Papilloma is presented in the form of skin growths formed as a result of abnormal division of the epithelium provoked by papillomavirus.Usually, neoplasms do not cause pain or discomfort.It occurs in any part of the body and head, including intimate places, mucous membranes of internal organs.What a papilloma looks like on the skin depends on its type: flat, rough, simple, plantar.Treatment is determined based on the results of the PCR analysis.
Mechanisms of disease progression
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 the growth depends on its type.Dermatologists include the presence of stalks as a common feature.More often, papillomas have a round or oval shape.Types of tumors by size:
- small;
- average;
- large;
- giant.
The texture of the growth is quite loose and soft.More often, blood vessels are visible on its surface.The general color is flesh colored or white.Old growth has a dry texture but dense with foam.
The type of papilloma on the body varies according to the type of HPV.The main routes of viral infection are sexual, birth and contact.
Its activation occurs in the following cases:
- immune system weakness;
- the influence of external factors;
- exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases;
- long-term use of oral contraceptives.
Principles of classification
Papillomas can appear on any part of the body: arms, legs, face, shoulders, back, abdomen, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that trigger the appearance of various skin tumors and papillomas.They differ from each other in appearance, growth rate, and localization.Taking into account the type of HPV, treatment methods are selected and the risk of tumor degeneration into cancer is assessed.
The main types of papillomas that occur in adults and children:
- simple;
- plantar;
- flat;
- like a thread.
Simple, rough or normal growths appear on the body due to HPV strains 26−29, 41, 63 and 77. These papillomas more often than others turn into cancer.This 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 end reaches a diameter of several centimeters.More often, such papillomas appear on the fingers and palms.They can develop on the skin of children and adults in the form of one 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.This disease is more often detected in young children.In the first stage after infection, lumps appear, and then small bubbles, which turn into growths.This process is called in dermatology as mosaic papillomatosis.
If formations appear on the skin that protrude slightly above the skin, a diagnosis of flat papilloma 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 can be localized in the cervix.
Virus types 7 and 2 cause the filamentous form of the disease.In this case, the growth has a thin stem of an elongated or elongated shape.At the first stage, small lumps are diagnosed, which gradually stretch.He is prone to injuries.A similar disease is detected in people after the age of 40.
Pointed papillomas appear on the body as flesh-colored or pink papillary formations.
Pathology develops against the background of sexually transmitted types of HPV.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 various types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms appear on a person's skin: warts, condyloma acuminatum and papilloma.Warts do not have clear boundaries.Their size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter.They appear on open areas of the body: fingers, knees.
Papilloma with a soft structure and a flat base causes a burning and tingling sensation.Soft lumps may appear.Their maximum size is 1.5 cm.In color they are gray, flesh-colored and yellowish.
Unlike warts, papillomas grow in closed areas of the body (thighs, mammary glands, under the arms).The peculiarity of condylomas is associated with their localization - this is the mucous membrane.Externally, they are presented in the form of papillary growths, when they merge, tumors are formed.
Comprehensive 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 carried out while examining the cervix.For colposcopy, a special device is used to examine the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs.
Other diagnostic methods:
- Cytology.If modified cells are detected in the smear, the doctor confirms HPV.
- Digene Test.This precise method detects the concentration, type and oncogenicity of the virus.This material is obtained by scraping from the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina.It is carried out in combination with cytology.
- PCR.Materials used are mucosa smears, urine, and blood.This technique involves identifying viral DNA.
Therapeutic techniques
Surgical removal of the papilloma is indicated if it is injured, inflamed, or turned into cancer.If the growth is 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 form the growth, cytostatics are taken.External therapy can be carried out with special solutions and ointments.The choice of medication 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.Surgery is performed under local anesthesia.Manipulation lasts up to 15 minutes.Other ways to remove tumors:
- Cryodestruction with nitrogen.The effect on the papilloma lasts up to 20 seconds.After the procedure, the skin turns white, gradually dies.This process is accompanied by burning and tingling.This technique is effective for the appearance of growths on the eyelids and small joints.Ointment is used to prevent relapse.
- Lasers.The beam affects 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 complete healing.To speed up the healing process, it is recommended to treat the skin with anti-inflammatory ointment.
- Electrocoagulation.An electric current is used to remove the pile.Manipulation is carried out using special tools.It dries up the base of the growth.Due to the sealing of the vessel with the current, there is no bleeding.The recovery period lasts for 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
To avoid HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to have a good sex life, promptly treat all diseases, and take complex vitamins.If you suspect wartseffective antiviral agents are used.Each type of virus has a different outcome.
A negative prognosis is observed for virus type 18. The disease can last up to five years and then develop into cancer.Metastases quickly spread throughout the body.The tumor grows aggressively, growing deep into the genital organs.
HPV type 16 has a favorable prognosis.In this case, there is a possibility of relapse.For type 58−59, the results were negative, since 2 years after therapy the disease recurred and immediately turned into a malignant form.This cancer caused by HPV quickly leads to death.