 and 4. In appearance, plantar formations can be mistaken for ordinary calluses. Their size is small at first. But later the papilloma grows, and additional growths may appear around it.
- Flat warts that appear in the body in the presence of HPV types 3 and 10. Such neoplasms practically merge with the skin and can be round or polygonal in shape. Often their appearance is accompanied by itching, redness, and pain.
- Filamentous formations characteristic of carriers of the virus who are at least fifty years old. Such papillomas can appear on the eyelid, body, armpit, etc. Their length sometimes reaches 6 mm.
- Genital warts that develop against the background of HPV 6 and 11. In women, such neoplasms can be localized in the anus and on the rectal mucosa, on the walls of the vagina, in the uterus and vulva in the groin area.
Types of papillomas
The main danger posed by papillomavirus in men and women is that it is considered carcinogenic in modern medicine. About a third of more than a hundred strains present affects the male and female genitals and causes genital warts to develop.
Cancer Risk Classification
A non-enveloped DNA virus can not only cause uncontrolled division of skin cells and mucous membranes, but also contribute to the malignancy of neoplasms. However, not every papilloma leads to the development of cancer. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing oncogenic diseases:
- earlier start of sexual activity, frequent partner change and preference for anal sex;
- the presence of sexually transmitted infections affecting the genitals, both women and men;
- Smoking and alcohol abuse, which negatively affects the state of the immune system and stimulates the appearance of papillomas in an intimate place and in other parts of the body;
- the use of an intrauterine device as a contraceptive and the long-term use of oral contraceptives;
- Endometriosis and other diseases of the organs of the female reproductive system.
Determining the type of papillomavirus will help carry out a complete diagnosis, the need for which will be determined by the doctor.
Non-oncogenic types of viruses
Among the wide variety of HPV, there is a group of pathogenic microorganisms that do not pose a particular threat to health. Non-oncogenic HPV types include papillomavirus genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 5. Their presence in the body causes various types of warts to appear on the skin.
- Common and flat warts on the hands and soles of the feet occur when infected with genotype 1 HPV.
- Genotype 2 virus leads to the appearance of flat and vulgar formations on the hands.
- HPV 3 causes uncontrolled cell division in the skin and the formation of flat and youthful warts.
Viruses with low oncogenic risk
Low oncogenic risk human papilloma occurs when HPV 6, 11, 42, 43, and 44 enter the body. The most common viruses are genotypes 6 and 11. They make up about 90% of all infections. These types of pathogenic microorganisms cause the formation of a special type of genital papillomas - genital warts. Their location on the lining of the cervix or penis in men poses a certain risk of malignancy of the formations.
Papillomavirus with high oncogenic risk
The HPV genotypes 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68 have a high oncogenic risk. More than 70% of infections are infections with viruses of types 16 and 18. Papilloma type 18 is often found in the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Pathogenic microorganisms of this type provoke the development of cancer of the cervix, anus, vagina, vulva or male penis.
Virus classification by localizing manifestations
The external manifestation of papillomas in women and men can be observed on the skin of open areas of the body, on the soles of the feet, as well as on the skin and mucous membranes of the intimate zone. Lesions can be local, and multiple foci of neoplasm are most often seen in people with severe immunodeficiency. After the virus enters the body, three stages of its development can be determined:
- in the latent stage, no clinical manifestations of infection are observed;
- With a subclinical form, symptoms and morphological signs are minimal.
- The clinical stage implies the appearance of papillomas, dysplasias and malignant neoplasms.
The features of external manifestations depend on what type of virus infected the patient's body.
Papillomas on the neck
Papillomas on the neck of carriers of the virus can manifest throughout their lives. Such formations are benign and only cause a person psychological discomfort. Even small neoplasms on a thin leg can get caught on clothing, get injured, cause pain, and bleed. When such problems arise, it is advisable to remove papillomas on the neck.
Papilloma in an intimate place
Papilloma in an intimate place is called genital warts. In women it can be localized on the vaginal mucosa or on the cervix, in men on the penis. Genital warts can also develop in the tissues of the anus. All types of papillomaviruses that infect the genitals can be divided into:
- Viruses with a high degree of oncogenicity (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35), which significantly increase the risk of malignancy for neoplasias, but do not cause genital warts;
- Papillomavirus with low oncogenicity (HPV 6, 11) that leads to the formation of genital warts.
Papillomas on the eyelid
Eyelid papillomas are most common in people of mature age who are carriers of HPV infection. They're usually located on the edge of the lower eyelid. Neoplasms can be in the form of cauliflower. The danger of such formations lies in their constant exposure to direct UV rays and the habit of rubbing eyes with dirty hands. In the latter case, the risk of infection with papillomas in the eyelid increases significantly. The color of the neoplasm can be fleshy or dark.
Papillomas: treatment and diagnosis
The papilloma virus can behave differently in the body. The body's response depends on the type of virus itself, the state of immunity, the presence of concomitant diseases and other factors, which are determined individually for each patient. So there are three main types of papillomavirus behavior in the human body:
- Pathogenic microorganisms enter the bloodstream and behave passively. In this case, a person carries the virus and can infect people who are in close contact with it.
- The virus penetrates the body, but does not integrate into the chromosomes of cells, but at the same time stimulates the uncontrolled division of skin and mucous membrane cells, as well as the formation of papillomas and warts.
- HPV penetrates cells, changes their structure and becomes the cause of the formation of malignant tumors.
In either case, specific diagnostic and treatment methods are required to identify the virus.
Diagnostics of the human papillomavirus
The main diagnostic is an external examination of the patient. It is relevant whether the infection manifests itself through the formation of papillomas (genital warts) on the external genital organs. To determine the presence of HPV and its type in the laboratory, help:
- PCR method. Such a test is highly sensitive for the detection of an infection that is in a subclinical or latent stage of development.
- Digene test. Hybridization analysis to detect 13 strains of the virus with high oncogenic potential and 5 with low oncogenic potential. For a more accurate diagnosis of the papillomavirus, the Digen test is usually combined with cytological studies.
The diagnosis of papillomavirus is particularly difficult in men. Screening for male patients is not relevant. In this case, diagnosis is possible only in the presence of external clinical manifestations of the disease.
Papillomas: how to get rid of external manifestations
If a person has papillomas on their body, the doctor will tell you how to get rid of them. Trying to cope with external manifestations on your own is not worth it, since it is fraught with harmful consequences, especially infection. Removal of papillomas is necessary for several reasons, namely:
- Some types of papillomas can grow and become cancerous over time.
- The presence of neoplasms brings psychological discomfort to the patient.
- Papillomas on the body and in the genital area can be injured and bleed.
Even so, only a doctor can determine whether papillomas need to be removed. To do this, contact a dermatologist or dermatovenereologist.
Removal of papillomas with a laser
The laser method of papilloma removal is very effective. Its use allows you to quickly get rid of benign neoplasms. The laser removal of formations with a diameter of approx. 5 mm only takes a few minutes. However, in some cases it may be necessary to remove the papilloma in several stages. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Tissue removed by laser removal is not suitable for histology.
How to remove papillomas using the radio wave method
Radio wave removal is an absolutely painless and quick way to get rid of papillomas. During the procedure, the neoplasm is cut out in the area of its base. After removing, a small dark crust will remain in its place. The cut out material is suitable for histological analysis. When deciding how to remove papillomas without the risk of scarring, the radio wave method is the best option for patients.
Removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen
Speaking about the external manifestations of papillomas and methods of getting rid of them, it is impossible to miss the removal with liquid nitrogen, also called cryodestruction. This method of removing papillomas on the body is very effective, but the likelihood of recurrence of external manifestations remains. When performing the procedure, low-temperature nitrogen affects papilloma cells and freezes them. This method is characterized by minimal trauma and the absence of painful sensations.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation - removal of papillomas on the body by targeted action on the tissue of the neoplasm with current discharge. This method is highly efficient (80-95%). Its main advantage is that after removing the formation from the papilloma, no trace is left. Within a week, only a small crust remains on the skin, which disappears after your period is over. You can't tear it off yourself.
Drug treatment
Removal of papillomas with a laser or other methods recommended by a doctor is only a solution to external problems that cause aesthetic, mental or physical discomfort. The methods of removing neoplasms have nothing to do with the fight against papillomavirus, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach.
Today there is no specific drug for effectively eliminating papillomavirus from the body and treating its external manifestations. The comprehensive treatment approach that medicine practices today is:
- Removal of papillomas using laser, liquid nitrogen and other methods of removing benign neoplasms;
- immunological therapy to activate the body's natural protective functions;
- General strengthening of the body, taking vitamin complexes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
If you contact a doctor and pass all the necessary studies, you can confirm or refuse the presence of the papillomavirus in the body, learn how to get rid of neoplasms and reduce the risk of their recurrence.
HPV and Immunity
Once in the body, HPV may not manifest for a long time. Papillomas on the eyelid, neck, body or intimate area, which are external expressions of the activity of the virus, appear with a sharp decrease in immunity. The risk of papillomas on the neck, skin and mucous membranes in the entire body increases significantly with:
- Transmission of infectious diseases or surgery;
- Pregnancy and breast feeding period;
- constant stress, hypothermia and other factors that negatively affect immunity;
- Long-term use of certain drugs;
- the presence of infections of the genital tract.
All factors that weaken the immune system can contribute to the virus multiplying in the blood. Therefore, it is important to know how to not only remove papillomas, but also strengthen the immune system to prevent their recurrence.
Papillomas: alternative treatment
If a papilloma appears on your body, it is strictly forbidden to remove it yourself at home. For safe and effective treatment, you need to see a doctor. The specialist will prescribe the necessary studies and, based on their results, develop a treatment regimen. According to this scheme, under the supervision of a doctor, the patient can treat the papillomavirus at home.
Prevention of HPV
Prevention of the papillomavirus through folk and traditional methods aims to reduce the risk of infection. There is also the prevention of the virus from multiplying in the body and the formation of external manifestations such as papilloma in an intimate place, neck, eyelids, palms, soles of the feet, etc. , on the skin and mucous membranes, etc.
Prevention of human papillomavirus infection
In order for one day not to have to wonder how to remove papillomas, it is necessary to remember the most important measures to prevent infection with the virus. Unfortunately, in close relationships with new sexual partners, the use of a condom and other contraceptives does not protect the body from HPV. Only maintaining a monogamous relationship with a trusted partner can reduce the risk of infection.
Traditional methods are not as effective as traditional methods in preventing papillomavirus infection. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines that significantly reduce the risk of contracting HPV strains with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16, and 18).
The most suitable age for vaccination is between 10 and 25 years. Its effect is calculated for about 6. 5 years.
Prevention of HPV manifestations
In order to prevent the activity of the papillomavirus, an alternative treatment with its recipes for strengthening the immune system is effective. However, consultation with a doctor is required before use. Also, do not forget about the most effective and safest ways to increase the body's natural protective functions through exercise, healthy eating, and hardening.
Prevention of the papillomavirus at home is available to everyone. Don't forget to see your doctor regularly to protect your health and strengthen your own immunity.