Papillomas appear in the form of skin growths that arise as a result of abnormal division of the epithelium caused by the papilloma virus.Typically, neoplasms do not cause pain or discomfort.They appear on all parts of the body and head, including intimate places and mucous membranes of internal organs.What a papilloma looks like on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of PCR analysis.
Mechanism of disease development
A papilloma is a benign tumor that forms on the skin or mucous membrane after HPV (human papillomavirus) enters the body.The external description of the growth depends on its type.Dermatologists cite the presence of a stalk as a common feature.Papillomas are more often round or oval in shape.Tumor types by size:
- small;
- Average;
- large;
- gigantic.
The texture of the growths is relatively loose and soft.Blood vessels are more often visible on their 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 with the virus are sexual intercourse, childbirth and contact.
Its activation occurs 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, abdomen, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that causes 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 HPV type, 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:
- simply;
- plantar;
- Apartment;
- threadlike.
Due to HPV strains 26-29, 41, 63 and 77, simple, vulgar or common growths appear on the body.These papillomas develop into cancer more often than others.The disease is accompanied by burning and tingling sensations.After some time, the skin becomes rough and the color darkens.
The size of the vulgar growth is no more than 1 mm at the first stage of the disease and reaches several centimeters in diameter at the final stage.More often, such 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 clusters.
Plantar and flat
Plantar growths appear on the feet due to HPV types 1, 2 and 4.They resemble calluses but have no skin pattern.The disease is more often detected in young children.In the first stage after infection, a lump appears and then small blisters that turn into growths.The process is known in dermatology as mosaic papillomatosis.
If formations appear on the skin that protrude slightly beyond the skin, the diagnosis is made of flat papillomas.They have a round shape.They are most commonly found on the face, near the lips, and on the genitals.In women, the formation may be localized in 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.In the first stage, a small nodule is diagnosed, which gradually expands.She is prone to injury.A similar disease is detected in people after 40 years of age.
Pointed papillomas appear on the body as papillary formations of flesh-colored or pink color.
The 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 often recurs.
warts and papillomas
Against the background of the activation of various types of HPV, three different benign neoplasms appear on human skin: warts, condylomas of the acuminated type and papillomas.Warts have no clear boundaries.Their size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear in open areas of the body: fingers, knees.
Papillomas with a soft structure and a flat base cause burning and tingling sensations.Soft lumps may appear.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.In color they are gray, flesh-colored and yellowish.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow on closed areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, forearms).The peculiarity of condylomas is associated with their localization - these are the mucous membranes.Externally they appear in the form of papillary growths, when they fuse a tumor is formed.
Comprehensive diagnostics
If a growth occurs, it is recommended to see a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist.After examining the patient, colposcopy, PCR, cytology and other techniques are prescribed.The first technique is used when examining the cervix.During colposcopy, the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ is examined using a special device.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If altered 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 mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina.It is performed in combination with cytology.
- PCR.A mucous membrane swab, urine and blood are used as material.The technique involves identifying the DNA of the virus.
Therapeutic techniques
Surgical removal of papillomas is indicated if they become injured, become inflamed or turn into cancer.For small growths, complex medical 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, cytostatic drugs are taken.External therapy can be carried out with special solutions and ointments.The choice of medication depends on the identified HPV type and 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 takes up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Cryodestruction with nitrogen.The effect on papillomas lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedures, the skin turns white and gradually dies.The process is accompanied by burning and tingling.The technique is effective in causing growths on the eyelids and small joints.Ointments are used to prevent relapses.
- Laser.The beam acts on 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 takes 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 deposits.The manipulation is carried out using a special device.It dries out the growth base.By closing the vessels with electricity, 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 have 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 outcome.
A negative prognosis is observed for virus type 18.The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases spread quickly throughout the body.The tumor progresses aggressively and grows deep into the sexual organs.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of a relapse.For types 58–59, the result is negative because the disease recurs 2 years after therapy and immediately turns into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs quickly leads to death.