Papillomas are manifested as skin growths formed due to abnormal division of the epithelium caused by papillomavirus.Usually, the tumor does not cause pain or discomfort.They occur on any part of the body and head, including intimate places, mucous membranes of internal organs.How a papilloma looks on the skin depends on its type: flat, rough, simple, serrated.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of PCR analysis.
Mechanism of disease development
Papillomas are considered benign tumors that form on the skin or mucous membranes after the HPV virus (human papillomavirus) enters the body.External description of the growth depends on its type.Dermatologists consider the presence of stalks to be a common feature.Usually, papillomas are round or oval in shape.Types of tumors by size:
- small;
- medium;
- big;
- giant.
The texture of the growth is relatively loose and soft.More often, blood vessels are visible on their surface.The general color is flesh color or white.Old growth has a dry but dense texture with bubbles.
The types of papillomas on the body vary according to the type of HPV.The main routes of viral infection are sexual, reproductive and contact.
Its activation occurs in the following cases:
- weakened immune system;
- the influence of external factors;
- exacerbation of diseases of the digestive tract;
- long-term use of birth control pills.
Classification principles
Papillomas can appear on any part of the body: arms, legs, face, shoulders, back, abdomen, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that causes the appearance of many different types of growths on the skin and papillomas.They differ in appearance, growth rate and localization.Taking into account the type of HPV, the treatment method is chosen and the risk of tumor degeneration into cancer is assessed.
The main types of papillomas that occur in adults and children:
- simple;
- crops;
- plane;
- like thread.
Simple, vulgar or normal growths appear on the body due to HPV strains 26−29, 41, 63 and 77. These papillomas more often than others turn into cancer.The disease is accompanied by a burning and tingling sensation.After a while, the skin becomes rough and darker.
The size of the vulgar growth in the early stages of the disease does not exceed 1 mm, and eventually it reaches several centimeters in diameter.More often, such papillomas appear on the fingers and palms.They can develop on the skin of children and adults in the form of one or more clusters.
Plantar and flat
Plantar growths appear on the feet due to infection with HPV types 1, 2, and 4. They are similar to calluses but do not appear on the skin.The disease is often detected in young children.At the first stage after infection, a lump appears, followed by small bubbles, which turn into a tumor.This process is known in dermatology as papilloma mosaicism.
If the formation appears on the skin that protrudes slightly above the skin, a diagnosis of flat papilloma will be made.They have a round shape.They are most commonly detected on the face, near the lips, and on the genitals.In women, the formation may be localized to the cervix.
Virus types 7 and 2 cause filamentous disease.In this case, the growth has a thin, elongated or elongated stem.In the first stage, a small tumor is diagnosed, which gradually expands.She is easily injured.A similar disease is detected in people after 40 years of age.
Sharp papillomas appear on the body as flesh-colored or pink papules.
The disease develops against the background of sexually transmitted HPV types.Therefore, they are located in the groin, perineum and anus.The disease progresses rapidly and recurs frequently.
Warts and papillomas
Against the background of activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign tumors appear on a person's skin: warts, warts of the acuminate type and papillomas.Warts do not have clear boundaries.Their size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear in exposed areas of the body: fingers, knees.
Papillomas have a soft structure and a flat base that causes a burning and tingling sensation.Soft lumps may appear.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.In terms of color, they are gray, flesh-colored and slightly yellow.
Unlike warts, papillomas develop in private areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, under the arms).The peculiarity of warts is related to their location - these are mucous membranes.Externally, they appear as papillary growths, which, when they merge, form a tumor.
Comprehensive diagnosis
If a growth appears, a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist should be consulted.After examining the patient, colposcopy, PCR, cytology and other techniques are prescribed.The first technique is performed when examining the cervix.For colposcopy, a special device is used to examine the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If altered cells are detected in the smear, your doctor will confirm it is HPV.
- Digen test.This precise method detects the concentration, type and carcinogenicity of the virus.The material is obtained by scraping from the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina.It is performed in conjunction with cytology.
- PCR.Materials used were mucosal smears, urine and blood.This technique involves identifying the DNA of the virus.
Treatment techniques
Surgical removal of papillomas is indicated if they are injured, inflamed, or turn cancerous.If the growth is small, complex drug treatment is indicated.To strengthen the immune system, people take immunostimulants and antiviral drugs to kill viruses.To destroy the cells that cause growth, cytostatic drugs are taken.External therapy can be carried out using special solutions and ointments.The choice of medication depends on the type and identified symptoms of HPV.
If the growth size exceeds 1 cm, cancer is suspected and surgical treatment is indicated.The method of removal depends on the characteristics of the disease.Surgery is performed under local anesthesia.Operations last up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Cold destruction with nitrogen.The effect on papillomas lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedure, the skin turns white and gradually dies.This process is accompanied by a burning and tingling sensation.This technique is effective for the appearance of tumors on the eyelids and small joints.Ointment is used to prevent recurrence.
- Laser beam.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 will disappear.It will take 2 weeks to heal completely.To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to treat the skin with anti-inflammatory ointments.
- Burn electricity.Electric current is used to remove buildup.The operation is performed using a special device.It dries out the growth base.Because the blood vessels are sealed with electric current, there is no bleeding.Recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
To prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, you should have a decent sex life, promptly treat any diseases and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect you have wartsEffective antiviral drugs are used.Each virus has different results.
Negative prognosis is observed for type 18 virus. The disease can last up to 5 years and then develop into cancer.Metastases quickly spread throughout the body.The tumor progresses strongly, growing deep into the genital organs.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of recurrence.For type 58−59, the result was negative, because 2 years after treatment, the disease relapsed and immediately became malignant.Cancer caused by these types of HPV quickly leads to death.