Papilloma is a benign formation of the skin or mucous membrane caused by one of the many viruses of the family Papovaviridae. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the generic name for a group of uncoated DNA viruses that are transmitted in different ways. HPV infection can occur during sexual intercourse, with microtrauma to 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 more than 80% of the young population is a carrier. An infection that enters the body affects the squamous cells of the skin and can multiply in it for years. Its various types, which affect the mucous membranes, cause the appearance of conjunctival, oral, and genital benign formations.
Female papillomas
Human papillomavirus infection threatens both men and women. But certain types of pathogenic microorganisms pose a major threat to women’s health and lives. Several studies have shown that HPV can cause cervical cancer.
Papilloma virus in pregnant women
Acute weakening of the immune system and hormonal imbalances can trigger active proliferation and symptomatic manifestations of long-term inactive papilloma virus in the body. The appearance of papillomas on the skin and mucous membranes during pregnancy can frighten expectant mothers. In this case, the woman needs urgent consultation with a gynecologist.
HPV is not a contraindication to conception, although there is a high chance of infection in the baby during childbirth.
Papillomas in men
Papilloma in men mostly does not give clinical manifestations. But men are at the same time sources of infection and infect their sexual partners. In the normal state of the immune system, the activity of pathogenic microorganisms is reduced to zero. But in immunodeficient conditions, the situation can change and the presence of papilloma virus in the blood begins to manifest itself actively and in some cases aggressively.
The type of sexually transmitted infection that causes genital warts affects both men and women. HPV 16 and 18, which can cause cervical cancer in women, are rarely detected in men. Once in the body, this type of papilloma virus stays in the urethra for a while and then eliminates itself due to the lack of a favorable environment for its reproduction. In men, genital warts can appear:
- most commonly on the coronal groove and frenulum of the penis;
- much less frequently on the body or head of the penis;
- in the area of the outer opening of the urethra;
- in the urethra itself;
- in the perianal region and anal canal.
Compared to women, male papilloma rarely causes cancer. Diagnosis of HPV in the male body is also difficult.
Human papilloma in children
Papillomas in women and men, as well as children, affect all organs that have a complete or temporary epithelium. It can be the skin, the mucous membranes of the mouth, the pharynx, the respiratory system. Human papillomavirus spreads in childhood:
- during the period of fetal development of the fetus;
- when the child passes through the mother's birth canal;
- relationship household from parents to baby;
- within the team (kindergarten, school, sports and development departments).
But even if a child is infected, the body’s papilloma virus can disappear after a certain amount of time. If this does 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 clinical manifestations of human papilloma in children are in the form of common or vulgar warts. They are usually located on the inside and back of the palm or on the knee area. But papillomas with a protruding keratinized surface on any part of the body often appear. They do not cause discomfort and are painless. With injuries, such formations can start to hurt and bleed.
Papillomas in children on the laryngeal mucosa
The most common diagnosis in children when the human papillomavirus is present in their body is laryngeal papillomatosis. If the infection occurs during childbirth and the infection spreads 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 a child’s body.
Modes of infection, types and manifestations of PVI
The papilloma virus is highly contagious. The modes of transmission are diverse, which significantly increases the number of people at risk. More than a hundred varieties of papilloma pathogens are divided into different types by modern medicine, characterized by their own modes of transmission, their external manifestations, and the degree of damage to health.
How does the human papilloma spread
Infection with papillomavirus can occur through sexual intercourse, domestic use, or childbirth, in which the pathogenic microorganisms are passed 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, such as during epilation.
Papillomas: causes of infection through sexual contact
The causes of papillomavirus infection can be different. But one of the most common is sexual transmission. Moreover, it can be infected not only through vaginal but also anal and even oral sex. There are about 40 types of papilloma virus, the transmission of which is caused by frequent exchange of partners and early onset of sexual activity.
Domestic spread of the virus
The insidity of HPV is that it is most likely to spread in the household. There are several factors that can increase the risk of becoming infected with the papilloma virus, for a variety of reasons, such as:
- the presence of cuts and scratches on the skin and the excessive dryness of the integument with the appearance of cracks;
- diseases that weaken the immune system (HIV infection, influenza, herpes);
- long-term use of potent drugs that suppress the immune system.
Infection of infants during childbirth
Like many genital infections, the papilloma virus can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. In addition, the baby can become infected in the prenatal period. If a pregnant woman is a carrier of HPV type 6, 11, 16, or 18, the pathogens most often affect the baby’s oral mucosa. Papilloma infections of this type often cause juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx.
Many women mistakenly believe that maintaining a cesarean section will help protect the baby. But even in this case, there is a likelihood of the papilloma virus spreading and the pathogenic microorganisms can pass through the placenta.
How the human papillomavirus manifests itself
HPV is a group of viruses that induce the development of benign tumors in vivo and under the influence of factors leading to certain malignancies. Depending on their location, papillomas can be skin or anogenital. Such tumors may manifest as:
- Common warts characterized by a dense, rough surface with further growths. Such tumors are 1 mm in size. Their appearance is usually observed on the palms and fingers, in the knee area (especially in children), but such papillomas may also be present on the body. The spread of common warts is facilitated by a rapid decline in immunity.
- Plantar warts that cause special discomfort and pain. The pathogens of such neoplasms are several types of HPV: 1, 2, and 4. In their appearance, plantar formations can be confused with common calli. Their size is small at first. But later, the papilloma grows and further growths may appear around it.
- Flat warts that appear in the body in the presence of HPV types 3 and 10. Such tumors are virtually fused to the skin and may be round or polygonal in shape. Often their appearance is accompanied by itching, redness and pain.
- Fibrous formations characteristic of the carriers of the virus that have reached the age of fifty. Such papillomas can appear on the eyelid, body, armpit, and so on. Their length sometimes reaches 6 mm.
- Genital warts that underlie HPV 6 and 11. In women, such tumors can be localized in the anus and rectal mucosa, vaginal walls, uterus and vulva, in the groin area.
Types of papillomas
The main danger of papilloma virus in men and women is that it is considered a carcinogen in modern medicine. About one-third of the more than a hundred existing versions affect the male and female genitals and cause the development of genital warts.
Classification of cancer risk
Uncoated DNA virus can not only cause uncontrolled division of skin cells and mucous membranes, but can also contribute to malignancy of neoplasms. However, not all papillomas lead to cancer. Various factors can increase the likelihood of developing oncogenic diseases:
- earlier appearance of sexual activity, frequent exchange of partners, and preference for anal sex;
- genital infections affecting the genitals, the presence of both women and men;
- smoking and alcohol consumption, which negatively affects the state of the immune system and stimulates the appearance of papillomas in an intimate place and other parts of the body;
- intrauterine device as a contraceptive and long-term use of oral contraceptives;
- endometriosis and other diseases of the female reproductive system.
Determining the type of papillomavirus will help you make a complete diagnosis, the need for which will be determined by your doctor.
Non-oncogenic viruses
Among the huge variety of HPV, there is a group of pathogenic microorganisms that do not pose a particular threat to health. Non-oncogenic HPV types include papilloma viruses of genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 5. Their presence in the body causes various warts to appear on the skin.
- Common and flat warts on the hands and soles appear when infected with HPV genotype 1.
- 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 development of flat and juvenile warts.
Low oncogenic risk viruses
Human papilloma with a low oncogenic risk develops when HPV 6, 11, 42, 43, and 44 enter the body. The most common viruses are genotypes 6 and 11. They account for about 90% of all infections. These types of pathogenic microorganisms cause the development of a special type of genital papilloma, genital warts. Their location on the mucosa of the cervix or penis poses a certain risk in malignant tumors of the formations.
Papilloma virus with high oncogenic risk
Genotypes 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68 of HPV have a high oncogenic risk. More than 70% of the infections are viral infections of types 16 and 18. Papilloma type 18 is often found in the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. These types of pathogenic microorganisms provoke the development of cancer of the cervix, anus, vagina, vulva or penis.
Virus classification by localization of manifestations
The external manifestation of papillomas in women and men can be observed on the skin of the open areas of the body, on the soles, and on the skin and mucous membranes of the intimate zone. The lesions may be localized and multiple foci of neoplasms are most commonly observed in severely immunocompromised individuals. Once the virus enters the body, three stages of its development can be noted:
- no clinical manifestation of infection is observed in the latent phase;
- in subclinical form, symptoms and morphological signs are minimal;
- the clinical stage implies the appearance of papillomas, dysplasias, and malignancies.
The characteristics of external manifestations depend on the type of virus that has infected the patient's body.
Papillomas on the neck
Papillomas on the necks of carriers of the virus can manifest throughout their lives. Such formations are benign and only cause psychological discomfort to man. Small tumors on thin legs can grab clothing, cause injury, and cause pain and bleeding. If such problems occur, it is advisable to remove the papillomas on the neck.
Papilloma in an intimate place
A papilloma in an intimate location is called a genital wart. In women it can be localized on the vaginal mucosa or cervix, in men - on the penis. Genital warts can also develop on the tissues of the anus. All types of genital papilloma viruses can be divided into:
- highly oncogenic viruses (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35) that significantly increase the risk of neoplasmic malignancy but do not cause genital warts;
- low oncogenic papilloma virus (HPV 6, 11), which causes the development of genital warts.
Papillomas on the eyelid
Eyelid papillomas most commonly develop in mature people who are carriers of HPV infection. They are usually located at the edge of the lower eyelid. Tumors may be in the form of cauliflower. The danger of such formations is that they are constantly exposed to direct UV radiation and are in the habit of rubbing their eyes with dirty hands. In the latter case, there is a significant increase in the risk of infection of the eyelid with papillomas. The color of the neoplasm can be flesh or dark.
Papillomas: treatment and diagnosis
The papilloma virus can behave differently when it enters the body. 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 by each patient. Thus, the papilloma virus has three main types of behavior in the human body:
- Pathogenic microorganisms enter the bloodstream and behave passively. In this case, a person is a carrier of the virus and can infect people in close contact with it.
- The virus enters the body but does not integrate into the chromosomes of the cells, but at the same time stimulates the uncontrolled distribution of cells in the skin and mucous membranes and the formation of papillomas and warts.
- HPV penetrates cells, changes their structure, and causes malignancies.
In each case, specific diagnostic and treatment methods are required to identify the virus.
Diagnosis of human papillomavirus
The main type of diagnosis is the external examination of the patient. It is important that the infection is manifested by the development of papillomas (genital warts) on the external genitalia. To determine the presence and type of HPV in the laboratory:
- PCR method. Such a test is extremely sensitive to detect infection in the subclinical or latent stage of development.
- Digene test. Hybridization analysis to detect 13 types of virus with high oncogenic potential and 5 viruses with low oncogenic potential. As a general rule, the digene test is combined with cytological tests to more accurately diagnose papilloma virus.
In men, diagnosing the papilloma virus is particularly difficult. Screening of 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 the body, the doctor will tell you how to get rid of them. Coping with external manifestations alone is not worth it, because it has dangerous consequences for health, especially infection. Removal of papillomas is necessary for several reasons, namely:
- certain types of papillomas can grow over time and become malignant;
- the presence of neoplasms causes psychological discomfort to the patient;
- papillomas in the body and intimate area can be damaged and bleed.
But still, only a doctor can determine the need to remove papillomas. To do this, consult a dermatologist or dermatovenerologist.
Laser removal of papillomas
The laser method of removing the papilloma is extremely effective. Its use allows for the rapid elimination of benign tumors. Laser cutting of formations about 5 mm in diameter takes only 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 excision is not suitable for histological examination.
How to remove papillomas by radio wave method
Removing radio waves is an absolutely painless and quick way to get rid of your papilloma. During the procedure, the neoplasm is excised in the area of the base. After removal, a small dark crust remains in place. The excised material is suitable for histological analysis. Deciding to remove papillomas without the risk of scarring, the radio wave method is the best solution for patients.
Removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen
Regarding the external manifestations of papillomas and the methods of their elimination, it is not possible to mention removal with liquid nitrogen, also known as cryodestruction. This method of removing papillomas in the body is quite effective, but the likelihood of recurrence of external manifestations remains. During the procedure, low-temperature nitrogen affects the papilloma cells, freezing them. This method is characterized by minimal trauma and a lack of painful feelings.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation - the removal of papillomas in the body by the targeted action of neoplasmic tissue with a current discharge. This method is very effective (80-95%). Its main advantage is that no trace of papilloma remains after removal of the formation. Within a week, only a small crust remains on the skin, which disappears after the period expires. You can't tear yourself away.
Drug treatment
Laser removal of papillomas or any other method recommended by your doctor is 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 used by medicine today is as follows:
- removal of papillomas by laser, liquid nitrogen, and other methods of excising benign tumors;
- immunological therapy aimed at activating the body's natural defense functions;
- general strengthening of the body, taking vitamin complexes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
If you see a doctor and do all the necessary studies, you can confirm or deny the presence of the papilloma virus in your body, learn how to get rid of neoplasms, and reduce the risk of them coming back.
HPV and immunity
Once introduced into the body, HPV cannot manifest for long. Papillomas on the eyelid, neck, body, or intimate area, which are external manifestations of viral activity, appear with a sudden decrease in immunity. Thus, the risk of papillomas on the neck, skin and mucous membranes of the whole body increases significantly:
- transmission of infectious diseases or surgical interventions;
- pregnancy and lactation;
- constant stress, hypothermia, and other factors that negatively affect immunity;
- long-term use of certain drugs;
- the presence of genital infections.
Any factor that weakens the immune system can contribute to the growth 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 by preventing their re-emergence.
Papillomas: alternative treatment
If papilloma appears on your body, it is strictly forbidden to remove it at home. You must consult a doctor for safe and effective treatment. The specialist will prescribe the necessary tests and develop a treatment regimen based on their results. Under this system, the patient can treat the papilloma virus at home under the supervision of a physician.
Prevention of HPV
Prevention of papilloma virus by folk and traditional methods reduces the risk of infection. They also prevent the virus from multiplying in the body and the appearance of external manifestations on the skin and mucous membranes, such as papilloma in an intimate area, on the neck, eyelids, palms, soles, etc.
Prevention of human papillomavirus infection
In order not to one day have to face the issue of removing papillomas, you need to remember the main measures to prevent a viral infection. Unfortunately, the use of condoms and other contraceptives in intimate relationships with new sexual partners 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 papilloma virus infection. Modern scientists have developed a number of vaccines that significantly reduce the risk of infection with HPV species with high oncogenic potential (6, 11, 16, and 18).
The most appropriate age for vaccination is between 10 and 25 years. Its impact is expected to be about 6, 5 years.
Prevention of HPV manifestations
To prevent papilloma virus activity, alternative treatments with recipes are effective in strengthening the immune system. But before using them you need to consult a doctor. Don't forget about such the most effective and safest ways to increase the body's natural protective functions through sports, healthy eating and exercise.
Prevention of papilloma virus at home is available to everyone. Taking care of your health, do not forget to visit your doctor regularly for preventive purposes and to strengthen your own immunity.