Papillomas on the human body are foci of pathological proliferation of the cells of the epidermis and mucous membranes.
In most cases, papillomas are benign.However, such neoplasms can bring not only aesthetic problems, but also act as a harbinger of dangerous conditions in the body, such as cancer.
"How to get rid of papillomas?"- a pressing question that worries many.Let's try to understand why papillomas appear on the body and what dangers to human health can arise from skin growths that at first glance seem harmless.
Why do papillomas appear?
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the body can be divided into main (main) and secondary ones, which rather act as stimuli for the formation of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of skin papillomas, which is considered the leading and non-alternative, is the patient's infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which in medical practice is classified as a group of papillomaviruses.
Statistics show the highest level of HPV prevalence among the population of our planet, indicating that 9 out of 10 people are carriers of one of the 100 strains of this virus known to official medicine.In addition, each of the isolated types of viral agents has different characteristics, areas of localization and the likelihood of developing complications and unpleasant consequences.
Despite its prevalence, the papillomavirus has a relatively low resistance to aggressive environmental factors, which dictates the predominance of the contact route of its transmission from the carrier to a healthy person.The risk of infection is particularly high during prolonged contact with the bare skin of a patient with the disease, which is observed, for example, during a massage.In medical practice, there are also cases of domestic spread of a viral agent that enters the patient's body through common objects, but this reason for the appearance of papillomas is significantly lower than the contact mechanism of the spread of the virus.
When HPV gets on the skin, it mainly affects the basal layer of the epidermis, remaining in a latent state for a long time, which is characterized by an asymptomatic course of the disease.This condition most often accompanies an incubation period that lasts from 1 to 6 months, but can last for years.
The following factors act as provoking agents for the appearance of papillomas on the skin:
temporary reduction of immunity or 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, which can be related to pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, etc.;promiscuous intercourse, oral sex with a papillomavirus carrier;neuro-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;bad habits, bad nutrition;endometriosis.
Symptoms of papillomas
The penetration of the papilloma virus into the human blood is not accompanied by a pronounced symptom complex, which complicates the diagnosis of the disease.The patient does not even suspect that he is not only a carrier of a viral agent, but can also infect other people.The main symptom of the infection is the direct formation of a skin tumor on the body, which can be located in almost any part of the human body.
Numerous photos on the Internet clearly demonstrate what a papilloma looks like on the body.Usually, the skin growth is represented by an oval or dome-shaped seal or papule, which is attached to the tissue by a thin stalk or thickened base.The characteristics of the color 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 separate neoplasms.As a result, an epidermal structure is formed that looks like a lobed cauliflower.
Common types of papillomas
As mentioned above, medicine knows more than 100 types of viruses, which shows the variety of manifestations of the disease.However, about 10 types of HPV are considered the most common:
- Vulgar papillomas.They 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 knee location of growths;
- Plantar papillomas.The causative agents of foot papilloma are HPV types 1, 2 and 4, which are manifested by the formation of single or multiple growths on the foot, which, as they grow, make it difficult to walk.In addition, such structures are often confused with calluses, which complicates the identification and timely treatment of papillomas;
- Flat papillomas.They are provoked by HPV types 3 and 10 and appear as multiple flat lumps, constant color, with a smooth surface;
- Filiform papillomas.They are most characteristic of the older age group of patients, whose age exceeds 50 years.Yellowish bumps or growths are localized in the eyelids, groin, armpits and neck.If the filiform neoplasm is subjected to trauma or constant friction with clothes, 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 multiple macular warts localized on the hands and feet, with different color characteristics;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of symptomatic manifestation of the human papilloma virus.Growths are pink or gray pointed growths located on the external and internal genitals, as well as in the pubis and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.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, through transmission of the virus from the mother's vagina to the child;
- Local epithelial hyperplasia.This manifestation is a consequence of infection with HPV types 13 and 32, which is expressed in the formation of multiple papillary rashes, tending to merge, on the tongue and the red border of the lips.
What is a papilloma and how dangerous it is, we will try to understand below.
Are papillomas on the body dangerous?
In fact, papillomas cannot be considered completely harmless neoplasms, because in the absence of timely treatment, they can spread into healthy tissue, which is called autoinoculation, and cause multiple warts.However, this is not the main factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.The answer to the urgent question of many patients about how a mole differs from a papilloma is also hidden here.A mole, as a simple accumulation of pigment, does not pose a danger to human health.
The main risks associated with the presence of papillomas on the body include the possibility of melanization of the neoplasm, which consists in malignant degeneration of the tumor.As a result, the patient may develop an oncological process or be diagnosed with a precancerous condition.The probability of such an outcome depends on the type of HPV and the area of localization of the papillomas.For example, genital warts located on the surface of the cervix in 50% of cases provoke cancer of this organ.
Another danger is the high risk of mechanical damage to the papilloma, which can lead to heavy bleeding, wound infection and the formation of scars or scars on the skin.Based on this, to the question of whether it is necessary to remove papillomas on the body, the answer should be only positive.
How to remove papillomas on the body?
Removal of papillomas should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, after performing all necessary diagnostic procedures, which usually include PCR diagnostics, microscopic examination of epithelial scrapings and, if necessary, histological examination of papilloma tissue.In this case, there are several options how to get rid of papillomas on the body:
- Cryodestruction– removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation- destruction of a neoplasm under the influence of an electric pulse;
- Surgical excision– the most radical and traumatic method for removing papillomas;
- Laser removal of papillomas– destruction of the growth by means of a directed laser beam.
The last option is the most atraumatic, safe and painless way to remove papillomas from the body.The removal of papillomas with a laser has gained wide popularity due to the absence of scars after the procedure, scars and scars, as well as the fact that laser destruction does not require preparation and rehabilitation.
Laser removal of papillomas takes just a few minutes.Another advantage of the manipulation is the ability of the laser beam to activate the regenerative ability of the epidermis, which ensures rapid healing of the treatment site, which usually takes no more than two weeks.
Despite the need for mechanical removal of skin defects, when answering the question of how to cure papilloma once and for all, you cannot fail to mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and overall strengthening of the patient's immunity.
Which doctor should I see for papillomas and where can I remove papillomas on my body?
When you are concerned about the question of which doctor treats papillomas, you should first contact specialists who will conduct an initial examination and make a diagnosis.Specialists in modern clinics have extensive experience in removing papillomas with lasers using the latest medical equipment.By contacting a professional medical center, the patient will receive detailed advice, including on the question of how much papilloma removal costs.