Papillomas appear in the form of skin protuberances formed from the abnormal division of the epithelium caused by the papillomavirus.Normally, neoplasms do not cause pain or discomfort.They occur on any part of the body and head, including intimate places, mucous membranes of internal organs.The appearance of a papilloma on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of PCR analysis.
Disease development mechanism
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 by size:
- small;
- average;
- big;
- gigantic.
The texture of the growths is relatively loose and soft.More often, blood vessels are visible on its surface.The general color is flesh-colored or white.Old growths have a dry but dense texture with blisters.
The types of papillomas on the body differ depending on the type of HPV.The main routes of infection by the virus are sexual, birth and contact.
Its activation occurs in the following cases:
- weakening of the immune system;
- influence of external factors;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- prolonged use of oral contraceptives.
Classification principles
Papillomas can appear on any part of the body: arms, legs, face, shoulders, back, stomach, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that cause the appearance of various growths on the skin and papillomas.They differ from each other in appearance, growth rate and location.Taking into account the type of HPV, a treatment method is selected and the risk of tumor degeneration into cancer is assessed.
The main types of papillomas that occur in adults and children:
- simple;
- plant;
- flat;
- filiform.
Simple, vulgar or common growths appear on the body due to HPV strains 26-29, 41, 63 and 77. 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 the color darkens.
The size of the vulgar growth in the first stage of the disease does not exceed 1 mm, and in the last it reaches several centimeters in diameter.More often, these papillomas appear on the fingers and palms.They can develop on the skin of children and adults in the form of a single or multiple cluster.
Plant and plan
Plantar growths appear on the feet due to HPV types 1, 2 and 4.They are similar to calluses but do not have a skin pattern.The disease is most often detected in young children.In the first stage after infection, a lump appears and then small blisters, which turn into lumps.The process is called mosaic papillomatosis in dermatology.
If formations appear on the skin that protrude slightly above the skin, a diagnosis of flat papillomas is made.They have a round shape.They are most often detected on the face, near the lips and on the genitals.In women, the formation may be located on the cervix.
Virus types 7 and 2 cause a filamentous form of the disease.In this case, the growths have a thin stem with an elongated or elongated shape.At the first stage, a small nodule is diagnosed, which gradually extends.She is prone to injury.A similar disease is detected in people after 40 years of age.
Pointed papillomas appear on the body as a flesh-colored or pink papillary formation.
Pathology develops against the background of sexually transmitted types of HPV.Therefore, they are located in the groin, perineum and anus.The disease progresses rapidly and frequently recurs.
Warts and papillomas
Against the background of the activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms appear on a person's skin: warts, condylomas of the acuminata type and papillomas.Warts do not have clear boundaries.Its size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear on open areas of the body: fingers, knees.
Papillomas with a soft structure and flat base cause burning and tingling.Soft lumps may appear.Its maximum size is 1.5 cm.In color they are gray, flesh-colored and yellowish.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow in closed areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, armpits).The peculiarity of condylomas is associated with their location - these are the mucous membranes.Externally, they appear in the form of papillary protuberances, when they merge, a tumor is formed.
Comprehensive diagnosis
If a growth appears, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist.After examining the patient, colposcopy, PCR, cytology and other techniques are prescribed.The first technique involves examining the cervix.For colposcopy, a special device is used to examine the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If modified cells are detected in the smear, the doctor confirms HPV.
- Digene Test.This precise method detects the concentration, type and oncogenicity of the virus.The material is obtained by scraping the mucosa of the urethra or vagina.It is carried out in combination with cytology.
- PCR.The material used is a smear of mucosa, urine and blood.The technique involves identifying the DNA of the virus.
Therapeutic techniques
Surgical removal of papillomas is indicated if they are injured, inflamed or turn into cancer.If the growths are small, complex drug treatment is indicated.To strengthen the immune system, immunostimulants and antiviral drugs are taken to destroy HPV.To kill the cells that make up the growths, cytostatics are taken.External therapy can be carried out using special solutions and ointments.The choice of medication depends on the type and symptoms of HPV identified.
If the size of the growth exceeds 1 cm, cancer is suspected and surgical treatment is prescribed.The removal method depends on the characteristics of the disease.The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.Manipulation lasts up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Nitrogen cryodestruction.The effect on papilloma lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedures, the skin turns white, gradually dying.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 relapses.
- Laser.The beam affects the problem area for one minute.30 minutes after the first manipulation the skin turns red.After a few days the crust disappears.Complete healing will take 2 weeks.To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to treat the skin with an anti-inflammatory ointment.
- Electrocoagulation.Electric current is used to remove buildup.Manipulation is carried out using a special device.The base of growth dries up.Due to the sealing of the vessels with current, there is no bleeding.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
To prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to lead a decent sex life, treat all diseases in a timely manner and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect a warteffective antiviral agents are used.Each type of virus has a different result.
A negative prognosis is observed for type 18 virus. The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases spread quickly throughout the body.The tumor progresses aggressively, growing deep into the genitals.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of relapse.For types 58-59, the result is negative, since 2 years after therapy the disease recurs and immediately transforms into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs quickly leads to death.