Papillomas are single or multiple benign formations that occur in different parts of the body. Externally they are presented in the form of papillae with a base. The consistency is dense or soft. The color can range from light to dark brown.
Papillomas on the skin spoil the appearance, on the mucous membranes of internal anatomical structures they provoke bleeding and the appearance of ulcers, in the larynx they impair breathing and change the timbre of the voice. It is possible to get rid of growths using surgical excision, electrocoagulation, laser, cryodestruction and other methods.
What's happened
Papillomas are benign neoplasms that affect the skin and epithelial cellular structures. The main cause of its appearance is infection with a human papillomatous virus (with a high or low level of oncogenicity).
The ICD-10 disease code is D23. The classification of the pathological condition depends on the location of the lesion. For example, if the pathology appears on the neck or on the head in the hair, then it is assigned code D23. 4, if localized on the arms and shoulder - D23. 6, if it affects the abdomen, pubic part in men and women, chest and back area - D23. 5 and so on.
It is worth noting that papilloma has a predisposition to degenerate into a malignant form.
Kinds
There are several types of papillomatous formations, which differ in structure, shape, color and other features.
Simple (vulgar)
This is one of the most common types of papillomavirus. The formation of papillomas on the skin in this case can be provoked by several types of strains at once. According to statistics, about 30% of the population have encountered them at least once.
The favorite place for common warts is the upper limbs, especially the hands. However, such growths can cover the body, palms, toes and other surfaces.
Such warts occur in areas of skin damage due to a decrease in the local immune system.
Externally, vulgar papillomas resemble papillae. In the early stages of development, the diameter can reach no more than 2 millimeters. The head of the wart is soft with a uniform structure, rising above the surface of the epidermis.
When such forms appear, mild pigmentation is noted. As a result of constant receipt of nutrition due to root growth deep into the skin, the growths gradually become larger.
Often in the central part you can observe the appearance of a hair, which indicates the benign nature of the formation.
Filiform
These are seals with a thin stem and a head at the top. Such growths cannot be confused with other varieties due to the peculiarities of their structure.
The appearance of papillomas on the body of this variety is observed after 45 years of age in places with thin skin. In particular, they form in the armpit, on the sternum in women and men, and in the neck area.
As the tumors increase in size, they stretch out and become larger. The head of the growths is colored yellow or pink. The level of pigmentation is weak.
Flat
In appearance, they resemble small plaques that rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The root has a dense structure and grows deep into the layers of the dermis, which can be indicated by the appearance of painful sensations due to mechanical impact or injury.
Such growths are most often localized in the area of the upper extremities. There are also papillomas on the face. In some cases, neoplasms of this type appear in the anal area, on the pubic area in men and on the labia majora in women. Due to the fact that in these places they receive active nutrition, they begin to grow actively.
Flat papillomas are difficult to treat. After removal, a scar or scar remains at the site of the growth.
Pointed
Externally they look like papillae, the size of which does not exceed 2-3 millimeters in diameter. Neoplasms tend to grow rapidly; from a small growth, large growths appear on the skin. The shape resembles a cockerel's comb or cauliflower.
The danger of this type of condylomas is that there is a high probability of developing infectious and inflammatory processes in women in the area of the labia minora or vagina. Such formations are easily injured, which can cause infection.
The problem with such papillomas is that they are prone to frequent relapses even after treatment with antiviral drugs or surgery.
Plantar
The cause of papillomatosis of the skin of the feet is the presence of virus strains of types 1, 2 and 4 in the body. The elements resemble calluses, but in appearance they look like simple papillomas. They are also distinguished by the fact that under mechanical pressure they hurt, they do not have a skin pattern.
Plantar papillomas are prone to self-destruction, especially if they affect a child’s body. Often small bubbles begin to form near the primary lesion. Over time, they transform, which contributes to the appearance of mosaic papillomatosis.
Juvenile
This type of growth occurs in rare cases, mainly in young children. Infection with them occurs at the time of childbirth, if the mother had genital warts on her genitals at that time.
Localization
Filiform warts are most often localized in the facial area. They can be located under the eyes, on the forehead, on the ear, on the neck in men and women. Vulgar type neoplasms are characterized by their appearance on the heels and hands. In addition, warts can be on the fingers, buttocks, thighs, elbows, in the navel, under the mammary glands, papillomas under the arms, on the tongue, in the throat and other parts of the body.
Generally speaking, papillomatosis refers to a generalized disease in which the entire body is covered with papillomas.
Also, neoplasms can affect the liver, oral cavity, respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys and others.
Causes
The human papillomavirus is present in almost every body and does not make itself felt for a long time. However, under certain circumstances, it begins to become more active, thereby provoking the appearance of papilloma-like growths on the skin.
The development of the pathological process can be influenced by various factors. The most common ones include the following:
- unprotectedsexualcommunications;
- frequent change of sexualpartners;
- weakeningimmunity;
- non-compliancehygienicnorms of the oral cavity and intimate area;
- organ diseasesgastrointestinal- intestinal tract;
- violationexchangeprocesses;
- wrongnutrition;
- receptioncytostaticsor hormonal drugs.
The main risk factor for infection for men is considered to be bad habits that contribute to a decrease in the immune system. Regular inhalation of tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of developing laryngeal papillomatosis.
Routes of infection
Experts distinguish 4 types of transmission of the human papillomavirus.
Sexual
This path is considered one of the most common. The virion can enter the human body at any time during sexual contact. You also need to take into account that barrier contraceptives can only prevent infection of the genital organs, while the perineum and pubis remain unprotected.
Domestic
There is a high survival rate of the virus in a humid environment. In this case, infection is possible when visiting a public place, for example, a bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna, or toilet. The virus can also enter the body through the skin while using someone else's washcloth or towel.
Contact
Infection is possible at the moment when the damaged area of the skin comes into contact with the injured papilloma. This process is called self-infection, when the carrier of the disease himself transfers virions from a pathological area of the body to healthy ones.
From mother to fetus
The virus does not have the ability to penetrate the placenta. However, infection is possible at the moment when the fetus passes through the mother's birth canal.
Diagnostics
If you suspect the development of papillomatosis, it is recommended to contact a venereologist and dermatologist.
A final diagnosis can only be made based on the results obtained during the examination.
Clinical examination
At the appointment, the doctor identifies all types of formations that are present on the human body. They are examined and certain notes are taken. If anogenital warts are detected, the patient receives a referral for examination to a gynecologist. Men may undergo ureteroscopy.
Colposcopy
This is a diagnostic procedure that involves examining the female genital organs. To perform the manipulation, a special device is used - a colposcope. Thanks to the medications used during the examination, it is possible not only to detect the virus, but also to assess the nature of its manifestation.
PCR analysis
The polymerase chain reaction makes it possible to detect infection, as well as establish the presence of other pathological processes that can be sexually transmitted.
Cytological examination
Implies a classification dividing pathology into 5 classes. The first indicates a normal cytological picture, the latter means the presence of a large number of atypical cellular structures that can provoke a cancer process.
Histology
Allows you to study deep-lying areas of the Malpighian layer, which makes it possible to confirm or refute the presence of koilocytes in them.
Screening test
Helps quickly detect high concentrations of the virus in the human body. This type of research has gained wide popularity due to its accuracy.
Treatment
If the wart is not dangerous and is not prone to malignancy, there is no need for special therapeutic measures. The doctor will recommend taking medications to strengthen the immune system. If there is a high probability of the growth becoming malignant, the optimal treatment option is prescribed.
Medication
The vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms can be suppressed using the following antiviral drugs:
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- immunostimulating agents.
If the development of an oncological process is not confirmed, special ointments can be used at home.
Surgical
Wart removal is possible in several ways.
Cryodestruction
A therapeutic procedure that involves exposing papillomas to low temperatures, which ultimately leads to the destruction of pathological structures. With high-quality manipulation, it is possible not only to stop the further growth of tumors, but also to prevent their appearance in the future.
The complexity of this method is that there is no way to control the depth of penetration of cold into the tissue. If the procedure is not carried out completely, remnants of papilloma may remain in the skin, which will lead to its reappearance.
Electrocoagulation
Benign tumors are cauterized by applying electric current to them. In this case, the doctor pre-sets the device to a certain frequency and voltage. The type of attachment for the device is selected based on the size and thickness of the growth.
Using a loop, the specialist first removes the stem of the formation, and then cauterizes the element itself. During the work, simultaneous coagulation of the capillaries occurs, which prevents bleeding.
After removal, the operated area is treated with an antiseptic.
Radiosurgery
The lesion is exposed to a stream of low-frequency radio waves. In this case, the electrodes capture only damaged areas, healthy tissue remains untouched. A wound forms at the site of the removed growth.
Laser
The method is considered one of the most popular due to its simplicity and speed of implementation. The session takes on average no more than a quarter of an hour.
The procedure itself is not accompanied by pain, but the patient may experience minor discomfort.
Burning of papillomas occurs by exposing it to a laser beam, resulting in layer-by-layer evaporation of cells and complete excision of the element.
If you treat papillomas this way, the likelihood of relapses is minimized.
Diet
Nutrition for papillomas on the body implies the presence of fermented milk, seafood, honey, garlic, onions, vegetables, lean meats and fish in the diet.
If we talk about fruits, it is recommended to eat them between main meals as a snack. It is better to give preference to yellow, red or orange fruits.
When to delete
Complete removal of papilloma-like formations is recommended if there are many papillomas on the neck and other places where there is a high risk of damage, which can provoke the development of cancer.
Other indications for removal:
- activeheightwarts, which may mean more serious disorders in the body;
- planningpregnancy, since it is against the background of hormonal changes that the risk of the appearance of benign and malignant tumors increases.
In addition, it is necessary to remove growths if they are prone to malignancy.
Why are they dangerous?
The main danger of papillomas is their ability to degenerate into an oncological form. Also, neoplasms, especially those located in open areas of the body, are more susceptible to injury, which can cause bleeding or infection.
Prognosis after removal
If the removal is performed poorly or is incomplete, the papilloma may reappear. To prevent this from happening, it is not recommended to self-medicate.
In addition, some types of growths by their nature are prone to recurrence, regardless of the effectiveness of therapy. To prevent this, you must first eliminate the root cause.
Prevention
Following a number of recommendations will help prevent the disease:
- deal only with protectedsex;
- use your own items exclusivelyhygiene;
- regularly strengthenimmunity;
- eat quality and healthy foodproducts;
- undergo medicalexaminationfor preventive purposes at least once a year.
Papillomas on the body are benign neoplasms, in most cases they do not cause any discomfort to a person. Some types of growths, especially when exposed to certain factors, can become malignant.
To prevent this condition, when a lump appears, it is recommended to consult a specialist who, if necessary, will prescribe appropriate treatment.