Papillomas are presented in the form of skin growths formed as a result of the abnormal division of the epithelium caused by the papillomavirus.Normally, neoplasms do not cause pain or discomfort.It can be found in any part of the body and head, including intimate areas, mucous membranes of internal organs.How a papilloma appears on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is determined 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 membrane after HPV (human papillomavirus) enters the body.The external description of growth depends on its type.Dermatologists include the presence of a stalk as a common feature.More often, papillomas have a round or oval shape.Types of tumors according to their size:
- small;
- average;
- large;
- huge
The texture of the growths is relatively loose and soft.More often, blood vessels appear on their surface.The general color is flesh-colored or white.Old growths have a dry but dense texture with bubbles.
The types of papilloma on the body differ according to the type of HPV.The main ways of transmission of the virus are sex, childbirth and contact.
Its activation occurs in the following cases:
- weakening of the immune system;
- the influence of external factors;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- long-term use of oral contraceptives.
Classification principles
Papillomas can appear anywhere on the body: arms, legs, face, shoulders, back, stomach, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that provoke the appearance of various growths on the skin and papillomas.They differ in appearance, growth rate and location.Taking into account the type of HPV, the treatment method is selected and the risk of the tumor turning into cancer is assessed.
The main types of papillomas in adults and children:
- simple;
- plantar;
- straight;
- like a rope.
According to HPV 26−29, 41, 63 and 77 strains, simple, vulgar or ordinary growths appear on the body.These papillomas turn into cancer more often than others.The disease is accompanied by burning and tingling.After some time, the skin becomes rough and darkens in color.
In the first stage of the disease, the size of the vulgar growth does not exceed 1 mm, in the end it reaches several centimeters in diameter.More often, such papillomas appear on the fingers and palms.They can develop singly or in multiple clusters on the skin of children and adults.
Plantar and flat
Plantar growths appear on the feet due to HPV types 1, 2 and 4.They look like calluses but do not have a skin pattern.The disease is more often found in young children.After infection, at the first stage, a lump appears, then small bubbles that turn into growths.This process is called mosaic papillomatosis in dermatology.
Flat papilloma is diagnosed if the formations that protrude slightly above the skin appear on the skin.They have a round shape.They are most often found on the face, near the lips and on the genitals.In women, the formation can be localized in the cervix.
Virus types 7 and 2 cause the 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 tumor is diagnosed, which gradually grows.He is injury prone.A similar disease is detected in people after the age of 40.
Pointed papillomas appear on the body as flesh-colored or pink papillary formations.
Pathology develops against the background of sexually transmitted HPV types.Therefore, they are located in the groin, perineum and anus.The disease develops rapidly and often recurs.
Warts and papillomas
Against the background of the activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms are formed on the human skin: warts, condylomas of acute type 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 be seen.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.The color is gray, flesh-colored and yellowish.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow in closed areas of the body (thighs, breasts, underarms).The peculiarity of condylomas is related to their localization - they are mucous membranes.Externally, they are presented in the form of papillary growths, when combined, a tumor is formed.
Comprehensive diagnostics
If a growth appears, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist.After examining the patient, colposcopy, PCR, cytology and other methods are prescribed.The first technique is performed during the examination of 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 found in the smear, the doctor confirms HPV.
- Digene test.This precise method determines the concentration, type and oncogenicity of the virus.The material is obtained by scraping from the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina.It is performed together with cytology.
- PCR.The material used is mucous membrane, urine and blood.The technique involves identifying the DNA of the virus.
Therapeutic methods
Surgical removal of papillomas is indicated in case of injury, inflammation or transformation into cancer.If the growths are small, complex drug treatment is indicated.Immunostimulants are taken to strengthen the immune system, antiviral drugs are taken to destroy HPV.Cytostatics are taken to kill the cells that make up the growths.External therapy can be carried out with special solutions and ointments.The choice of drug depends on the type of HPV identified and the symptoms.
If the size of the growth exceeds 1 cm, cancer is suspected and surgical treatment is prescribed.The method of removal depends on the characteristics of the disease.The operation is performed under local anesthesia.The manipulation lasts up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Cryodestruction with nitrogen.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 relapse.
- 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 takes 2 weeks to fully recover.To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to treat the skin with an anti-inflammatory ointment.
- Electrocoagulation.An electric current is used to remove the buildup.Manipulation is carried out using a special device.It dries up the base of growth.There is no bleeding due to the sealing of the vessels with the current.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
In order to prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to have a decent sex life, treat all diseases in time and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect a warteffective antiviral agents are used.Each type of virus has different consequences.
A negative prognosis is observed for virus type 18.The disease can last up to five years and then it can turn into cancer.Metastases spread rapidly throughout the body.The tumor continues aggressively, deepening into the genital organs.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of relapse.For types 58−59, the result is negative, because 2 years after therapy, the disease recurs and immediately turns into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs is quickly fatal.