Papillomas are presented in the form of skin growths formed as a result of abnormal division of the epithelium provoked by the papillomavirus.Normally, neoplasms do not cause pain or discomfort.They occur on 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, vulgar, simple, plantar.Treatment is prescribed based on the results of the PCR analysis.
Mechanism of disease development
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 a stalk as a common feature.More 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 dense texture with bubbles.
The types of papillomas on the body differ 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;
- 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, stomach, genitals.HPV is a microorganism with hundreds of strains that provoke the appearance of various growths on the skin and papillomas.They differ from each other in appearance, growth rate, and localization.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 that occur in adults and children:
- simple;
- plantar;
- flat;
- threadlike.
Simple, vulgar or ordinary growths appear on the body due to HPV 26−29, 41, 63 and 77 strains.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 at the first stage of the disease does not exceed 1 mm, and at the last it reaches several centimeters in diameter.More 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 cluster.
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 more often detected in young children.At the first stage after infection, a lump appears, and then small bubbles, which transform into growths.The process is called in dermatology as mosaic papillomatosis.
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 can be localized in the cervix.
Virus types 7 and 2 cause a filamentous form of the disease.In this case, the growths have a thin stem of an elongated or elongated shape.At the first stage, a small lump is diagnosed, which gradually stretches out.She is prone to injury.A similar disease is detected in people after 40 years of age.
Pointed papillomas look on the body as a papillary formation of a flesh-colored or pink color.
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 activation of different types of HPV, 3 different benign neoplasms appear on the skin of a person: warts, condylomas of the acuminate type and papillomas.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.
Papillomas with a soft structure and a flat base provoke 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, under the arms).The peculiarity of condylomas is associated with their localization - these are the mucous membranes.Externally, they are presented in the form of papillary growths, when they merge, a tumor is 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 when examining 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 detects the concentration, type and oncogenicity of the virus.The material is obtained by scraping from the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina.It is carried out 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 become injured, become 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 identified HPV type and symptoms.
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.The 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 off.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 relapse.
- Laser.The beam affects 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 build-up.The manipulation is carried out using a special apparatus.It dries out the base of the growth.Due to the sealing of the vessels with current, there is no bleeding.The recovery period lasts 10 days.
Prevention and prognosis
To prevent HPV infection, in addition to vaccination, it is recommended to lead a decent sex life, promptly treat all diseases, and take vitamin complexes.If you suspect a warteffective 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 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 recurs and immediately turns into a malignant form.Cancer caused by these HPVs quickly leads to death.