Often, people are unaware that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in the body.This is because the papillomavirus is usually in a hidden form, bored with natural immunity.When it gets out of control, problems arise and actively manifest themselves in the form of growths in different parts of the body.Men are less likely to suffer from the cause than women, but they can also experience serious problems in the form of penile papillomas.
To be the cause
Viral DNA enters the body through microns in the body or mucous membranes.If a person's immunity is weakened, the first manifestations of HPV will appear several months after infection.
Up to 80% of cases of transmission are sexual.Barrier contraception minimizes the risk of infection, but does not eliminate it completely.
Other ways of infection:
- The way home.The virus is transmitted through the personal belongings of an infected person: clothing, hygiene items, etc.This route is characterized by infection with a low oncogenic virus type.They do not cause serious health problems, but they appear in the form of conditions, papillomas and warts, creating a cosmetic defect.
- From mother to child.If a mother is infected with HPV during pregnancy and childbirth, and if she gives birth naturally, the child is more likely to be infected.
If a person has a good immune defense, the virus does not manifest itself and can remain in the body in a latent form for a long time.Therefore, it is not the infection with the virus itself, but the weakening of the immune system that causes hpv activation.
There are a number of factors that affect the possibility of the virus strengthening:
- chronic diseases;
- hormonal problems;
- wrongly selected contraception or its complete absence;
- viral infections;
- alcohol, smoking or long-term use of antibiotics;
- frequent stress.
All these factors have a negative effect on the immune system.If there is not one causative factor in a person's life, several, this will lead to a faster development of this papillomavirus.
Symptoms
Often, papillomas are visible only externally, but in some cases they can occurnon-specific symptoms:
- itching and burning during intercourse;
- Pain when touching the papilloma;
- accumulation of urine in the folds of the penis;
- An unpleasant odor in the affected area.
In addition, neoplasms can appear and affect not only the penile region, but also the anus and pubis.
What do papillomas look like?
Papilloma on the penis is a small neoplasm.At first, it may appear alone, but without proper treatment, the number of papillomas increases.At the same time, they can merge with each other.
Such new growths resemble flesh-colored or pink cauliflower inflorescences.Most often, they are localized in the foreskin area, head and frenulum.Less often, they are diagnosed in the urethra and scrotum.Papillomas can also appear as small white pimples that appear in long rows.This form is typical for localization in the Frenulum region.
One of the manifestations of HPV is Buschke-Levenshtein Condeyoma.It is characterized by rapid growth, outstanding size and resistance to various treatments.Its appearance is related to several existing papillomas and conditions, which combine and form one large affected area.Having Buschke-Levenshtein Condyoma is dangerous because its changed cells can easily turn into cancer.
Which doctor should I contact?
As a rule, a urologist diagnoses papilloma in men.If you have a condition in the anal area, you can consult a dermatovenerologist or a proctologist.But to remove papillomas, a surgeon is usually referred.In general, diagnosis takes place in several stages:
- The urologist examines and interviews the patient.An oral interview is necessary to assess the patient's lifestyle and determine the cause of the virus infection.Visual examination should not only assess the condition of the penis, but also the adjacent organs - scrotum, anal region.This is necessary to complete the picture of the localization of the virus.
- It presents a mess from the urethra.It determines the presence of various sexually transmitted diseases.
- PCR.This analysis not only shows the presence of HPV in the body, but also most likely determines its type.
- KEETOSCOPY.This procedure is an examination of the urethra if Papillomavirus affects the Frenulum.
- After removing the papillomaThe doctor may order a biopsyto assess the status of a distant tumor.This is necessary to eliminate the risk of cancer and make sure that the papilloma is good.
In this case, it is advisable to check both partners.Usually, a woman is also infected with one of the types of papillomavirus.Even if a person is treated, there is a possibility that he will get sick again after some time.
Why are papillomas dangerous?
Human papillomavirus is often accompanied by other related diseases.The appearance of papillomas in the Glans Penis area contributes to the accumulation of urine in the folds.This creates conditions for the emergence and growth of various microorganisms that later cause infection.They can cause erosion around the papilloma, and they can also contribute to inflammation of the urethra and testicles.These diseases are characterized by urinary problems, pain and high fever.
Another danger is injury to tumors that cause bleeding.This is due to the formation of many blood vessels around the papillomas, which supply them with blood.Even a small injury can cause infection due to trauma.
Also, neoplasms can rub when moving, which causes pain and discomfort to a person.
HPV and Cancer
Neoplasms are rare and bad when the virus just starts spreading.Without treatment, they grow and merge with each other.Over time, the cells degenerate into malignant ones.The risk of cancer is especially high if a person is infected with highly oncogenic types of the virus - 16 or 18.They contribute to the development of cancer of the penis and bladder.
Treatment of papillomas
Treatment of HPV includes not only removing its external manifestations, but also strengthening the immune system, which inhibits the manifestations of the virus.To protect immunity, immunostimulating drugs are used.
An ointment that suppresses the reproduction of the virus and removes small growths is effective as an antiviral drug.It does not always cope with the task of complete removal, but it prevents the appearance of new growths.Antiviral ointment is prescribed to stimulate the immune system.The ointment does not remove papillomas, but helps to activate cells of the immune system, which stop their growth and development.
Removal methods
There are several ways to get rid of developing tumors:
- Laser removal.The papilloma is exposed to a laser beam that completely burns the growth.A crust forms on this site and falls off after a few weeks.The method is considered effective due to the absence of relapse.Removal is done under anesthesia.In this case, there is no bleeding, no wounds or scars remain.
- Cryodestrison.Papillomas are exposed to liquid nitrogen.It immediately freezes the desired area, the neoplasm on it is destroyed and dies.The disadvantage of this method is that it is not possible to control the depth of cryodeesting.After a while, a crust remains in place of the removed papilloma.
- Radiosurgery.The principle of operation of this method is similar to laser removal.Radio waves do not leave wounds, and the procedure is preceded by preliminary anesthesia using a special spray.After that, there are no complications and the body recovers quickly.
- Electrocoagulation.The growth is subjected to an electric current to remove the papilloma, after which the papilloma disappears.If necessary, topical anesthesia can be used.The procedure takes a few minutes, is extensive and convenient.However, this method can leave scars after healing.
- Surgical intervention.It is rarely used when the tumor is very large.It is done under anesthesia and is characterized by long healing and traumatization.The good thing about this method is that it allows you to preserve the raised growth for histological examination.
The price of each method depends on the complexity of the work, the size and number of papillomas.
Consult your doctor before choosing any method.He will tell you what to use in your situation and explain in detail how the procedure is carried out.Also, after removing the tumor, it is recommended to take material for histology.This is necessary to determine that the process of degeneration of neoplasms has started to become malignant.This method will help detect early cell changes and prevent the spread of cancer.