Papillomas appear as skin growths formed as a result of abnormal division of the epithelium caused by the papillomavirus.Normally, neoplasms do not cause pain or discomfort.They occur on any part of the body and head, including intimate places and mucous membranes of internal organs.The appearance of a papilloma on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the PCR analysis.
Mechanism of disease development
Papilloma is considered a benign tumor that forms on the skin or mucous membranes after HPV (human papilloma virus) enters the body.The external description of growth depends on its type.Dermatologists consider the presence of a rod to be a common feature.Most often, papillomas have a round or oval shape.Types of tumors by size:
- little;
- average;
- big;
- gigantic.
The texture of the growths is relatively loose and soft.Most often, blood vessels are visible on their surface.The general color is flesh or white.Old wines have a dry but dense texture with bubbles.
The types of papillomas on the body differ depending on the type of HPV.The main routes of infection with the virus are sexuality, birth and contact.
Its activation occurs in the following cases:
- weakened immune system;
- influence of external factors;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- long-term use of oral contraceptives.
Classification principles
Papillomas can appear on any part of the body: arms, legs, face, shoulders, back, stomach, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that cause the appearance of various growths on the skin and papillomas.They differ from each other in appearance, growth rate and location.Taking into account the type of HPV, a treatment method is selected and the risk of tumor degeneration into cancer is assessed.
The main types of papillomas that occur in adults and children:
- simple;
- plantar;
- flat;
- filiform.
Simple, vulgar or ordinary growths appear on the body due to HPV strains 26−29, 41, 63 and 77. These papillomas turn into cancer more often than others.The disease is accompanied by burning and tingling.After a while, the skin becomes rough and the color darkens.
The size of the vulgar growth in the first stage of the disease does not exceed 1 mm, and at the last reaches several centimeters in diameter.Most often, these papillomas appear on the fingers and palms.They can develop on the skin of children and adults as a single or multiple clump.
Plantar and flat
Plantar growths appear on the feet due to HPV types 1, 2 and 4. They resemble calluses, but do not have a skin pattern.The disease is more often detected in young children.At the first stage after infection, a lump appears, then small bubbles that turn into growths.The process is called mosaic papillomatosis in dermatology.
If formations appear on the skin that slightly protrude above the skin, a diagnosis of flat papilloma is made.They have a round shape.They are most often detected on the face, near the lips and on the genitals.In women, the formation can be localized in the cervix.
Types 7 and 2 viruses cause a filamentous form of the disease.In this case, the growths have a thin stem of an elongated or elongated shape.At the first stage, a small lump is diagnosed, which gradually expands.She is prone to injuries.A similar disease is detected in people over 40 years old.
Sharp papillomas appear on the body as a flesh-colored or pink papillary formation.
Pathology develops against the background of sexually transmitted types of HPV.Therefore, they are located in the groin, perineum and anus.The disease progresses quickly and often recurs.
Warts and papillomas
Against the background of the activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms appear on a person's skin: warts, condyloma acuminata and papillomas.Warts do not have clear boundaries.Their size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear on open areas of the body: fingers, knees.
Papillomas with a soft structure and a flat base cause burning and tingling.Soft lumps may appear.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.In color, they are gray, flesh and yellowish.
Unlike warts, papillomas develop on closed areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, under the arms).The peculiarity of condyloma is associated with their location - these are the mucous membranes.Externally, they appear in the form of papillary growths, when they merge, a tumor is formed.
Complete diagnosis
If a growth appears, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist.After examining the patient, colposcopy, PCR, cytology and other techniques are prescribed.The first technique is performed when examining the cervix.For colposcopy, a special device is used to examine the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If changed cells are detected in the smear, the doctor confirms HPV.
- Digene test.This precise method detects the concentration, type and oncogenicity of the virus.The material is obtained by scraping the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina.It is carried out in combination with cytology.
- PCR.The material used is a smear of mucous membrane, urine and blood.The technique consists of identifying the DNA of the virus.
Therapeutic techniques
Surgical removal of papillomas is indicated if they are injured, become inflamed or turn into cancer.If the growths are small, complex drug treatment is indicated.To strengthen the immune system, immunostimulants are taken and antiviral drugs are taken to destroy HPV.To kill the cells that make up the growths, cytostatics are taken.External therapy can be carried out with special solutions and ointments.The choice of medication depends on the type of HPV identified and its symptoms.
If the size of the growth exceeds 1 cm, cancer is suspected and surgical treatment is prescribed.The method of elimination depends on the characteristics of the disease.The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.The manipulation lasts up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Nitrogen cryodestruction.The effect on the papilloma lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedures, the skin turns white and gradually dies.The process is accompanied by burning and tingling.The technique is effective for the appearance of growths on the eyelids and small joints.Ointments are used to prevent relapses.
- Laser.The beam affects the problem area for one minute.30 minutes after the first manipulation the skin becomes red.After a few days, the crust disappears.It will take 2 weeks for complete healing.To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to treat the skin with anti-inflammatory ointment.
- Electrocoagulation.Electric current is used to remove buildup.Manipulation is carried out using a special device.This dries out the base of growth.Thanks to the sealing of the vessels by the current, there is no bleeding.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
To prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to lead a decent sex life, promptly treat all diseases and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect a warteffective antiviral agents are used.Each type of virus has a different outcome.
A negative prognosis is observed for the type 18 virus. The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases spread quickly throughout the body.The tumor grows aggressively and grows deep into the genitals.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of relapse.For types 58-59, the result is negative, since 2 years after treatment the disease reappears and immediately transforms into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs quickly leads to death.