Papillomas on the human body are foci of pathological proliferation of cells of the epidermis and mucous membranes.
In most cases, papillomas are benign.However, such neoplasms can bring not only aesthetic troubles, but also act as a harbinger of dangerous conditions in the body, such as cancer.
“How to get rid of papillomas?”- a pressing question that worries many.Let's try to figure out why papillomas appear on the body, and what dangers to human health can arise from skin growths that seem harmless at first glance.
Why do papillomas appear?
The reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the body can be divided into main (main) and accompanying ones, which rather act as triggers for the formation of visual manifestations of the disease.The cause of skin papillomas, which is considered the leading and no alternative, is infection of the patient with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which in medical practice is classified as a group of Papillomaviruses.
Statistics demonstrate the highest level of HPV prevalence among the population of our planet, stating that 9 out of 10 people are carriers of one of the 100 strains of this virus known to official medicine.Moreover, each of the isolated types of viral agent has different characteristics, localization zones and the likelihood of developing complications and unpleasant consequences.
Despite its prevalence, the papilloma virus has relatively low resistance to aggressive environmental factors, which dictates the predominance of the contact route of its transmission from the carrier to a healthy person.The risk of infection is especially high during prolonged contact with the bare skin of a person suffering from the disease, which is observed, for example, during a massage.In medical practice, there are also cases of household spread of a viral agent that enters the patient’s body through common objects, however, this reason for the appearance of papillomas is significantly inferior to the contact mechanism of spread of the virus.
When HPV gets on the skin, it primarily affects the basal layer of the epidermis, remaining in a latent state for a long time, which is characterized by an asymptomatic course of the disease.This condition most often accompanies an incubation period, which lasts from 1 to 6 months, but can persist for years.
The following factors act as provoking agents for the appearance of papillomas on the skin:
temporary decrease in immunity or development of an immunodeficiency state (HIV, AIDS);the presence of microtraumas, cracks, 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
The penetration of the papilloma virus into human blood is not accompanied by a pronounced symptom complex, which complicates the diagnosis of the disease.The patient does not even suspect that he is not only a carrier of a viral agent, but can also infect other people.The main symptom of infection is the direct formation of a skin tumor on the body, which can be localized in almost any part of the human body.
Numerous photos on the Internet clearly demonstrate what papilloma looks like on the body.Typically, a skin growth is represented by an oval or dome-shaped compaction, or a papule, which is attached to the tissue through a thin stalk or thickened base.The color characteristics of papilloma on the skin can vary widely, from light pink to dirty brown.
Some HPV strains are characterized by multiple manifestations, which may be accompanied by the fusion of individual neoplasms.As a result, an epidermal structure is formed that looks like a lobed cauliflower.
Common types of papillomas
As mentioned above, medicine knows more than 100 types of virus, which indicates the diversity of manifestations of the disease.However, about 10 types of HPV are considered the most common:
- Vulgar papillomas.They are oval seals that may have a keratinized yellowish surface.Vulgar papillomas on the hands of adult patients are the most common localization option, while children are more often characterized by a knee location of growths;
- Plantar papillomas.The causative agents of papilloma on the leg are HPV types 1, 2 and 4, which are manifested by the formation of single or multiple growths on the sole of the foot, which, as they grow, make walking difficult.Moreover, such structures are often confused with calluses, which complicates the identification and timely treatment of papillomas;
- Flat papillomas.They are provoked by HPV types 3 and 10 and appear as multiple flat lumps, constant color, with a smooth surface;
- Filiform papillomas.They are most typical for the older age group of patients whose age exceeds 50 years.Yellowish bumps or growths are localized in the eyelids, groin, armpits and neck.If a filamentous neoplasm is subjected to trauma or constant friction with clothing, treatment of the inflamed papilloma should be carried out as quickly as possible;
- Lewandowski-Lutz papillomas.This type of skin manifestation is often called epidermodysplasia verruciformis, which manifests itself as multiple macular warts localized on the arms and legs, having different color characteristics;
- Genital warts.The most dangerous type of symptomatic manifestation of the human papillomavirus.The growths are pinkish or gray pointed growths located on the external and internal genital organs, as well as in the pubic area and tongue;
- Juvenile papillomas.Caused by HPV types 6 and 11.They affect the larynx area, complicating the breathing process and complicating the patient’s normal speech.Infection usually occurs during childbirth, by transmitting the virus from the mother's vagina to the child;
- Local epithelial hyperplasia.This manifestation is a consequence of infection with HPV types 13 and 32, which is expressed by the formation of multiple papillary rashes, prone to fusion, on the tongue and red border of the lips.
What is papilloma and how it is dangerous, we will try to figure it out below.
Are papillomas on the body dangerous?
In fact, papillomas cannot be considered completely harmless neoplasms, since in the absence of timely treatment, they can spread to healthy tissue, which is called autoinoculation, and cause multiple warts.However, this is also not the key factor why papillomas on the body are dangerous.Hidden here is also the answer to the pressing question of many patients about how a mole differs from a papilloma.A mole, being a simple accumulation of pigment, does not pose a danger to human health.
The main risks associated with the presence of papillomas on the body include the possibility of melanization of the neoplasm, which consists of malignant degeneration of the tumor.As a result, the patient may experience an oncological process or be diagnosed with a precancerous condition.The likelihood of such an outcome depends on the type of HPV and the area of localization of papillomas.For example, genital warts located on the surface of the cervix in 50% of cases provoke cancer of this organ.
Another danger is the high risk of mechanical damage to the papilloma, which can lead to severe bleeding, infection of the wound and the formation of scars or scars on the skin.Based on this, to the question of whether it is necessary to remove papillomas on the body, the answer should only be positive.
How to remove papillomas on the body?
Removal of papillomas should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, after carrying out all the necessary diagnostic procedures, which usually include PCR diagnostics, microscopic examination of epithelial scrapings and, if necessary, histological examination of papilloma tissue.In this case, there are several options for how to get rid of papillomas on the body:
- Cryodestruction– removal of papillomas using liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation– destruction of a neoplasm under the influence of an electrical impulse;
- Surgical excision– the most radical and traumatic method of removing papillomas;
- Laser removal of papillomas– destruction of the growth by a directed laser beam.
The last option is the most atraumatic, safe and painless way to remove papillomas from the body.Removal of papillomas with a laser has earned wide popularity due to the absence of post-procedure marks, scars and cicatrices, and also due to the fact that laser destruction does not require preparation and rehabilitation.
Laser removal of papillomas can be done in just a few minutes.Another advantage of the manipulation is the ability of the laser beam to activate the regenerative ability of the epidermis, which ensures rapid healing of the treatment site, which usually takes no more than two weeks.
Despite the need for mechanical removal of skin defects, when answering the question of how to cure papilloma once and for all, one cannot fail to mention the need to organize antiviral therapy and comprehensively strengthen the patient’s immunity.
Which doctor should I contact for papillomas and where can I remove papillomas on the body?
When concerned about the question of which doctor treats papillomas, you should first contact specialists who will perform an initial examination and make a diagnosis.Specialists at modern clinics have extensive experience in removing papillomas with lasers using the latest medical equipment.By contacting a professional medical center, the patient will receive detailed advice, including on the question of how much it costs to remove a papilloma.