Papillomas in 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 cause aesthetic problems, but can also act as a harbinger of dangerous conditions in the body, such as cancer.
"How to get rid of papillomas?"- an actual question that worries many.Let's try to understand why papillomas appear on the body and what dangers to human health can arise from skin growths that seem harmless at first glance.
Why does papilloma appear?
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the body can be divided into main (main) and accompanying ones, which mostly play a triggering role for the formation of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of primary and undifferentiated skin papillomas is infection of the patient with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is classified as a group of Papillomaviruses in medical practice.
Statistics show the highest level of HPV prevalence among the population of our planet, that 9 out of 10 people are carriers of one of the 100 strains of this virus known to official medicine.Moreover, each of the isolated types of the viral agent has different characteristics, localization zones and the possibility of developing complications and unpleasant consequences.
Despite its widespread distribution, the papilloma virus has relatively low resistance to aggressive environmental factors, which dictates the advantage of the contact route of its transmission from a carrier to a healthy person.The risk of infection is especially high when there is prolonged contact with the bare skin of a person suffering from the disease, for example during massage.In medical practice, there are also cases of domestic spread of a viral agent that enters the patient's body through common objects, but this reason for the appearance of papillomas is significantly lower than the contact mechanism of the spread of the virus.
When HPV enters the skin, it primarily affects the basal layer of the epidermis, remains latent for a long time, which is characterized by an asymptomatic course of the disease.This condition is accompanied by an incubation period that usually lasts from 1 to 6 months, but can last for years.
The following factors act as triggers for the appearance of papillomas on the skin:
a temporary decrease in immunity or the development of an immunodeficiency condition (HIV, AIDS);the presence of microtraumas, cracks, scratches, open wounds on the patient's skin surface;pregnancy, lactation, menopause, etc.hormonal imbalance that may be associated with;promiscuous sex, oral sex with a carrier of the papilloma virus;neuro-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;bad habits, bad nutrition;endometriosis.
Symptoms of papillomas
The penetration of the papilloma virus into the human blood is not accompanied by an obvious symptom complex, which complicates the diagnosis of the disease.The patient does not suspect that he is not only a carrier of the viral agent, but that he 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.
Numerous photos on the Internet clearly demonstrate how papillomas look on the body.Typically, the growth of the skin is represented by an oval or dome-shaped compression or a papule attached to the tissue through a thin thread or a thickened base.The color characteristics of papillomas on the skin can vary widely from light pink to dirty brown.
Some HPV strains are characterized by multiple manifestations that may be accompanied by the combination of individual neoplasms.As a result, an epidermal structure resembling a lobed cauliflower is formed.
Common types of papillomas
As mentioned above, medicine knows more than 100 types of viruses, which indicates the diversity of disease manifestations.However, about 10 types of HPV are considered the most common:
- Vulgar 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 variant, while children are more often characterized by the knee location of growths;
- Plantar papillomas.HPV types 1, 2, and 4 are the causative agents of papillomas on the feet, which are manifested by the formation of single or multiple bumps on the soles of the feet, and as they grow, it becomes difficult to walk.Moreover, such 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 as many flat lumps with a smooth surface, stable colors;
- Filiform papillomas.It is characteristic of the older age group of patients over 50 years of age.Yellowish bumps or growths are localized on the eyelids, groin, armpit and neck.If a filamentous neoplasm is exposed to trauma or constant friction with clothes, inflammatory papilloma treatment should be carried out as soon as possible;
- Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas.This type of skin manifestation is often called epidermodysplasia verruciformis, which manifests itself as multiple macular warts localized on the arms and legs with different color characteristics;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of symptomatic manifestation of human papillomavirus.The growths are pink or gray pointed growths located on the external and internal genitals, as well as on the pubic area and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.It is caused by HPV types 6 and 11.They affect the larynx area, making breathing difficult and making it difficult for the patient to speak normally.Infection usually occurs during childbirth, when the virus is passed from the mother's vagina to the child;
- Local epithelial hyperplasia.This manifestation is the result of HPV type 13 and 32 infection, which is expressed by the formation of multiple papillary rashes that tend to coalesce on the tongue and the red border of the lips.
What is papilloma and how dangerous it is, we will try to understand it below.
Are papillomas on the body dangerous?
In fact, papillomas cannot be considered completely harmless neoplasms, because in the absence of timely treatment, they can spread to healthy tissue, which is called autoinoculation, and cause multiple warts.However, this is not the main factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.Here lies the answer to the urgent question of many patients about how a mole differs from a papilloma.A mole, being a simple accumulation of pigment, does not pose a threat to human health.
The main risks associated with the presence of papillomas in the body include the possibility of melanization of the neoplasm, which consists of malignant degeneration of the tumor.As a result, the patient may experience an oncological process or a precancerous condition may be diagnosed.The probability of such a result depends on the type of HPV and the location of 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 papilloma mechanical damage, which can cause heavy bleeding, wound infection, and the formation of scars or scars on the skin.Based on this, the answer to the question of whether it is necessary to remove papillomas from the body should be only positive.
How to remove papillomas from the body?
Removal of papillomas should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, usually after carrying out all necessary diagnostic procedures, which include PCR diagnostics, microscopic examination of epithelial scraps and, if necessary, histological examination of papilloma tissue.In this case, there are several options for how to get rid of papillomas on the body:
- Cryodestruction- removal of papillomas using liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation- destruction of the neoplasm under the influence of an electric pulse;
- Surgical excision- the most radical and traumatic method of removing papillomas;
- Laser removal of papillomas– growth destruction with a directed laser beam.
The last option is the most atraumatic, safe and painless way to remove papillomas from the body.Laser removal of papillomas has gained wide popularity due to the absence of postoperative scars, scars and cicatrices, as well as the fact that laser destruction does not require preparation and rehabilitation.
Laser removal of papillomas can be done in a few minutes.Another advantage of the manipulation is the ability of the laser beam to activate the regeneration ability of the epidermis, which ensures rapid improvement of the treatment area, which usually does not exceed two weeks.
Despite the need for mechanical removal of skin defects, when answering the question of how to treat papilloma once and for all, one should not mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and thoroughly strengthen the patient's immunity.
Which doctor should I see for papillomas and where can I remove papillomas from the body?
If you are concerned about the question of which doctor treats papillomas, you should first contact the specialists who will conduct an initial examination and make a diagnosis.Specialists of modern clinics have extensive experience in laser removal of papillomas using the latest medical equipment.By contacting a professional medical center, the patient will receive detailed advice, including the question of how much it will cost to remove the papilloma.