Papillomas in the human body are foci of pathological proliferation of 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?"- an urgent issue that worries many.Let's try to find out why papillomas appear on the body and what dangers to human health can arise from skin growths that seem harmless at first glance.
Why do papillomas appear?
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the body can be divided into main (main) and accompanying, which rather act as triggers for the formation of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of skin tags, which is considered the main and not an alternative, is the patient's infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which in medical practice is classified within the group of papillomaviruses.
Statistics demonstrate the highest level of HPV prevalence among the population of our planet, stating 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 agent has different characteristics, localization zones and the probability 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 especially high during prolonged contact with the bare skin of a person suffering from the disease, as seen, 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, however, this cause of the appearance of papillomas is significantly inferior to the contact transmission mechanism of the virus.
When HPV comes into contact with the skin, it mainly affects the basal layer of the epidermis, remaining for a long time in a latent state, which is characterized by an asymptomatic course of the disease.This condition is usually accompanied by an incubation period, which lasts 1 to 6 months, but can persist for years.
The following factors act as provoking agents for the appearance of papillomas on the skin:
temporary decrease in immunity or development of an immunodeficiency state (HIV, AIDS);the presence of microtrauma, cracks, scratches, open wounds on the surface of the patient's skin;hormonal imbalance, which may be associated with pregnancy, lactation, menopause, etc.;promiscuous sexual relations, oral sex with a carrier of the papillomavirus;nervous-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;bad habits, poor nutrition;endometriosis.
Symptoms of papillomas.
The penetration of the papillomavirus into 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 that he can also infect other people.The main symptom of infection is the direct formation of a skin tumor on the body, which can be located almost anywhere on the human body.
Numerous photographs on the Internet clearly demonstrate what papilloma looks like on the body.Typically, a skin growth is represented by an oval or dome-shaped compaction, or papule, that adheres to the tissue through a thin stalk or thickened base.The color characteristics of papilloma on the skin can vary widely - from light pink to dirty brown.
Some strains of HPV are characterized by multiple manifestations, which may be accompanied by the fusion of individual 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 indicates the diversity 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 yellowish keratinized surface.Vulgar papillomas on the hands of adult patients are the most common location option, while children are most often characterized by the location of the growths on the knee;
- Plantar papillomas.The causative agents of papilloma on the leg are HPV types 1, 2 and 4, which are manifested by the formation of single or multiple growths on the sole of the foot that, as they grow, make walking difficult.In addition, these structures are often confused with calluses, which complicates the identification and timely treatment of papillomas;
- Flat papillomas.They are caused by HPV types 3 and 10 and appear as multiple flat lumps, of constant color, with a smooth surface;
- Filiform papillomas.They are more typical of the older group of patients whose age exceeds 50 years.Yellowish bumps or growths are located on the eyelids, groin, armpits, and neck.If a filamentous neoplasm is exposed to trauma or constant friction with clothing, treatment of the inflamed papilloma should be carried out as quickly as possible;
- Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas.This type of skin manifestation is usually called verruciform epidermodysplasia, which manifests as multiple macular warts located on the arms and legs, with different color characteristics;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of symptomatic manifestation of the human papillomavirus.The growths are pinkish or gray pointed growths located on the external and internal genital organs, as well as the pubic area and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.Caused by HPV types 6 and 11. They affect the larynx area, complicating the respiratory process and complicating the patient's normal speech.The infection usually occurs during childbirth, when the virus is transmitted 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 by the formation of multiple papillary eruptions, prone to fusion, on the tongue and the red edge of the lips.
What is papilloma and why is it dangerous?We will try to solve it below.
Are papillomas on the body dangerous?
In fact, papillomas cannot be considered completely harmless neoplasms, since in the absence of timely treatment they can spread to healthy tissue, called autoinoculation, and cause multiple warts.However, this is also not the key factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.Here is also hidden the answer to the urgent question of many patients about how a mole differs from a papilloma.A mole, being a simple accumulation of pigment, does not pose any danger to human health.
The main risks associated with the presence of papillomas in the body include the possibility of melanization of the neoplasia, which consists of malignant degeneration of the tumor.As a result, the patient may experience an oncological process or be diagnosed with a precancerous condition.The probability of such a result 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 cause cancer of this organ.
Another danger is the high risk of mechanical damage to the papilloma, which can lead to severe 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 from the body, the answer should only be positive.
How to remove papillomas from the body?
Removal of papillomas should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, after performing all the necessary diagnostic procedures, which usually include PCR diagnosis, microscopic examination of epithelial scrapings and, if necessary, histological examination of the papilloma tissue.In this case, there are several options for 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 electrical impulse;
- surgical excision– the most radical and traumatic method of removing papillomas;
- Laser removal of papillomas.– destruction of growth using a directed laser beam.
The last option is the most atraumatic, safest and painless way to remove papillomas from the body.Laser papilloma removal has gained wide popularity due to the absence of marks, scars and scars after the procedure, as well as the fact that laser destruction does not require preparation and rehabilitation.
Laser papilloma removal can be performed in just a few minutes.Another advantage of 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 to mechanically eliminate skin defects, when answering the question of how to cure papilloma once and for all, one cannot fail to mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and comprehensively strengthen the patient's immunity.
Which doctor should I contact if I have papillomas and where can I remove papillomas from the body?
If you are worried about 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 laser papilloma removal using the latest medical equipment.By contacting a professional medical center, the patient will receive detailed advice, including how much it costs to remove a papilloma.