Papillomas on the human body are foci of pathological proliferation of cells of the epidermis and mucous membrane.
In most cases, papillomas are benign.However, such neoplasms can not only cause aesthetic problems, but can also cause dangerous conditions in the body, such as the development of cancer.
"How to get rid of papillomas?"- an urgent question that concerns many.Let's try to figure out why papillomas appear on the body and what dangers can be posed to human health from skin growths that seem harmless at first glance.
Why do papillomas appear?
The causes of the appearance of papillomas on the body can be divided into main (main) and accompanying causes, which are more likely to cause the development of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of the development of skin papillomas, which is considered the leading and alternative, is the patient's infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which in medical practice is classified as a group of papillomaviruses.
Statistics show that the population of our planet has the highest prevalence of HPV, according to which 9 out of 10 people are carriers of the 100 strains of the virus known to official medicine.In addition, each isolated type of viral agent has different properties, localization zones and the likelihood of developing complications and unpleasant consequences.
Despite its prevalence, the papillomavirus has a relatively low resistance to aggressive environmental factors, which determines the predominance of the contact route of its transmission from a carrier to a healthy person.The risk of infection is particularly high during prolonged contact with the bare skin of a person with the disease, which is observed, for example, during massage.In medical practice, there are also cases when a viral agent spreads in a household, which enters the patient's body through common objects, however, this reason for the appearance of papillomas is significantly worse than the contact mechanism of the spread of the virus.
When HPV gets on the skin, it primarily affects the basal layer of the epidermis and remains in a latent state for a long time, which is characterized by an asymptomatic course of the disease.This condition is most often accompanied by an incubation period that lasts 1-6 months, but can last for years.
The following factors provoke the appearance of papillomas on the skin:
a temporary decrease in immunity or the development of an immunodeficiency state (HIV, AIDS);the presence of microtraumas, cracks, scratches, open wounds on the surface of the patient's skin;hormonal imbalance associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, etc.;sexual intercourse, oral sex with a papillomavirus carrier;nervous-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;bad habits, bad nutrition;endometriosis.
Symptoms of papillomas
The penetration of the papillomavirus into the human blood is not accompanied by a pronounced set of symptoms, which complicates the diagnosis of the disease.The patient has no idea that he is not only a carrier of the virus, but 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.
Many photos on the Internet clearly show how the papilloma looks on the body.Typically, the skin growth is represented by an oval or dome-shaped mass or papule that is attached to the tissue through a thin stalk or thickened base.The color characteristics of papilloma on the skin can vary widely, from light pink to dirty brown.
Some HPV strains are characterized by multiple manifestations, which may be accompanied by the fusion of individual neoplasms.This results in the formation of an epidermal structure that looks like a cauliflower with lobes.
Common types of papillomas
As mentioned above, medicine knows more than 100 types of viruses, which indicates the diversity of disease manifestations.However, around 10 types of HPV are considered the most common:
- Vulgar papillomas.These are oval seals that may have a keratinized yellowish surface.Vulgar papillomas on the hands of adult patients are the most common localization option, while children are more often characterized by the location of the growths on the knees;
- Plantar papillomas.The causative agents of papilloma on the feet are HPV types 1, 2 and 4, which manifest themselves in the formation of single or multiple growths on the soles of the feet, which make it difficult to walk as they grow.In addition, 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 multiple flat nodules that are constant in color and have a smooth surface;
- Filiform papillomas.They are most typical for the older age group of patients over 50 years of age.Yellowish bumps or growths are localized on the eyelids, groin, armpits and neck.If a filamentous neoplasm is exposed to injury or constant friction with clothing, the treatment of the inflamed papilloma should be carried out as quickly as possible;
- Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas.This type of skin manifestation is often called epidermodysplasia verruciformis, which manifests as spotted warts with different color characteristics localized on the arms and legs;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of human papillomavirus symptom manifestation.Growths are pinkish or gray pointed growths located on the external and internal genitalia, as well as on the pubic area and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.It is caused by HPV types 6 and 11.They affect the area of the larynx, complicate the breathing process and make it difficult for the patient to speak normally.Infection usually occurs during childbirth, by transferring the virus from the mother's vagina to the child;
- Local epithelial hyperplasia.This manifestation is the result of infection with HPV types 13 and 32, which is expressed in the formation of multiple papillary rashes with a tendency to fusion on the tongue and on the red border of the lips.
What is papilloma and how dangerous it is, we will try to figure it out below.
Are papillomas on the body dangerous?
In fact, papillomas cannot be considered completely harmless tumors, because in the absence of timely treatment, they can spread to healthy tissues, which is called autoinoculation, and can cause multiple warts.However, this is not the key factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.The answer to the urgent question of many patients, how a birthmark differs from a papilloma, is also hidden here.A birthmark, being a simple accumulation of pigment, does not pose a threat to human health.
Among the main risks associated with the presence of papillomas on the body is 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 be diagnosed with a pre-cancerous condition.The probability of such a result depends on the type of HPV and the area of localization of the papillomas.For example, genital warts on the surface of the cervix provoke cancer of this organ in 50% of cases.
Another danger is the high risk of mechanical damage to the papilloma, which can cause severe bleeding, infection of the wound, 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 on the body should only be positive.
How to remove papillomas from the body?
The removal of papillomas must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, after completing all necessary diagnostic procedures, which usually include PCR diagnostics, microscopic examination of epithelial scrapings, and, if necessary, histological examination of the papilloma tissue.In this case, there are several options for getting rid of papillomas on the body:
- Cryodestruction– removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation- destruction of a neoplasm as a result of an electric pulse;
- Surgical excision– the most radical and traumatic method for removing papillomas;
- Laser removal of papillomas– destruction of the growth 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 is very popular due to the absence of traces, scars and scars after the procedure, as well as because 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 that the laser beam activates the regenerating ability of the epidermis, which ensures rapid healing of the treatment site, which usually takes no longer than two weeks.
Despite the need for mechanical removal of skin defects, when answering the question of curing papilloma once and for all, one should not mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and comprehensive strengthening of the patient's immunity.
Which doctor should I see for papillomas and where can papillomas be removed on the body?
If you are concerned about the question of which doctor treats papillomas, you should first contact the specialists who 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.If you contact a professional medical center, the patient will receive detailed advice, including the question of how much it will cost to remove the papilloma.