Papillomas on the human body are foci of pathological proliferation of epidermal and mucosal cells.
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 burning 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 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 secondary ones, which rather act as triggers for the creation of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of skin papilloma, which is considered the leading and without 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, stating that 9 out of 10 people are carriers of one of the 100 strains of this virus known to official medicine.Moreover, each of the isolated types of the viral agent has different characteristics, zones of localization and the probability of developing complications and unpleasant consequences.
Despite its prevalence, the papilloma virus has a relatively low resistance to aggressive environmental factors, which dictates the dominance of the contact route of its transmission from a 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, 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, however, this reason for the appearance of papillomas is significantly inferior to the contact mechanism of viral spread.
When HPV reaches the skin, it primarily 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 followed by an incubation period, which 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 immunodeficiency (HIV, AIDS);the presence of microtraumas, cracks, scratches, open wounds on the surface of the patient's skin;hormonal imbalance, which may be associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, etc.;promiscuous sexual intercourse, oral sex with a papillomavirus carrier;nervous-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;bad habits, bad diet;endometriosis.
Symptoms of papilloma
The penetration of the papilloma virus into the human blood is not accompanied by a pronounced complex of symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose the disease.The patient does not even suspect that he is not only a carrier of the viral agent, but can also infect other people.The main symptom of infection is the direct formation of skin tumors on the body, which can be localized in almost any part of the human body.
Numerous photos on the Internet clearly show what a papilloma looks like on the body.Typically, a skin growth is represented by an oval or dome-shaped compaction, or papule, which is attached to the tissue through a thin stalk or thickened base.The color characteristics of papillomas on the skin can vary greatly, from light pink to dirty brown.
Some HPV strains 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 cauliflower with lobes.
Common types of papillomas
As already mentioned, medicine knows more than 100 types of viruses, which indicates the diversity of disease manifestations.However, about 10 types of HPV are considered the most common:
- Vulgar papillomas.These 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 localization of growths in 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, which grow and make walking difficult.Moreover, such structures are often confused with calluses, which makes it difficult to identify and timely treat papillomas;
- Flat papillomas.They are provoked by HPV types 3 and 10 and appear as multiple flat nodules, of constant color, with a smooth surface;
- Filiform papillomas.They are most typical for the older age group of patients whose age is over 50 years.Yellowish lumps or growths are localized in the eyelids, groin, armpit and neck.If the filamentous neoplasm is subjected to trauma or constant friction with clothing, the treatment of the inflamed papilloma should be carried out as soon as possible;
- Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas.This type of skin manifestation is often called epidermodysplasia verruciformis, which manifests itself as multiple macular warts localized on the arms and legs, different color characteristics;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of symptomatic manifestation of human papillomavirus.Growths are pink or gray spiky growths that are found on the external and internal genital organs, as well as in the pubic area and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.They are caused by HPV types 6 and 11. They affect the larynx area, make breathing difficult and make it difficult for the patient to speak normally.Infection usually occurs during childbirth, by transferring the virus from the mother's vagina to the child;
- Local hyperplasia of the epithelium.This manifestation is a consequence of infection with HPV types 13 and 32, which is expressed by the formation of multiple papillary rashes, prone to fusion, on the tongue and red edges of the lips.
What is a papilloma and how dangerous is it, we will try to figure it out 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 to healthy tissue, which is called autoinoculation, and cause more warts.However, this is also not the key factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.Here lies the answer to the burning question of many patients about how a mole differs from a papilloma.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 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 an outcome depends on the type of HPV and the location of the papilloma.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 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?
Papilloma removal should be performed under the supervision of a specialist, after carrying out 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 to get rid of papillomas on the body:
- Cryodestruction– removal of papilloma with liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation- destruction of the neoplasm under the influence of an electric pulse;
- Surgical excision– the most radical and traumatic method of papilloma removal;
- Laser removal of papillomas– destruction of the growth with a directed laser beam.
The last option is the most traumatic, safe and painless way to remove papillomas from the body.Laser removal of papillomas has gained great popularity due to the absence of post-procedure marks, scars and cicatrices, as well as the fact that laser destruction does not require preparation and rehabilitation.
Laser papilloma removal can be done in 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 lasts no longer than two weeks.
Despite the need for mechanical removal of skin damage, when answering the question of how to cure papillomas once and for all, one cannot fail to mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and comprehensive strengthening of the patient's immunity.
Which doctor should I contact for papillomas and where can I remove papillomas on my body?
When you are concerned about the question of which doctor treats papillomas, first contact a specialist 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 the question of how much papilloma removal costs.