Papillomas appear in the form of skin growths that develop as a result of the abnormal division of the epithelium caused by the papillomavirus.Tumors usually do not cause pain or discomfort.They occur in any part of the body and head, including intimate places, the mucous membranes of internal organs.The appearance of papilloma on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, sole.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the PCR analysis.
The mechanism of disease development
A papilloma is considered a benign tumor that develops on the skin or mucous membrane after HPV (human papillomavirus) enters the body.The external description of growth depends on its type.Dermatologists consider the presence of a stalk to be a common feature.More often, papillomas are round or oval in shape.Tumor types by size:
- small;
- average;
- large;
- gigantic.
The structure of the growths is relatively loose and soft.More often, blood vessels are visible on their surface.The general color is flesh-colored or white.Old growth is dry but has a dense, bubbly texture.
The types of papillomas on the body differ depending on the type of HPV.The main ways of viral infection are sexual, birth and contact.
It is activated in the following cases:
- weakening of the immune system;
- influence of external factors;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- long-term use of oral contraceptives.
Principles of classification
Papillomas can appear on any part of the body: arms, legs, face, shoulders, back, stomach, genitals.HPV is a microorganism that contains hundreds of strains that cause different 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 selected and the risk of the tumor becoming cancerous is assessed.
The main types of papillomas in adults and children are:
- simple;
- plantar;
- apartment;
- threadlike.
HPV strains 26-29, 41, 63 and 77 cause simple, vulgar or common growths on the body.These papillomas become cancerous more often than others.The disease is accompanied by burning and tingling.After a while, 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 its last diameter reaches several centimeters.More often, such papillomas appear on the fingers and palms.They can develop in the form of one or more clusters on the skin of children and adults.
Sole and flat
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 more often seen in young children.In the first stage after infection, a lump appears, then small bubbles that turn into growths.In dermatology, the process is called mosaic papillomatosis.
If formations appear on the skin that slightly protrude above the skin, a diagnosis of flat papillomas is made.They are circular.They are most often seen 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 thin, elongated or elongated stems.In the first stage, a small lump is diagnosed, which gradually expands.Prone to injuries.A similar disease is observed in people over 40 years of age.
Pointed papillomas look like flesh-colored or pink papillary formations on the body.
The 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 tumors appear on the human skin: warts, acute-type condylomas and papillomas.Warts do not have clear borders.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 appear.Their largest size is 1.5 cm.They are gray, flesh-colored and yellowish in color.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow in closed areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, under arms).The peculiarity of condylomas is related to their localization - these are mucous membranes.Externally, they appear in the form of papillary growths, when they unite, a tumor is formed.
Comprehensive diagnostics
If a growth appears, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist.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 tool 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 substance is obtained by scraping the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina.It is performed in combination with cytology.
- PCR.The material used is mucus smear, urine and blood.The technique involves identifying the DNA of the virus.
Therapeutic techniques
Surgical removal of papillomas is recommended if they become injured, inflamed or cancerous.If the growths are small, complex drug treatment is recommended.They take immunostimulants to strengthen the immune system, and antiviral drugs to destroy HPV.Cytostatics are taken to destroy the cells that make up the growths.External therapy can be performed with special solutions and ointments.The choice of drug depends on the type of HPV identified and its 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 no more than 15 minutes.Other methods of removing the growth:
- Cryodestruction with nitrogen.The effect on the papilloma lasts no more than 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 touches 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 takes 2 weeks to fully heal.In order 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 deposits.The manipulation is carried out with a special tool.It dries up the basis of growth.There is no bleeding due to the sealing of the blood vessels with electricity.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
In order to prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to live a decent sex life, treat all diseases immediately and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect wartseffective antiviral drugs are used.Each type of virus has a different result.
In the case of virus type 18, a negative prognosis can be observed.The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases spread rapidly throughout the body.The tumor progresses aggressively, growing deep into the genitals.
The prognosis of HPV type 16 is favorable.In this case, there is a possibility of relapse.In the case of types 58-59, the result is negative, since the disease recurs 2 years after the therapy and immediately turns into a malignant form.Cancer caused by HPVs quickly leads to death.