Papillomas of the human body are foci of pathological proliferation of cells of the epidermis and mucous membranes.
In most cases, papillomas are benign.However, such neoplasms can not only lead to aesthetic problems, but also be a harbinger of dangerous conditions in the body, such as cancer.
“How to get rid of papillomas?”- an urgent question that worries many.Let's try to figure out why papillomas appear on the body and what dangers to human health can arise from skin growths that seem harmless at first glance.
Why do papillomas appear?
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the body can be divided into main (main) and accompanying reasons, which act rather as triggers for the formation of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of skin papillomas, considered the main and without alternative, is the infection of the patient with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which in medical practice is classified as a group of papillomaviruses.
Statistics demonstrate the highest level of prevalence of HPV among the population of our planet, indicating that 9 out of 10 people carry one of the 100 strains of this virus known to official medicine.In addition, each of the isolated types of viral agents has different characteristics, areas of localization and probability of developing complications and unpleasant consequences.
Despite its prevalence, the papilloma virus has relatively low resistance to aggressive environmental factors, which dictates the predominance of the contact route of its transmission from the carrier to a healthy person.The risk of infection is particularly high during prolonged contact with the bare skin of a person suffering from the disease, which is observed, for example, during a massage.In medical practice, there are also cases of household spread of a viral agent entering the patient's body through common objects.However, this reason for the appearance of papillomas is significantly inferior to the contact mechanism of spread of the virus.
When HPV penetrates the skin, it mainly affects the basal layer of the epidermis, remaining in a latent state for a long time, characterized by an asymptomatic course of the disease.This condition is most often accompanied by an incubation period, which lasts 1 to 6 months, but can persist for years.
The following factors act as provoking agents for the appearance of papillomas on the skin:
temporary decrease in immunity or development of an immunodeficiency state (HIV, AIDS);the presence of microtrauma, cracks, scratches, open wounds on the surface of the patient's skin;hormonal imbalance, which can be associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, etc. ;promiscuous sex, oral sex with a papilloma virus carrier;nervous-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;bad habits, poor diet;endometriosis.
Symptoms of papillomas
The penetration of the papilloma virus into human blood is not accompanied by a pronounced symptom complex, which complicates the diagnosis of the disease.The patient does not even suspect that he is not only a carrier of a viral agent, but can also infect other people.The main symptom of infection is the direct formation of a skin tumor on the body, which can be localized in almost any part of the human body.
Many photos on the Internet clearly show what papilloma looks like on the body.Typically, a skin growth is represented by an oval or dome-shaped compaction, or papule, which is attached to the tissue by a thin stalk or thickened base.The color characteristics of papilloma on the skin can vary significantly, from light pink to dirty brown.
Some strains of HPV are characterized by multiple manifestations, which may be accompanied by the fusion of individual neoplasms.As a result, an epidermal structure is formed that resembles a lobed cauliflower.
Common types of papillomas
As mentioned above, medicine knows more than 100 types of viruses, which indicates the diversity of manifestations of the disease.However, around 10 types of HPV are considered the most common:
- Common papillomas.They are oval seals that may have a keratinized yellowish surface.Vulgar papillomas on the hands of adult patients are the most common localization option, while children are more often characterized by localization of growths to the knee;
- Plantar papillomas.The causative agents of papilloma of the leg are HPV types 1, 2 and 4, which are manifested by the formation of single or multiple growths on the sole of the foot, which, as they grow, make walking difficult.In addition, these structures are often confused with calluses, which complicates the identification and timely treatment of papillomas;
- Flat papillomas.They are caused by HPV types 3 and 10 and appear in the form of multiple flat lumps, of constant color, with a smooth surface;
- Filiform papillomas.They are more typical for the older group of patients whose age exceeds 50 years.Yellowish bumps or growths are located on the eyelids, groin, armpits and neck.If a filamentous tumor is subjected to trauma or constant friction with clothing, treatment of inflamed papilloma should be carried out as quickly as possible;
- Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas.This type of skin manifestation is often called epidermodysplasia verruciformis, which manifests itself as multiple macular warts located on the arms and legs, having different color characteristics;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of symptomatic manifestation of the human papillomavirus.The growths are pinkish or gray pointed growths located on the external and internal genitals, as well as in the pubic region and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.Caused by HPV types 6 and 11. They affect the larynx region, complicating the respiratory process and complicating the patient's normal speech.Infection usually occurs during childbirth, transmitting the virus from the mother's vagina to the child;
- Local epithelial hyperplasia.This manifestation is a consequence of infection with HPV types 13 and 32, which results in the formation of multiple papillary eruptions, prone to fusion, on the tongue and the red border of the lips.
What is papilloma and how it is dangerous, we will try to figure out below.
Are papillomas on the body dangerous?
In fact, papillomas cannot be considered completely harmless neoplasms, since in the absence of timely treatment they can spread to healthy tissues, the so-called self-inoculation, and cause multiple warts.However, this is also not the key factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.Here also lies the answer to the pressing question of many patients about the difference between a mole and a papilloma.A mole, being a simple accumulation of pigment, does not present a danger to human health.
The main risks associated with the presence of papillomas on the body include the possibility of melanization of the neoplasm, which consists of malignant degeneration of the tumor.As a result, the patient may undergo an oncological process or be diagnosed with a precancerous disease.The likelihood of such a result depends on the type of HPV and the area of localization of the papillomas.For example, genital warts located on the surface of the cervix cause cancer of this organ in 50% of cases.
Another danger is the high risk of mechanical damage to the papilloma, which can lead to profuse bleeding, infection of the wound and the formation of scars or scars on the skin.Based on this, to the question of whether it is necessary to remove papillomas on the body, the answer should be only positive.
How to eliminate papillomas on the body?
Removal of papillomas should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, after carrying out all the necessary diagnostic procedures, which usually include PCR diagnostics, microscopic examination of epithelial scrapings and, if necessary, histological examination of papilloma tissue.In this case, there are several options for getting rid of papillomas on the body:
- Cryodestruction– elimination of papillomas with liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation– destruction of a neoplasm under the influence of an electrical impulse;
- Surgical excision– the most radical and traumatic method of eliminating papillomas;
- Laser removal of papillomas– destruction of growth by a directed laser beam.
The latter option is the most atraumatic, safe and painless way to remove papillomas from the body.Laser papilloma removal has gained great popularity due to the absence of postoperative marks, scars and scars, as well as the fact that laser destruction does not require preparation and rehabilitation.
Laser removal of papillomas can be carried out in just a few minutes.Another advantage of the manipulation is the ability of the laser beam to activate the regenerative capacity of the epidermis, which ensures rapid healing of the treatment area, which usually takes no more than two weeks.
Despite the need to mechanically eliminate skin defects, when answering the question of how to cure papilloma once and for all, one cannot fail to mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and generally strengthen the patient's immunity.
Which doctor should I contact in case of papillomas and where can I remove papillomas on the body?
When wondering which doctor treats papillomas, you should first contact specialists who will conduct an initial examination and make a diagnosis.Specialists of modern clinics have extensive experience in laser papilloma removal using the latest medical equipment.By contacting a professional medical center, the patient will receive detailed advice, including on the question of the cost of papilloma removal.