Papillomas are a type of neoplasm that appears on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. In most cases, the pathology manifests itself in the form of genital warts, which are pointed in shape and flat warts. These growths can appear in any area of the human body. When a pathology appears against the background of the activity of the human papillomavirus, the disease is characterized as oncogenic. This nature is explained by the fact that the risk of growth degeneration in a malignant tumor is more than seventy percent. The topic of this article is what are papillomas and why do they appear.
The reason for the appearance of papillomas.
The most common reason for the appearance of papillomas is the activity in the body of the HPV virus. This virus enters the body in the context of promiscuous sex or during unprotected sex with a carrier of the infection. Much less often, the disease occurs in people who abuse alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
It should also be borne in mind that the risk group susceptible to this infection includes people with weakened immunity, metabolic disorders, and problems with the functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene plays an important role in the spread of infection.
Important!The virus can be transmitted to a newborn baby if the mother became infected in the last months of pregnancy.
It is very important to know that the infection is transmitted not only through traditional sexual intercourse. If there are microtraumas in the body of one of the sexual partners that violate the integrity of the skin, the virus can enter the body through them. Having been infected with HPV, a person becomes a carrier of the virus, since it is impossible to completely remove the infection from the body. All therapies for the disease should aim to strengthen the immune system so that the immune system can cope with the disease on its own.
The development of the disease occurs latently, which indicates that the virus does not manifest itself for a long period of time. The incubation period can range from a month to a year.
Stages of disease development.
Taking into account the question of why papillomas appear, it must be said that the disease manifests itself only as a result of a decrease in the performance of the immune system. After the infection enters the human body, the virus begins to spread in the basal epithelial cells.
At the next stage of the development of the infection, various growths form on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes. Such growths can appear not only on the surface of the body, but also on internal organs.
A papilloma is a benign tumor of the epidermis that consists of microscopic, flesh-colored or dark brown nodules.
Clinical picture
This pathology does not have a uniformly expressed clinical picture. The nature of the symptoms depends on the location of the growths and the type of virus causing changes in the body. The main symptomatology inherent to the activity of HPV infection is the appearance of warts and genital warts. It is also worth mentioning that the HPV virus is oncogenic, so it is very important to consult a specialist in a timely manner and start therapy.
Symptoms such as hypothermia, itching, and a tingling and scaling sensation are rare. All these symptoms are characteristic of neoplasms located in those parts of the body that are prone to greater friction.
Types of neoplasms
There are five main types of neoplasms: squamous, plantar, pointed, simple, filamentous. Let's look at the reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the body, examining in detail each of the types of neoplasms.
Pointed papillomas
Pointed papillomas (condylomas) appear as a result of infection with the HPV virus during intercourse. In addition to their basic shape, these growths on the skin can look like tiny bubbles that contain fluid inside. At a certain stage of development, the growths open on their own, which leads to the formation of oozing wounds and an unpleasant odor.
This type of neoplasm has the highest degree of oncogenicity. According to statistics, this type of growth often degenerates into a tumor of a malignant nature. In addition to the unsightly appearance, genital warts can cause severe discomfort during intercourse or when walking. The main method of treatment for this form of the disease is the removal of papillomas by cryodestruction.
Squamous papillomas
This type of formation on the body is considered one of the most common. Such papillomas provide their owner with discomfort only in aesthetic terms. This type of growth is almost never accompanied by changes in the patient's well-being. The formations are located in the area of the palms, the soles of the feet or the back.
Papillomas do not go away on their own, they can exist for many years without causing anxiety.
In what parts of the body are the indicators of HPV located?
Growths formed due to the activity of the human papillomavirus can form anywhere on the human body. However, most of the time neoplasms occur in areas of the body such as:
- tongue and throat;
- genitals;
- fingers;
- mammary gland.
With a severe form of the disease, papillomas can form in the genitourinary system and in the urethra itself.
Papillomas in the area of the breast ducts.
Intraductal neoplasia is a tumor that forms in the milk duct. The formation of a tumor is accompanied by redness of the nipples, the appearance of mild itching and burning, as well as other negative manifestations. At certain stages of the development of the pathology, the patient may experience severe pain with any touch to the affected area of the body. Later, in the affected area, a discharge of various colors appears, with an unpleasant odor.
A tumor detected early does not represent a health hazard. However, a long delay in therapy can lead to the fact that the intraductal neoplasia will degenerate into a malignant tumor. This rebirth has a dangerously high risk of developing breast cancer.
This growth is nipple-shaped and resembles a small process. The color of the bump itself can differ significantly from the basic skin tone. Many people wonder why papillomas appear in the area of the mammary glands. Among the most common reasons for the appearance of this pathology, experts identify the influence of infectious diseases of a chronic nature, disturbances in the work of metabolism or ovaries. Also, the reasons for the appearance of intraductal tumors can be: a decrease in immunity or an abortion procedure.
The risk group susceptible to suffering from this disease includes women with bad habits, as well as girls who have promiscuous sexual lives.
Papillomas in the throat
This type of neoplasm forms on the surface of the mucous membranes of the larynx. The development of the disease occurs latently, that is, the patient does not feel any negative changes in the body. Very rarely, the early stages of papilloma formation are accompanied by a feeling of discomfort.
However, at a certain stage of the development of the pathology, the patient begins to experience shortness of breath, feels a foreign body in the throat and experiences pain. An increase in the affected area can cause changes in voice and breathing patterns. There are several specific reasons for the development of this form of the disease. The main reason is the presence of chronic diseases, as well as acute infectious diseases suffered in childhood.
An important role in the formation of this type of papilloma is played by the abuse of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and drugs. In addition, neoplasms can appear as a result of frequent changes in sexual partners and refusal to use barrier methods of contraception.
Infection with this type of virus can occur while visiting the swimming pool, bathhouse, and other public places. It is very important that the main component of the development of pathology is a weakened immune system, which cannot withstand the activity of the virus.
An integrated approach is used to treat this form of pathology. At the first stage of therapy, it is necessary to undergo a procedure to remove growths. After that, the attending physician should prescribe the intake of antiviral drugs aimed at preventing relapse of the disease. Also at this stage of therapy, it is important to pay attention to strengthening the immune system with vitamins and immunomodulators.
Papillomas in the cervical region.
Speaking of what a papilloma is and what it looks like, you cannot stop paying attention to this type of neoplasm. This type of warty growth has ragged edges. The growths are located on the surface of the mucous membranes of the uterus. Like genital warts, this type of neoplasm has a high degree of oncogenicity. Lack of timely therapy can lead to the development of cancer.
The main reasons for the development of this pathology are hidden in weak immunity, non-compliance with hygiene rules, bad habits and promiscuous sexual relations. The most common cause of papillomas is unprotected contact with an active carrier of the HPV virus.
Symptoms of the development of the disease are expressed in an increase in regional lymph nodes. Also, many patients are concerned about a burning sensation in the groin area. Against the background of the development of papillomas, a discharge of an unusual color appears that has an unpleasant odor. To get rid of this type of growth, you will need to go through the procedure to kill the processes. Also, to prevent a relapse of the disease, prolonged treatment with antiviral drugs will be required.
Important!Genital neoplasms can occur in both women and men. The main difference between this disease in men and women is that papillomas in men rarely degenerate into a malignant tumor. If one of the partners has an HPV infection, both should receive antiviral treatment.
Papillomas in the oral cavity.
Papillomas in the area of the tongue are in the form of papillary processes with a diameter of several centimeters. The reason for the manifestation of this category of growths is close contact with the carrier of the infection. However, infection can also occur at home.
Transmission at home is most often seen in young children. At this stage in life, children learn about the world around them with the help of touch. Since immunity in childhood is not yet sufficiently developed, the virus easily enters the body.
You can get infected from someone else's towel, bedding, mitts, or shaving accessories.
Disease therapy
Now is the time to consider how to treat papillomas on the body. The method of therapy depends on the location of the growths, the depth of the lesion, and the nature of the disease. The first stage of treatment is to remove existing neoplasms. The cryodestruction method is most often used for this purpose.
Today, more and more specialists are recommending the radio wave surgery technique to their patients. This method is completely painless and allows you to remove growths without leaving visible marks. Radio waves affect not only the process itself, but also its root, which makes it possible to ensure the prevention of relapses.
Also, papillomas are removed by excision method, laser exposure, and pulse current therapy. In the event that the growth is not prone to degenerate into a cancerous tumor, external drugs can be used.
It is possible to use powerful antiviral drugs only after the etiology of the disease has been identified and the exact type of virus has been established. The use of creams and ointments at the initial stage of the formation of the disease allows you to achieve a long-lasting result on your own.
HPV virus therapy must necessarily be comprehensive. Immunomodulators, vitamins, and antiviral agents prevent the development of relapses. Timely detection of the pathology will avoid serious complications, in the form of degeneration of growths into a cancerous tumor.