Papilloma virus on the human body: symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment

Papillomas are areas of pathological proliferation of cells in the upper layer of the skin and mucous membrane. Over time, these benign tumors can become a source of cancer, so many patients are concerned with the question: how to get rid of papillomas. Let's figure out why papillomas occur on the body, why they are dangerous to health, and whether they need to be removed.

Appointment with a dermatologist - 1000 rubles. Removing papilloma using the best method - radio knife - 500 rubles. Consultation with a specialized doctor based on the results of ultrasound and tests - 500 rubles. (optional).

Causes of papillomas

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The causes of the appearance of papillomas on the body are divided into main and indirect, which act as a trigger for the development of the disease.

The main cause of skin papillomas is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) from the Papillomavirus group. HPV is a generalized term that refers to a whole group of viral agents that can infect epidermal structures and mucous membranes, and in some cases even provoke cancer.

According to statistics, the prevalence of HPV on the planet is global - the virus is in the body of 90% of adults. Science knows 100 strains of the papilloma virus, but not all of them are dangerous - the characteristics, localization zones and likelihood of developing cancer are different for each strain. The most dangerous are considered to be HPV 16.18, 31, 33 and 35, which in 98% of cases cause cervical cancer in women.

HPV does not tolerate aggressive environmental factors well, so it practically does not spread through the air. The main route of transmission is contact. The maximum risk of infection occurs through contact with the skin of a sick person.

The virus first penetrates the basal layer of the epidermis (skin), where it subsides for several months. The incubation period can last up to several years. If the immune system is weak, then the disease will show symptoms within a month, and the average period for symptoms to appear is 6 months.

The following reasons provoke the appearance of papillomas on the skin:

• Decreased immunity - colds, injuries, chronic diseases, HIV, AIDS;
• Microtraumas, scratches, open wounds on the surface of the patient’s skin;
• Hormonal imbalance, which may be associated with pregnancy, lactation, menopause, etc.;
• promiscuous sexual intercourse, oral sex with a carrier of the papilloma virus;
• nervous-emotional tension, stress, physical or mental fatigue;
• bad habits, poor nutrition;
• endometriosis.

Symptoms of papillomas

Most often the papilloma virus

in women and men it does not manifest itself at all; its diagnosis is possible only through a special analysis. Vivid signs of infection are observed only in a small number of infected people, and even these often disappear after a short time.

For a long time, the patient does not even suspect that he has become a carrier of the infection, contagious to others. The main symptom of infection - a skin neoplasm papilloma - appears when the virus is in full control of the body. In this case, papilloma can grow on any part of the body - on the skin and mucous membranes.

There are a huge number of photos on the Internet that clearly show what papilloma and its colony look like. This is a skin growth in the form of a dome-shaped compaction or papule on a thin stalk. The papule may also have a thickened base. The color of the papilloma is also ambiguous - for some it is a pale pink “wart”, and for others it is a dark brown growth. Some strains of papillomavirus form entire colonies of neoplasms, which gradually merge into one unpleasant-looking multi-headed wart, reminiscent of cauliflower.

Variety of papillomas: 7 main types

Scientists know more than 100 types of HPV, but the most common are 10 types of papillomas:

• Plantar papillomas
  . Causes papilloma on the leg - papillomavirus types 1, 2, 4. Plantar papillomas look like growths on the soles of the feet. Plantar warts can be single or multiple. Over time, it becomes painful for a person affected by the disease to walk. Plantar papilloma is often confused with a callus and is not sought medical attention, while the infection affects new areas of the skin.
• Vulgar papillomas
  . These are oval, keratinized lumps with a yellowish tint, usually appearing on the hands of adults. In children, such tumors can be found on the knees.
• Flat papillomas
  . The result of activation of HPV types 3, 10. The growths look like flat, smooth bumps.
• Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas . The second name is epidermodysplasia verruciformis. The infection results in the formation of many mottled, multi-colored warts on the arms and legs.
• Filiform papillomas. Formed in older people. Warts look like yellowish bumps. Placed on the eyelids, groins, armpits, and neck. Threaded papilloma injured by clothing or as a result of scratching requires urgent treatment, otherwise inflammation and complications cannot be avoided.
• Juvenile papillomas . Associated with infection with papillomavirus types 6, 11. Formed in the larynx. As a result, breathing becomes difficult and speech deteriorates. The virus spreads during childbirth, transmitted to the newborn from the mother.
• Genital warts . The occurrence of genital warts is the main manifestation of infection, the source of which was the human papillomavirus. Visually, genital warts look like ordinary warts, can be small in size (up to a centimeter), have a flesh-colored or pinkish color, a slightly bumpy or completely smooth surface. The most common place for the formation of genital warts is the external genitalia. In men, these formations appear on the scrotum and penis. In women - on the labia majora and minora, on the cervix, near the clitoris, in the vagina. If condylomas are irritated, itching and bleeding may occur during sexual intercourse. Such papillomas transform into cancerous tumors.

Complications

Although papillomas for the most part imply benign formations, their formation cannot be ignored. Many types of viruses can cause cancer, so many people wonder how to prevent the spread of papilloma after infection. The following types of HPV are distinguished depending on the degree of threat of cancer:

• not implying the appearance of oncology,
• having a low degree and a high degree of oncology.

When is it recommended to contact a specialist? If there are formations, you should immediately contact a doctor specializing in the relevant profile.

Complex conditions are a consequence of untreated papillomas

• Local epithelial hyperplasia . Consequence of infection with papillomavirus types 13, 32. The affected area looks like a rash of papillary neoplasms on the tongue and along the edges of the lips. Papillomas can merge with each other, forming a clearly visible area.
• Precancerous conditions and cancer -
  many forms of the human papillomavirus cause the development of neoplasms prone to malignant degeneration. It is in this regard that early diagnosis and detection of papillomavirus makes it possible to detect and remove oncological tumors of the cervix and other organs in the early stages of their development.

How dangerous are papillomas on the body: why they need to be removed

Papillomas are harmless only in appearance. These neoplasms, in the absence of timely and adequate treatment, quickly spread throughout the body to healthy tissue. This process is called autoinaculation. The result of the proliferation of neoplasms is at least multiple warts.

Of course, warts - papillomas on the body - are very ugly, but this is not the only problem. A good dermatologist will tell you why papillomas on the body are dangerous - such neoplasms are susceptible to melanization - malignant degeneration of the tumor. How quickly the process will proceed and whether it will begin at all depends on the location of the papilloma and the type of HPV. Genital warts growing on the cervix are especially dangerous. The degeneration of such formations into cancer occurs in every second case.

The structures that form on the skin as a result of damage by the papilloma virus are usually not accompanied by pain, itching or burning, which often causes negligence on the part of the patient. But since papillomas almost always come into contact with clothing, there is a high risk of damage. The result will be severe bleeding, infection and the formation of unsightly scars on the skin. From all this follows the answer to the question of whether it is necessary to remove papillomas on the body - of course it is necessary!

Outdated and modern methods of removing papillomas on the body

It is impossible to get rid of papillomas at home without consequences. The procedure is performed by a dermatologist, and in the case of precancer, by an oncologist. Before this, the patient must undergo tests, including:

• blood test for tumor markers;
• PCR diagnostics;
• taking papilloma tissue for histological examination.

In St. Petersburg and other Russian cities, several methods are used to remove papillomas on the body. To understand which method to choose, let's look at the table.

Diagnostics

To make an accurate diagnosis of papillomatosis, a woman needs to undergo a comprehensive examination of the body and the area of ​​skin where the benign neoplasm is located.

Diagnosis of papillomas takes place in several stages, namely:

• visual examination by a dermatologist;
• donation of venous blood for its biochemical study and determination of papillomavirus virions;
• examination of the deeper epithelial layers of the wart using a dermatoscope;
• collection of capillary blood for clinical analysis;
• selection of a piece of papilloma for further histological examination to exclude the oncological nature of the origin of the tumor;
• delivery of morning urine to determine its biochemical composition and general indicators of a woman’s health.

Localization of papillomas in the intimate area, on the genitals and around the anus may require additional examination by a gynecologist, as well as testing for the presence of sexually transmitted infections.

Can removal of papillomas be considered a treatment for HPV?

Unfortunately no. By removing papillomas, a dermatologist only eliminates manifestations of papillomavirus that can develop into cancer. The virus itself remains in the body. There are currently no specific drugs to cope with the human papillomavirus, and therefore the main therapy is aimed at mechanically eliminating tumors caused by the virus.

The infection is stopped with antiviral agents, which will be effective if the immune system is strong. Therefore, immunotherapy is carried out in parallel. While the virus lives in the body, papilloma cannot be cured forever.

Danger of skin growths

Most of them do not pose a threat to life and health. They are only an aesthetic defect and cause psychological discomfort.

But, if papilloma is caused by a virus with a high level of oncogenicity, then under unfavorable circumstances it can lead to an oncological diagnosis. Malignant formation leads to severe intoxication, as well as metastases.

Factors that can provoke malignancy of the formation:

• sunburn and ultraviolet exposure;
• infection of papilloma as a result of its injury;
• chronic inflammation in the body and persistent decrease in immunity.

Also, growths often grow and their number increases. They tend to merge into groups, resulting in a large affected area. Rubbing with clothing can lead to injury and bleeding of the growth.

Which doctor treats papillomas and where is the best place to remove papillomas on the body in St. Petersburg?

Many patients are interested in which doctor treats papillomas. This is done by specialists - dermatologists, gynecologists, urologists and oncologists. It all depends on the location of the tumor.

Specialists at the Diana Clinic in St. Petersburg conduct an initial examination and confirm the diagnosis. Then the papillomas are removed with a laser and radio knife, using the latest devices. By contacting our medical center, the patient receives a detailed consultation and can undergo all tests, including oncology. Removal of papillomas is carried out without pain or complications.

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When to see a doctor

You should definitely contact a dermatologist for an examination if you notice the following changes:

1. After injury, the wound does not heal. There is fluid secretion and pain when touched.
2. The color of the formation became darker.
3. The papilloma began to increase in size.
4. Discharge of pus.
5. The appearance of an unpleasant odor.
6. Throbbing pain even at rest.
7. Hair loss in the growth area.

Any skin formation is subject to examination and observation if there is a genetic predisposition to cancer. If papillomas bring discomfort and interfere with everyday life, then they must be mechanically removed.