In this article we will try to understand such a difficult question as: what is a papilloma on the human body?Let's get acquainted with the reasons for their occurrence, their types, diagnostic methods, treatment and prevention.
What is a papilloma?
First we need to figure out what a papilloma itself is.
Doctors agree that it is a pathological formation in the human body caused by the HPV virus (human papillomavirus).
The human papillomavirus, once in the body, can never be cured and manifests itself in the body when it enters a favorable environment.The virus develops in epithelial cells and gradually turns into small benign tumors - processes.The size of papillomas can reach two centimeters.
Recognizing the appearance of papillomas is quite simple.The main symptom of a tumor on the body is usually an overgrowth of tissue, but in some cases this can also be accompanied by itching and a slight tingling sensation.
Reasons for appearing
HPV is a viral infection and doctors identify various conditions for the appearance and development of papillomas in the human body:
- Immunity weakened by illness;
- infectious diseases;
- stress and deep depression;
- alcoholism and drug addiction;
- promiscuous sex life;
- Visiting public places with direct contact with exposed skin and high humidity;
- diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases;
- Poor diet and lifestyle;
Obviously, there are many conditions for the disease and it is almost impossible to protect yourself completely.
The human papillomavirus can be present anywhere and transmission of the infection can occur through any type of contact.
The main risk group is sexually mature men and women, as the virus can be easily transmitted through sexual contact and even the use of a condom does not ensure complete safety.It is enough to simply touch the exposed skin.
Another important route of transmission is transmission from mother to child during birth;The virus enters the child's body directly during birth.
Important!Papilloma is also a sexually transmitted disease.This can have very serious consequences, since the development of the disease in this case often leads to the formation of malignant tumors of the cervix.
The combination of several of the above factors is particularly dangerous and leads to the development of incurable diseases.
Types of papillomas
Today experts identify about 100 types of human papillomavirus.The most dangerous are about 30 species that lead to malignant diseases of the female genital organs.
Among the main symptoms that require special attention are the so-called genital and flat condylomas, which appear on the genitals of men and women.
If they occur, you should immediately seek medical advice and strictly follow the prescribed treatment.
The most common (in descending order) experts distinguish the following types of papillomas:
- warts on the sole;
- common warts;
- butcher warts;
- genital warts;
- flat condylomas;
- chords;
- Papillomatosis of the larynx and oral cavity.
In general, there is no place on the body of a man or woman where papilloma could not manifest itself.This can include the soles of the feet, arms, legs, neck, tongue, throat and genitals.Depending on the location, papillomas can cause significant discomfort, even without being the cause of a malignant tumor.
For example, a plantar papilloma may cause discomfort when walking but will disappear over time without medical intervention.Flat condylomas, on the other hand, are painful and often cause inflammation and itching.Can only be treated with medication.
diagnosis
According to doctors, the diagnosis of viral human papilloma does not cause any difficulties.It is enough to visit a dermatovenereologist.However, a more in-depth analysis requires conducting a series of special tests in a clinical laboratory.
The most effective are:
- molecular genetic diagnostics;
- cytological examination of cervical Papanicolaou smears (PAP test);
- Detection of HPV using PCR;
- detection of HPV antibodies in the blood;
- Daijin test.
Let's take a closer look at the PAP and Daijin tests.
The Daijin test is an HPV DNA test that can detect the presence of virus types with high oncogenic risk.A positive result does not mean that you have cervical cancer, but it does give your doctor reason to monitor the disease more closely and prescribe effective treatment.The material to be analyzed is obtained by removing cells from the cervix.
The PAP test allows you to detect early changes in the cervical cells that may indicate precancerous lesions.Cell collection is similar to the Daijin test.One of the disadvantages of this method is that only half of all real pre-cancerous stages can be detected during diagnostics.
Advice!If you need to do an HPV test, the combination of Daijin test and PAP test is by far the most effective method for diagnosing the cervix in women, as it allows you to identify the types of viruses that cause cancer.
Treatment of human papilloma
If you discover any type of papilloma on your body, you need to urgently consult a dermatovenereologist, since any damage to the formations can lead to a whole range of serious diseases.
Important!In no case should you remove papillomas yourself.This should only be done by an experienced doctor after conducting appropriate examinations.
In medical practice there are several methods of treating this virus, but none of them offers a 100% guarantee.As mentioned above, this virus can remain latent indefinitely, making treatment very difficult.Only constant strengthening of the immune system can protect your body from a relapse.
There are several main methods of removing papillomas:
- Laser.This is one of the newest treatment methods.The advantage is that the papilloma can be cut down to the entire depth of the skin and at the same time the bleeding is stopped, leaving practically no scars.The recovery takes about a month.
- Removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen.Effective for all types of papillomas.
- Radiosurgery.A fairly popular treatment method.A section of tissue is removed quickly and painlessly using a special radio knife.This method prevents the recurrence of condyloma.
- Diathermocoagulation.Removal of formations with high frequency current.
- Surgical removal of papillomas.
According to experts, simply removing papillomas will not bring positive results in the long term.Treatment must be carried out comprehensively, with drugs that strengthen the immune system, antiviral drugs and a healthy and calm lifestyle.
In medical practice, there are two vaccines against certain types of human papillomavirus.Both vaccines are very effective against the types of viruses that cause cervical cancer in 70% of cases.
As with all diseases, there are folk remedies for the treatment of papillomas.For example with sour apple juice or castor oil.However, it should be noted that these methods should not be used given the possible consequences in the form of cancer.
Treatment of papillomas at home
If you decide to remove papillomas at home, you need to know the following:
- do not remove genital papillomas;
- You cannot remove anything on the face, otherwise a scar is guaranteed;
- Do not remove lesions that show signs of inflammation or bleeding.There is a high risk of skin cancer or infections.
Traditional healers recommend two main methods of removing papillomas in men and women at home.It's ice cold and duct tape.
When freezing formations, the most important thing is not to harm healthy skin.You need to buy a special product at the pharmacy, apply it to the papilloma and after a week they will disappear without leaving scars or scars.
Tape is a faster method, but also more painful.After purchasing the tape at the pharmacy, it is applied to the formation, after a few hours moistened with warm water and removed from the surface of the skin along with the papilloma.
In addition to these methods, there is a wide variety of ointments and herbal remedies for the treatment of papilloma virus, such as treatment with eggs, kerosene and walnuts, celandine juice and others.
Prevention of the causes of papillomavirus
Prevention of the virus is no different than prevention of any other viral infection.It is necessary to maintain personal hygiene, avoid promiscuity and strengthen the immune system.
Stress at work and at home is one of the causes of 90% of human diseases, including the development of viral infections.Avoid stressful situations, play sports and lead an active lifestyle.
If you still could not avoid infection, you should immediately contact a specialist to conduct a comprehensive examination and prescribe treatment, since, as we found out, the consequences can be very serious.