Papillomas appear as skin growths formed as a result of the abnormal division of the epithelium caused by the papillomavirus.Normally, tumors do not cause pain or discomfort.They occur on any part of the body and head, including intimate places, mucous membranes of internal organs.The appearance of papilloma on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the PCR analysis.
Mechanism of development of the disease
Papilloma is considered a benign tumor that forms on the skin or mucosa after HPV (human papillomavirus) enters the body.The external description of growth depends on its type.Dermatologists include the presence of a stalk as a common feature.Most often, papillomas have a round or oval shape.Types of tumors by size:
- small;
- average;
- large;
- gigantic.
The texture of the growths is relatively loose and soft.More often, blood vessels are visible on their surface.The general color is flesh-colored or white.Old growths have a dry but thick texture with bubbles.
The types of papillomas on the body differ depending on the type of HPV.The main routes of infection of 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.
Classification principles
Papillomas can appear on any part of the body: arms, legs, face, shoulders, back, stomach, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that cause the appearance of various growths on the skin and papillomas.They differ from each other in appearance, growth rate and location.Taking into account the type of HPV, a treatment method is selected and the risk of tumor degeneration into cancer is assessed.
The main types of papillomas occurring in adults and children:
- simple;
- plantar;
- Dish;
- filiform.
Simple, vulgar or ordinary growths appear on the body due to HPV strains 26−29, 41, 63 and 77. These papillomas more often than others turn into cancer.The disease is accompanied by burning and tingling.After some time, 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 last it reaches several centimeters in diameter.Most often, such papillomas appear on the fingers and palms.They can develop on the skin of children and adults in the form of single or multiple clusters.
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 most often detected in young children.In the first stage after infection, a nodule appears, and then small bubbles that turn into growths.The process is called mosaic papillomatosis in dermatology.
If formations appear on the skin that protrude slightly above the skin, a diagnosis of flat papillomas is made.They have a round shape.They are most often detected on the face, near the lips and on the genitals.In women, the formation may be localized in the cervix.
Type 7 and 2 viruses cause a filamentous form of the disease.In this case, the growths have a thin stalk of an elongated or elongated shape.In the first stage, a small nodule is diagnosed that gradually lengthens.She is prone to injury.A similar disease is detected in people after 40 years of age.
Sharp 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 relapses.
Warts and papillomas
Against the background of the activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms appear on a person's skin: warts, condylomata acuminata and papillomas.Warts have no clear boundaries.Their dimensions do not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear on open areas of the body: fingers, knees.
Papillomas with a soft structure and a flat base cause burning and tingling.Soft lumps may appear.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.In color they are gray, flesh-colored and yellowish.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow on closed areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, armpits).The peculiarity of warts is associated with their localization: these are the mucous membranes.Externally they appear in the form of papillary growths, when they join together a tumor is formed.
Complete diagnostics
If a growth appears, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, urologist or dermatologist.After examining the patient, colposcopy, PCR, cytology and other techniques are prescribed.The first technique is performed during the examination of the cervix.For colposcopy, a special device is used to examine the mucosa of the reproductive organ.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If changed cells are detected in the smear, the doctor confirms HPV.
- Digene tests.This precise method detects the concentration, type and oncogenicity of the virus.The material is obtained by scraping from the mucosa of the urethra or vagina.It is carried out in combination with cytology.
- PCR.The material used is a smear of mucosa, 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 turn into cancer.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 kill 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 type and symptoms of HPV identified.
If the size of the growth exceeds 1 cm, cancer is suspected and surgical treatment is prescribed.The removal method depends on the characteristics of the disease.The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.Manipulation lasts up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Cryodestruction with nitrogen.The effect on papilloma lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedures, the skin turns white, gradually dying.The process is accompanied by burning and tingling.The technique is effective for the appearance of growths on the eyelids and small joints.Ointments are used to prevent relapses.
- Laser.The beam hits 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.Electric current is used to remove the buildup.Manipulation is carried out using a special apparatus.Dry the base of the growth.Thanks to the closure of the vessels with the current, no bleeding occurs.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
To prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to lead a decent sexual life, timely treat all diseases and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect a wartEffective antiviral agents are used.Each type of virus has a different outcome.
For the type 18 virus, a negative prognosis is observed.The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases spread rapidly 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.For types 58-59 the outcome is negative, since 2 years after therapy the disease relapses and immediately transforms into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs quickly leads to death.