Many associate the appearance of papillomas with the natural aging process. If you focus on the facts, you can immediately refute this theory. Papillomas are found not only in the elderly, but also in children and adolescents. Papillomas are a signal of the body, indicating the presence of abnormalities. If you pay attention to the data of education in a timely manner, you can identify the symptoms of dangerous diseases.
Papillomas: what is it?
Papilloma - a formation on the skin or mucous membranes. This outgrowth has a soft structure, is located on the basis of various thicknesses. In rare cases, the size of the formation exceeds 10 mm. Usually papillomas are a few millimeters in diameter. If the growth reaches 2 cm, it must be removed, followed by an examination.
The shade of the papilloma is similar to the color of the surrounding tissues. If the formation has a rigid structure, it becomes white, a yellow tint may appear. If the papilloma is located on the mucosa, it usually has a pink tint. After some time, the formation is covered with a gray coating, which occurs as a result of the growth of connective tissue. Papillomas are benign formations, but some of them are characterized by an increased risk of degeneration into a cancerous tumor.
On a note!If you find papillomas on the body, you need to see a doctor to diagnose the disease and eliminate the papilloma.
Types of papillomas
There are several varieties of these formations. There are more than 100 types of papillomas, characterized by individual characteristics. In most cases, the following types are diagnosed:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple | Compacted growths with a smooth, semicircular surface. Usually they occur in the area of the fingers, hands, in rare cases on the knees. Similar formations appear in childhood and adolescence. Usually pass on their own without leaving consequences. |
| flat | Formations with a rounded shape. They are easy to notice visually, as they rise above the skin. Often provoke the occurrence of various inflammatory processes, in which people complain of itching, burning. Usually detected almost immediately after the appearance |
| plantar | Papillomas, which in the early stages of development are often confused with corns. After some time, edges form at the formation, it is possible to distinguish the center of the papilloma. While walking, people notice a manifestation of severe discomfort, sometimes pain develops. An alternative name for such papillomas is spines. |
| filiform | Elongated outgrowths, similar to several connected threads. Usually develop in old age. The most popular areas of location: the neck area, under the armpits, near the eyes. Due to the inconvenient shape, they are characterized by a high risk of injury |
| Genital warts | Papillomas located on the mucosa. They are characterized by the highest degree of danger, since there is an increased risk of their malignancy. Urgent elimination of these formations is required. If you find such growths, you should immediately consult a doctor |
According to external signs, it is possible to classify a specific papilloma as a specific group. To accurately determine the type of papilloma, the cause of its appearance, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination, the help of a specialist.
Causes of papillomas
These formations occur when infected with the human papillomavirus. When HPV is infected, the growths may not appear immediately. If a person has strong immunity, the incubation period lasts for several years. When the natural defenses of the body are weakened, obvious manifestations of the disease occur. The presence of papillomas is considered an obvious sign of HPV.
Among women
An increase in the activity of the virus can occur under the influence of a specific spectrum of reasons. Often papillomas are formed during pregnancy, since during the bearing of the fetus there is a sharp decrease in immunity, a deterioration in the state of the body. The acceleration of their growth is affected by pathologies in the production of hormones, which manifest themselves not only during pregnancy, but also as a result of the constant use of contraceptives. Some scientists talk about an innate predisposition to the formation of papillomas. Often this factor affects the occurrence of genital warts.
In men
Papillomas in most cases are localized in the anus, genitals, armpits, face and hands. The predisposition to the formation of these growths is caused by bad habits, promiscuity. Men with non-traditional orientation have an increased risk of HPV infection. The risk of papillomas formation increases if a person works in hazardous industries, often stays in contaminated rooms, and comes into contact with harmful chemicals.
On a note!Often papillomas occur in the mouth, larynx, trachea.
Risk factors
HPV infection, as well as an exacerbation of the disease, can occur under the influence of such factors:
- A sharp decrease in immunity, weakening of the whole organism.
- Constant stress, nervous shocks, prolonged depression.
- Smoking, frequent intake of alcoholic beverages, other bad habits.
- Infectious diseases, including SARS, influenza.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active sex life.
- The use of certain drugs, in particular antibiotics.
- Visiting public places characterized by a high degree of humidity: saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Transmission routes
The most common situations in which there is an increased risk of transmission of the virus:
- Sexual contact without using a condom. The probability of transmission of some strains of HPV in this case reaches 99%. The mucous membranes are susceptible to infection. Highly oncogenic strains are considered the most dangerous.
- household contact. The transmission of the virus can be carried out with the usual handshake, kiss. The risk of infection increases with damage to the skin.
- Personal items, clothing, personal hygiene items that a person shares with a carrier of the virus.
- Regular access to public pools. The lifespan of the virus increases in a humid environment.
- Intrauterine infection is possible when the virus is transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. If you are planning to conceive a child, it is advisable to undergo an examination in advance, if this infection is detected, conduct a course of treatment.
Localization
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period begins. Activation of the virus occurs in the presence of provoking factors. The virus moves through the body along with the blood, which is why the formation of papillomas can occur on any area of the body. There is a risk of papillomas on the internal organs.
On a note!The location of the growth is affected by its variety. For example, filiform papillomas often occur in places of constant friction.
The most common localization of papillomas:
- The area around the eyes.
- eyelids.
- The area around the mouth.
- Near the anus.
- surface of the limbs.
Danger
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, but they have a risk of malignancy. If the papilloma suddenly increases in size, causes concern, it is necessary to take tests to exclude malignant neoplasms. The most prone to rebirth are papillomas that form on the mucous membranes. Malignancies are more susceptible to formations that do not heal for a long time.
On a note!Areas of the body where the papilloma was removed incorrectly have a high risk of degeneration into cancerous tumors.
Dangerous consequences that manifest themselves when refusing to treat papillomas:
- Rebirth of genital warts located in the vagina. There is a risk of cervical cancer. This process takes a long time, but the disease does not manifest itself with characteristic symptoms. If you do not undergo preventive examinations, it is almost impossible to detect violations. Pathology manifests itself only in the last stages.
- In case of damage to the papilloma, there is a possibility of infection spreading to undamaged areas. There is a risk of formation of growths located next to each other. If you notice such violations, you need to pay attention to an increase in the activity of the virus, undergo symptomatic treatment.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of HPV infection, prophylaxis is carried out. Thanks to vaccination, you can reduce the risk of infection with dangerous strains that provoke serious complications and deterioration in health. Vaccination is carried out in childhood. If desired, the vaccine is administered to older people under the age of 26 years.
On a note! The vaccine is effective in the absence of HPV in the body. Before it is carried out, diagnostic tests are carried out to detect the virus.
To prevent infection, the development of HPV, it is necessary to adjust the lifestyle:
- Take care of personal hygiene daily. Carry out the necessary procedures after each visit to crowded places.
- Acquire and use personal hygiene items. Do not exchange clothes or shoes, even with close friends.
- Stabilize the state of the immune system. To strengthen the immune system, you need to take vitamin complexes. Pharmacy vitamins are especially effective in autumn and spring.
- Balance your diet.
- Reduce the influence of stress factors, give up a violent reaction to unpleasant situations.
- Set aside enough time for proper rest, sleep at least 8 hours a day.
To prevent the appearance of papillomas, you need to take care of your health, carry out the necessary hygiene measures. If the presence of the virus is expressed in the formation of papillomas, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner for treatment, elimination of growths in the early stages of development.