Papillomas appear in the form of skin growths formed as a result of abnormal division of the epithelium provoked by the papilloma virus.Neoplasms usually do not cause pain or discomfort.They appear on any part of the body and head, including intimate places, the mucous membranes of internal organs.How the papilloma looks on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the PCR analysis.
Mechanism of disease development
A papilloma is considered a benign tumor that forms on the skin or mucous membrane after HPV (human papilloma virus) enters the body.The external description of the growth depends on its type.Dermatologists include the presence of a stalk as a common feature.More often, papillomas have a round or oval shape.Types of tumors by size:
- small;
- average;
- large;
- gigantic.
The consistency of the growths is relatively loose and soft.More often, blood vessels are visible on their surface.The general color is flesh or white.Old growths have a dry but dense texture with bubbles.
The types of papillomas on the body differ depending on the type of HPV.The main routes of infection with the virus are sexual, birth 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: hands, feet, face, shoulders, back, abdomen, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that provoke the appearance of various formations on the skin and papillomas.They differ from each other in appearance, growth rate and localization.Considering the type of HPV, 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:
- simple;
- plantar;
- flat;
- filamentous.
Simple, vulgar or ordinary growths appear on the body due to strains of HPV 26-29, 41, 63 and 77. These papillomas more often than others turn into cancer.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 in the latter 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 a single or multiple cluster.
Plantar 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 found more often in young children.At the first stage after the infection, a lump appears, and then small bubbles, which transform into growths.The process is called mosaic papillomatosis in dermatology.
If formations appear on the skin that slightly protrude above the skin, a diagnosis of flat papillomas is made.They have a round shape.They are most often found on the face, near the lips and on the genitals.In women, the formation can be located 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.At the first stage, a small lump is diagnosed, which gradually expands.She is prone to injury.A similar disease is detected in people after 40 years.
Pointed papillomas appear on the body as a flesh-colored or pink papillary formation.
Pathology develops against the background of those types of HPV that are sexually transmitted.Therefore, they are found in the groin, perineum and anus.The disease progresses rapidly and often recurs.
Warts and papillomas
Against the background of the activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms appear on the skin of a person: warts, condylomas of the pointed type and papillomas.Warts do not have clear boundaries.Their size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear on exposed parts of the body: fingers, knees.
Papillomas with a soft structure and a flat base provoke burning and tingling.Soft lumps may appear.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.They are gray, flesh-colored and yellowish in color.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow in closed parts of the body (thighs, mammary glands, underarms).The peculiarity of condylomas is related to their localization - these are the mucous membranes.Externally, they are presented in the form of papillary growths, when they merge, a tumor is formed.
Complex diagnostics
If a formation appears, consultation with a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist is recommended.After examining the patient, colposcopy, PCR, cytology and other techniques are prescribed.The first technique is performed when examining the cervix.During colposcopy, a special device is used to examine the mucous membrane of the reproductive organ.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If modified cells are found 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 from the lining of the urethra or vagina.It is carried out in combination with cytology.
- PCR.The material used is smear, urine and blood.The technique involves identifying the DNA of the virus.
Therapeutic techniques
Surgical removal of papillomas is indicated if they become injured, inflamed or become cancerous.If the growths are small, complex drug treatment is indicated.To strengthen the immune system, immunostimulants are taken and antiviral drugs are taken to destroy HPV.To destroy the cells that make up the growths, cytostatics are taken.External therapy can be carried out with special solutions and ointments.The choice of drug depends on the HPV type identified and the 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 up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Cryodestruction with nitrogen.The effect on the papilloma lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedures, the skin turns white, gradually dies.The process is accompanied by burning and tingling.The technique is effective for the appearance of formations on the eyelids and small joints.Ointments are used to prevent relapse.
- A laser.The beam affects the problem area for a minute.30 minutes after the first manipulation, the skin turns red.After a few days, the crust disappears.It will take 2 weeks for complete healing.To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to treat the skin with an anti-inflammatory ointment.
- Electrocoagulation.An electric current is used to remove the build-up.The manipulation is carried out using a special apparatus.It dries out the base of the growth.Due to the sealing of the vessels with current, there is no bleeding.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
In order 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 antiviruses are used.Each type of virus has a different outcome.
A negative prognosis is observed with virus type 18. The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases quickly spread throughout the body.The tumor proceeds aggressively, growing deep into the genital organs.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of relapse.In types 58-59, the result is negative, because 2 years after the therapy, the disease recurs and immediately turns into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs quickly leads to death.