Papillomas of the neck (filamentous warts) are the result of a human papillomavirus infection caused by the ingestion or activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) already inside the cells. This site of localization of neoplasms is often found. Experts call such papillomas filamentous warts (acrochord). They can appear not only on the neck, but also in the armpits, behind the ears, under the mammary glands.
Determining the causes and choosing methods for the treatment of neck papillomas is the task of specialists. Human papillomavirus infection is dangerous to health, can lead to the growth of malignant tumors, especially in combination with genital warts and urogenital diseases.
Mechanism for disease development
Papilloma virus is found in most sexually mature people. HPV enters the body through injuries, cracks, during massage, the use of other people's hygiene products, shoes, and through unprotected intercourse. For several months or even years, the papilloma virus does not manifest itself in any way, indicating a chronic carrier. When viruses multiply in the surface layers of the skin, tissue hyperplasia occurs, and fibrous growths appear on the neck and other parts of the body.
Important! HPV is not resistant to the environment. The virus quickly dies on household items. Infection occurs mainly through direct contact.
During shaving, manicure, self-infection is possible when the "sleeping" virus is activated. The disease passes into a stage of active clinical manifestations, then hyperplastic processes appear in the skin.
Causes of neck papillomas
It is almost impossible to say exactly why neck papillomas appear. Experts identify the following predisposing factors:
- transfer of severe infectious diseases, surgical interventions that weaken the immune system, reduce the body's adaptive capacity;
- frequent damage to the skin by clothing, hygiene products and care;
- conducting massage with non-compliance with infectious safety techniques, in low-quality salons by workers infected with HPV;
- hormonal disorders, endocrine pathologies;
- Presence of other types of papillomas, genital warts and warts on the body and genitals.
Experts believe that the causes of papillomas of the neck may be related to hormonal changes in the body. This confirms the fact that filamentous warts often appear after endocrine pathologies, during pregnancy and during menopause, when the activity of sex hormones decreases.
In young women, the cause of papilloma of the neck is often ovarian dysfunction. But initially HPV must be in an inactive form in the body. The hormonal surge is just a provoking factor.
Clinical manifestations
Neck papillomas have virtually no clinical manifestations. Externally, they resemble small filamentous growths with a yellowish or flesh color. The neoplasms have a rather dense consistency. Their size rarely exceeds 6 mm. Most often, filamentous papillomas of the neck occur in small groups, they can grow together and form foci resembling a rooster or cauliflower in shape.
Papillomatous growths of this type are not prone to magnetization, but if they are damaged, the risk of malignant tissue disease remains. Neoplasms can become inflamed, often provoking the spread of papillomavirus to healthy skin with the appearance of new warts.
Examination for papillomas of the neck
During a comprehensive examination, it is possible to determine the causes of papillomas of the neck and methods of treatment. If filamentous growths appear, you should consult a dermatologist.
The main diagnostic methods for papillomas of the neck, armpits and other parts of the body:
- PCR;
- dermatoscopy;
- biopsy of newly formed tissues;
- histological examination.
Papillomas of the neck are distinguished from ordinary warts, fibroids, moles. The virus can be detected during the PCR test. This method allows you to identify the DNA of the virus, to assess the degree of oncogenicity of the formation and the amount of HPV. The most dangerous types of HPV are 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer.
Papilloma tissue biopsy is performed when a malignant process is suspected. Chronic papillomavirus infection contributes to tissue hyperplasia and often leads to magnetization. That is why it is so important to detect viruses with a high oncogenic risk in a timely manner and to remove papillomatous growths.
Treatment methods
The treatment regimen for papilloma of the neck is chosen individually. This reports:
- the number of neoplasms, their shape and size;
- general health of the patient;
- degree of risk of malignancy of neoplasms;
- the presence of concomitant diseases, including external and internal tumors, urogenital infections.
To find out how to get rid of papillomas of the neck, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive examination, be sure to determine the type of HPV. Further tactics depend on this. Papillomas are the result of active replication of the virus and require antiviral therapy.
Therapeutic treatment
Medicines for human papillomavirus infection should be used only after consultation with your doctor. Such agents inhibit the further growth of HPV, prevent complications, including malignancy of the neoplasm.
Most often, specialists prescribe a drug with antiviral activity, which additionally has an immunomodulatory effect. It is extremely important, especially in frequent relapses, to increase the activity of the immune system in order to reduce the number of exacerbations per year.
Therapeutic treatment of human papillomavirus infection lasts several months. During the administration of drugs it is recommended to monitor laboratory parameters, to donate blood and urine,
, to detect in time an increase in the load on the liver and kidneys.
If for some reason the specialists postpone the surgical treatment of warts on the neck, it is necessary to give up clothes that injure the tumors. With even minor damage, the risk of spreading papillomavirus to healthy areas of the body increases dramatically.
In addition to antiviral drugs, you can use ready-made pharmaceuticals to remove papillomas. But this method of treatment is traumatic. With increasing oncogenic risk, it cannot be used.
Pharmacy products for papilloma removal
Ready-made preparations for removing papillomas of the neck contain acids and aggressive components that destroy neoplasmic cells. It is recommended to use such funds in accordance with the enclosed instructions and after consultation with your doctor.
Basic principles for removing warts and papillomas with finished products:
- Before applying the topical preparation, it is necessary to treat healthy skin with zinc paste or vegetable oil;
- is prohibited the use of products for the treatment of children under 10-12 years and adults with sensitive skin and chronic allergic pathologies;
- Do not apply medicines to moles.
If part of the medicine gets on healthy skin or mucous membranes while using a papilloma remover, it is urgent to wash the skin with running water and soap to neutralize the acids and alkalis.
Commonly used drugs to remove papillomas:
- The drug in tablets, which belongs to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents. Reduces the amount of virus, which helps to gradually reduce the size of the tumor. It is recommended to be combined with local treatment.
- Preparation used to freeze papillomas to the base. Slight tingling and burning may be felt during application of the product. The skin turns white and then reddens with blistering. Complete tissue regeneration occurs in 2-4 weeks.
- The application of the product is based on the cold effect on the papilloma. Low temperature destroys tumors, causes serious disorders in metabolism and tissue nutrition, leading to their death.
- Celery products. Such drugs are used to remove papillomas of the neck at home. In addition to celandine juice, they contain other aggressive components, including alkalis. Before using the product, healthy skin should be protected with a greasy cream, vegetable oil or zinc ointment.
Pharmaceuticals to control papillomas are used in accordance with official instructions for use. Some drugs have an aggressive composition that can cause inflammation, irritation and even chemical burns to the tissues. In case of high sensitivity of the skin such means are contraindicated. It is better to use surgically minimally invasive methods to remove papillomas of the neck.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment of papillomas is the gold standard. All neoplasms that appear on the skin and mucous membranes against the background of human papillomavirus infection must be removed. No specialist can guarantee that sooner or later the tumor will not lead to magnetization and growth of a malignant tumor.
The main methods for surgical removal of papillomas of the neck:
- laser coagulation;
- cryodestruction;
- radio wave mode;
- electrocoagulation;
- surgical excision of the neoplasm using a scalpel.
The doctor chooses a specific method for removing papillomas based on the data from a comprehensive examination. Surgical excision of skin neoplasms is performed with a large tumor size and risk of malignancy. In other cases, specialists try to use minimally invasive techniques that do not leave scars and spots on the skin.
Laser coagulation
The laser effectively fights growths on the skin and mucous membranes. The method provides the most accurate and targeted effect on controlled tissue depth. There are no painful sensations during the procedure. Most often, specialists use injection anesthesia or anesthesia with application.
High-energy lasers evaporate viral neoplasms with a highly directed laser beam. In this case there is a simultaneous coagulation of blood vessels. High temperature exposure prevents the spread of papillomavirus with blood flow to healthy skin areas.
A scab forms at the site of the destroyed papilloma, which disappears on its own after about a week. Slight redness of the skin remains for 2-3 months and then disappears completely.
Cryodestruction
Cryodestruction is based on the cold effect on skin neoplasms. Liquid nitrogen freezes papillomas and leads to their destruction. Subsequently, the tissues die with the formation of a small crust.
During the procedure, the cytoplasmic and intercellular fluid are frozen, the cellular structures of the papilloma are damaged, making the neoplasm non-viable. Exposure to low temperatures stops lymph circulation and blood flow to the tissues of the papillomatous tumor.
During the application of liquid nitrogen, the skin turns white, slightly swollen and reddens after the procedure with the appearance of an invisible blister. Complete tissue regeneration occurs after a few weeks.
Removal of papillomas by radio waves
The method of radio waves to get rid of papillomas is characterized by its presence and moderate trauma. When radio frequency waves penetrate the skin, heat is released, which makes it possible to remove tumors by evaporating the cells. During the procedure, the tissues are separated as if using a scalpel. The method is suitable for those who need histological analysis after surgical removal of the papilloma.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation is a modern method of removing papillomas. During the electrosurgical procedure, the doctor cuts off the stem of the neoplasm and then, using an electric current, burns the base of the tumor. The method is more suitable for the removal of small papillomas, as the electrocoagulator has a small working loop size.
Important! Surgical treatment is combined with antiviral therapy and immunostimulatory agents.
The growth of neoplasms is related to the activity of the immune system. Specialists pay special attention to increasing immunity both with the help of drugs and with the use of safer methods (swimming, hardening, balneotherapy).
Traditional methods
Alternative treatments include both topical papilloma removers and internal immune-boosting formulations. Echinacea has immunostimulatory properties. Tincture of this plant with prolonged use increases the activity of the immune system and resistance to contact with virus carriers.
The most commonly used topical medicine is celandine juice. It is applied topically to the neoplasm several times a day. The duration of treatment is no more than 5-7 days. The use of celandine juice to remove large papillomas is not recommended due to the high risk of burns. The product is not used on mucous and sensitive areas of the skin.
At home you can try to remove small papillomatous growths on the neck with salicylic acid. Garlic applications can be used to stop the growth of HPV and reduce the risk of the pathogen spreading to healthy tissues. To do this, a few cloves of garlic are rubbed on a grater, the resulting mass is applied to skin tumors. This method should not be used for cuts and any damage, as well as for the removal of papillomas on the mucous membranes.