Papilloma is a benign formation on the skin or mucous membranes caused by one of the many types of viruses from the Papovaviridae family. Human papilloma virus or HPV is a generic name for a group of unwrapped DNA viruses that are transmitted in different ways. HPV infection can occur during sexual intercourse, with microtrauma of the mucous membrane and skin, during childbirth (from an infected mother to a child).
Human papilloma virus in adults
Human papillomavirus (PVI) infection is quite common. Numerous studies show that over 80% of the young population are carriers of it. The infection, entering the body, affects the squamous epithelium of the skin and can multiply in it for years. Its different types, which affect the mucosa, cause the appearance of conjunctival, oral and genital benign formations.
Papillomas in women
Human papillomavirus infection is equally threatening to both men and women. But some types of pathogenic microorganisms pose a great danger to women's health and life. Numerous studies have shown that HPV can cause cervical cancer.
Papilloma virus in pregnant women
Sudden weakening of the immune system and hormonal imbalance can cause active reproduction and symptomatic manifestations of the papilloma virus, which has been inactive in the body for a long time. During pregnancy, the appearance of papillomas on the skin and mucous membranes can frighten future mothers. In this case, the woman needs an urgent consultation with a gynecologist.
HPV is not a contraindication to conception, although there is a high probability of infecting a baby during childbirth.
Papillomas in men
Papilloma in men mostly does not give clinical manifestations. But men are both a source of infection and an infection of their sexual partners. In the normal state of the immune system, the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is reduced to zero. But with immunodeficiencies, the situation can change, and the presence of papilloma virus in the blood will begin to actively and in some cases aggressively manifest.
The type of sexually transmitted infections that cause genital warts affect both men and women equally. HPV 16 and 18, which can cause cervical cancer in women, are rarely detected in men. Entering the body, the papilloma virus of this type remains in the urethral canal for some time, after which it eliminates itself due to the lack of a favorable environment for its reproduction. Genital warts in men can occur:
- most commonly on the coronary groove and frenulum of the penis;
- much less frequently on the body of the penis or on the head;
- in the area of the outer opening of the urethra;
- in the urethra itself;
- in the perianal region and in the anal canal.
Compared to women, papilloma in men rarely causes the development of cancer. The diagnosis of 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 membranes of the mouth, the pharynx, the respiratory tract. Transmission of human papilloma virus in childhood occurs:
- during the period of intrauterine fetal development;
- when the child passes through the mother's birth canal;
- contact household from parent to baby;
- within the team (kindergarten, school, sports and development sections).
But even if a child is infected, the papilloma virus can eliminate itself from the body after a certain period of time. If this did not happen immediately, after the onset of puberty, in many cases the papillomas on the body and mucous membranes disappear.
Papillomas on the body
The most common in children are clinical manifestations of human papilloma in the form of ordinary or vulgar warts. They are usually found on the inside and back of the palms or in the knee area. But often the appearance of papillomas with a protruding keratinized surface on any part of the body. They do not cause discomfort and are painless. With injuries, such formations can begin to ache and bleed.
Papillomas in children on the laryngeal mucosa
The most common diagnosis in children, if the human papilloma virus is present in their body, is laryngeal papillomatosis. If the 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 laryngeal papilloma is the penetration of HPV types 6 and 11 into the child's body.
Ways of infection, types of PVI and their manifestations
The papilloma virus is highly contagious. The ways of its transmission are different, which significantly expands 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 level of damage to health.
How human papilloma is transmitted
Papillomavirus infection 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 self-infected with one of the papilloma viruses. Autoinoculation can occur with mechanical damage to the skin or mucous membranes, for example, during epilation.
Papillomas: Causes of Sexual Infection
The reasons for papilloma virus infection can be different. But one of the most common is sexual transmission. Moreover, you can get infected not only with vaginal, but also anal and even oral sexual intercourse. There are about 40 types of papilloma virus, the reasons for which are frequent changes of partners and early onset of sexual activity.
Domestic virus transmission
The insidiousness of HPV is that it is very likely to be transmitted in the household. Several factors can increase the risk of papillomavirus infection, the reasons for which are different, for example:
- the presence of cuts and scratches on the skin, as well as excessive dryness of the skin with the appearance of cracks;
- diseases that weaken the immune system (HIV infection, influenza, herpes);
- long-term use of strong-acting drugs that suppress the function of the immune system.
Infection of the baby during birth
Like many genital infections, the papilloma virus can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Also, the baby can become infected during the prenatal period. If a pregnant woman is a carrier of HPV type 6, 11, 16, or 18, pathogens most commonly affect the baby’s oral mucosa. These types of papilloma infections often cause the development of juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis.
Many women mistakenly believe that a cesarean section will help keep the baby from becoming infected. But even in this case, the likelihood of transmitting the papilloma virus still remains, and pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted through the placenta.
How the human papilloma virus manifests
HPV is a group of viruses that provoke the development of benign tumors in vivo and under certain factors that lead to their malignancy. Depending on the location, papillomas can be cutaneous or anogenital. Such neoplasms may manifest:
- 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 (mostly in children), but such papillomas can also be on the body. The spread of ordinary warts facilitates a rapid decline in immunity.
- Plantar warts that cause special discomfort and pain. The causes of such neoplasms are several types of HPV: 1, 2, and 4. Apparently, plantar formations can be mistaken for common blisters. Their size is small at first. But later the papilloma grows, and additional growths may appear around it.
- Flat warts that appear in the presence of HPV types 3 and 10. Such neoplasms practically merge with the skin, they can have a round or polygonal shape. Their appearance is often accompanied by itching, redness and pain.
- Filamentous formations characteristic of virus carriers who have reached the age of fifty or more. Such papillomas can appear on the eyelid, on the body, in the armpit, etc. Their length sometimes reaches 6 mm.
- Genital warts that develop in 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.
Types of papillomas
The main danger of the papilloma virus in men and women is that it is considered a carcinogenic agent in modern medicine. Approximately one third of its more than one hundred existing species affect the male and female genitalia and cause the development of genital warts.
Classification of cancer risks
The DNA virus without the envelope can not only cause uncontrolled division of skin and mucous membrane cells, but also contributes to the malignancy of neoplasms. However, not every papilloma leads to the development of cancer. Various factors can increase the likelihood of developing oncogenic diseases:
- earlier onset of sexual activity, frequent change of partner and propensity 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 the intimate area and other parts of the body;
- use of an intrauterine device as a contraceptive, as well as long-term use of oral contraceptives;
- endometriosis and other diseases of the female reproductive system.
Determining the type of papilloma virus will help in making a complete diagnosis, the need for which is determined by the doctor.
Neoncogenic virus types
Among the great variety of HPV, there is a group of pathogenic microorganisms that do not pose a special danger to health. Non-oncogenic types of HPV include papillomaviruses of genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 5. Their presence in the body causes the appearance of different types of warts on the skin.
- Common and flat warts on the hands and soles appear when they are infected with HPV genotype 1.
- Genotype 2 virus causes flat and vulgar formations on the hands.
- HPV 3 causes uncontrolled cell division of the skin and the formation of flat and juvenile warts.
Low oncogenic risk viruses
Human papillomas with low oncogenic risk develop 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 papilloma - genital warts. Their place on the cervical or penile mucosa in men has a certain risk of malignant formations.
Papilloma virus with high oncogenic risk
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 diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Pathogenic microorganisms of these species provoke the development of cancer of the cervix, anus, vagina, vulva or male penis.
Classification of viruses according to the localization of the manifestation
The external manifestation of papillomas in women and men can be noticed on the skin of exposed parts of the body, on the soles, as well as on the skin and mucous membranes of the intimate zone. Lesions can be local, and in people with severe immunodeficiency, multiple foci of neoplasms are most commonly observed. Once the virus enters the body, three stages of its development can be recorded:
- in the latent phase no clinical manifestations of infection are observed;
- with subclinical form, symptoms and morphological signs are minimal;
- the clinical phase involves the appearance of papillomas, dysplasias, and malignant neoplasms.
The characteristics of external manifestations depend on what type of virus has infected the patient's body.
Papillomas on the neck
Papillomas on the neck of the virus carrier can manifest throughout their lives. Such formations are benign and provide only psychological discomfort to the person. Also, small tumors on a thin leg can grab clothes, be injured, cause pain, and bleed. If such problems occur, it is advisable to remove the papillomas on the neck.
Papilloma in the intimate place
Papillomas in the intimate area are called genital warts. It can be localized in women on the vaginal mucosa or cervix, in men - on the penis. Also, genital warts can develop on the tissues of the anus. All types of papilloma virus that infect the genitals can be divided into:
- viruses with a high level of oncogenicity (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35), which significantly increase the risk of malignancy of neoplasms, but do not cause genital warts;
- papilloma virus with a low level of oncogenicity (HPV 6, 11), which causes the formation of genital warts.
Eyelid papillomas
Eyelid papillomas most commonly occur in mature people who are carriers of HPV infection. They are usually located on the edge of the lower eyelid. Neoplasms may 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 the eyes with dirty hands. In the latter case, the risk of infection with eyelid papillomas increases significantly. The color of the neoplasm can be fleshy or dark.
Papillomas: treatment and diagnosis
Once in the body, the papilloma virus can behave in different ways. The body's response depends on the type of virus, the state of immunity, the presence of concomitant diseases and other factors that are determined individually for each patient. Thus, there are three main types of papillomavirus behavior in the human body:
- Pathogenic microorganisms enter the bloodstream and behave passively. In this case, the person is a carrier of the virus and can infect people who are in close contact with him.
- The virus enters 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 and the formation of papillomas and warts.
- HPV penetrates cells, changing their structure and becoming the cause of malignant tumors.
In any case, special diagnostic and treatment methods are needed to identify the virus.
Diagnosis of human papilloma virus
The main type of diagnosis is an external examination of the patient. It is important if the infection is manifested by the formation of papillomas (genital warts) on the external genital organs. The presence of HPV and its type of help is determined in the laboratory:
- PCR method. Such a test is very sensitive to detect an infection that is in a subclinical or latent stage of development.
- Great test. The hybridization analysis reveals 13 virus varieties with high oncogenic potential and 5 with low oncogenic potential. As a rule, for a more accurate diagnosis of papilloma virus, the digen test is combined with cytological studies.
In men, the diagnosis of papilloma virus is particularly difficult. Screening for male patients is not relevant. In this case, the 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 the body, the doctor will tell you how to get rid of them. Do not try to deal with external manifestations on your own, as this is fraught with dangerous health consequences, especially infection. Papilloma removal is necessary for several reasons, as follows:
- some types of papillomas can grow and become malignant over time;
- the presence of neoplasms brings psychological discomfort to the patient;
- papillomas on the body and in the intimate area can be injured and bleed.
But despite this, only a doctor can determine the need for papilloma removal. To do this, you need to contact a dermatologist or dermatovenerologist.
Laser papilloma removal
The laser method of papilloma removal is highly effective. Its use allows you to quickly get rid of benign tumors. Laser cutting of formations with a diameter of about 5 mm takes only a few minutes. However, in some cases, removal of the papilloma may be necessary in several stages. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia. Tissue removed by laser excision is not suitable for histology.
How to remove papillomas by radio wave method
Removing radio waves is an absolutely painless and quick way to get rid of papillomas. During the procedure, the neoplasm is excised in the area of its base. After removal, a small dark crust remains in place. The excised 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.
Papilloma removal with liquid nitrogen
Speaking of the external manifestations of papillomas and methods of how to get rid of them, one cannot fail to mention the removal with liquid nitrogen, otherwise called cryodestruction. This method of removing papillomas on the body is quite effective, but the likelihood of recurrence of external manifestations remains. When performing the procedure, nitrogen at low temperatures affects the papilloma cells, freezing them. This method is characterized by minimal trauma and the absence of painful sensations.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation - removal of papillomas on the body by means of targeted action on the neoplasm tissue by immediate discharge. This method is highly effective (80-95%). Its main advantage is that after the removal of the papilloma formation, no trace remains. Within a week, only a small crust remains on the skin that disappears after the period has expired. You can't tear it off yourself.
Drug treatment
Laser papilloma removal or any other methods recommended by a doctor are only a solution to external problems that cause aesthetic, psychological or physical discomfort. Methods of removing neoplasms have nothing to do with the fight against papilloma virus, the treatment of which requires an integrated approach.
Today, there is no specific drug to effectively remove the papilloma virus from the body and treat its external manifestations. The comprehensive approach to treatment that medicine deals with today is:
- laser papilloma removal, liquid nitrogen and other methods of excision of benign neoplasms;
- immune therapy aimed at activating the body's natural protective functions;
- general strengthening of the body, taking vitamin complexes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
By contacting a doctor and taking all the necessary studies, you can confirm or deny the presence of the papilloma virus in the body, learn how to get rid of tumors 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 in the intimate area, which are an external expression of the activity of the virus, occur with a sharp decrease in immunity. Thus, the risk of papillomas on the neck, skin and mucous membranes throughout the body increases significantly with:
- transmission of infectious diseases or surgery;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- constant stress, hypothermia and other factors that negatively affect immunity;
- long-term use of certain medications;
- presence of genital tract infection.
Any factors that weaken the immune system can contribute to the multiplication of the virus in the blood. Therefore, it is important to know not only how to remove papillomas, but also how to strengthen the immune system, preventing their recurrence.
Papillomas: an alternative treatment
If a papilloma appears on your body, it is strictly forbidden to remove it yourself at home. You must seek medical attention for safe and effective treatment. 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 papilloma virus at home.
HPV prevention
Prevention of papilloma virus by folk and traditional methods is to reduce the risk of infection. There is also the prevention of the multiplication of the virus in the body and the formation on the skin and mucous membranes of external manifestations such as papillomas in the intimate area, on the neck, eyelids, palms, soles, etc.
Prevention of human papilloma virus infection
So that one day you do not have to face the question of how to remove papillomas, you need to remember the main measures to prevent infection with the virus. In intimate relationships with new sexual partners, the use of condoms and other contraceptives, unfortunately, does not protect the body from HPV. Just maintaining a monogamous relationship with a trusted partner can help reduce the risk of infection.
Traditional methods are not as effective as traditional methods for preventing papillomavirus infection. Modern scientists have developed several vaccines that significantly reduce the risk of infection with HPV varieties 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 approximately 6, 5 years.
Prevention of HPV manifestation
To prevent the activity of the papilloma virus, an alternative treatment with its recipes for strengthening the immune system is effective. But before using them, a doctor’s consultation is required. Also, do not forget about such the most effective and safest methods of increasing the body's natural protective functions through sports, healthy eating, tempering.
Prevention of papilloma virus at home is available to everyone. Taking care of your health, do not forget to visit the doctor regularly for preventive purposes and strengthen your own immunity.