Papillomas are presented in the form of skin growths formed as a result of the abnormal separation of the epithelium provoked by the papillomavirus.Normally, neoplasms do not cause pain or discomfort.They occur in any part of the body and head, including intimate places, the mucous membrane of internal organs.How a papilloma looks on the skin depends on its type: flat, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the PCR analysis.
Mechanism of disease development
A papilloma is considered a benign tumor that forms on the skin or mucous membrane 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 according to size:
- small;
- average;
- big
- giant.
The growth structure is relatively loose and soft.Most often, blood vessels are visible on their surface.The general color is flesh-colored or white.Old growths have a dry but densely blistered texture.
The types of papillomas on the body vary according to the type of HPV.The main routes of infection with the virus are sexual, birth and contact.
Its activation occurs in the following cases:
- weakening of the immune system;
- the influence of external factors;
- worsening 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 provoke the appearance of various skin growths and papillomas.They differ from each other in appearance, growth rate and location.Taking into account the type of HPV, a treatment method is chosen and the risk of tumor degeneration into cancer is assessed.
The main types of papillomas that appear in adults and children:
- simple;
- soles;
- flat;
- elementary.
Simple, vulgar or common 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 sensations.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 at the end 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 a single or multiple group.
Plantar and flat
Plantar growths appear on the legs due to HPV types 1, 2 and 4.They are similar to calluses but do not have a skin pattern.Most often, the disease is detected in young children.In the first stage after infection, a lump appears, and then small blisters, which 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 found on the face, near the lips and on the genitals.In women, the formation can be localized on the cervix.
Virus types 7 and 2 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 lump is diagnosed, which gradually expands.She is prone to injuries.A similar disease is detected in people after 40 years.
Pointed papillomas appear on the body as a flesh-colored or pink papillary formation.
The pathology develops against the background of those types of HPV that are sexually transmitted.Therefore, they are located in the groin, perineum and anus.The disease progresses rapidly and often recurs.
Warts and papillomas
Against the background of the activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms appear on the skin of a person: warts, condylomas of the acumin type and papillomas.Warts do not have clear borders.Their size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear on open areas of the body: fingers, knees.
Papillomas with soft texture and flat base provoke burning and tingling sensations.Soft lumps may appear.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.In color they are gray, flesh-colored and yellow.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow in closed areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, underarms).The peculiarity of condylomas is associated with their localization - these are the mucous membranes.From the outside, they appear in the form of papillary growths, when they unite, a tumor is formed.
Comprehensive diagnostics
If an increase 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 mucous membrane of the reproductive organ.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If modified cells are detected in the smear, the doctor confirms HPV.
- Digene test.This precise method reveals the concentration, type and oncogenicity of the virus.The material is obtained by scraping from the mucosa of the urethra or vagina.It is performed in combination with cytology.
- PCR.The material used is a mucosal smear, urine and blood.The technique involves identifying the DNA of the virus.
Therapeutic techniques
Surgical removal of papillomas is indicated if they are 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 method of removal depends on the characteristics of the disease.The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.The manipulation lasts up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove growths:
- Cryodestruction with nitrogen.The effect on the papilloma lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedures, the skin becomes white, gradually disappearing.The process is accompanied by burning and tingling sensations.The technique is effective for the appearance of growths on the eyelids and small joints.Ointments are used to prevent relapse.
- Laser.The beam touches the problem area for one minute.30 minutes after the first manipulation, the skin becomes red.After a few days, the crust disappears.It will take 2 weeks for full recovery.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.The manipulation is carried out using a special apparatus.It dries the base of growth.Due to the closure of the vessels with current, there is no bleeding.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
In order to prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to have a good sex life, treat all diseases immediately and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect a warteffective antiviral agents are used.Each type of virus has a different result.
A negative prognosis is noted for the virus type 18. The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases spread quickly throughout the body.The tumor continues aggressively, growing deep into the genitals.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of return.For types 58−59, the result is negative, since 2 years after therapy the disease recurs and immediately turns into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs quickly leads to death.