Papilloma is a benign skin tumor in the form of small lumps and warts.Today it is proven that papillomas are of viral origin.You can become infected with the disease through household contact, when the virus enters the skin through small damage and microcracks.Currently, several main types of papillomas have been discovered: flat, simple, plantar, filiform and pointed.There are papillomas that are transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.These neoplasms are called genital warts and pose a great danger to women's health.The place of its localization is the external genitalia, the cervix.These papillomas usually go unnoticed because they do not reveal their presence in any way.However, there is a high probability of its transformation into a malignant tumor of the cervical mucosa.
Causes of papillomas
The cause of the disease is the human papillomavirus (abbreviated as HPV), which belongs to the Papoviridae family.Once in the human body, the papilloma virus invades the basal cells of the epithelium, where it actively reproduces.The appearance of papillomas or warts on the skin is a result of the high activity of the virus.The neoplasm itself consists of epithelial tissue containing blood vessels, therefore, injuries can cause bleeding.
The formation of most papillomas located on the outer integument of the body is not accompanied by the appearance of any symptoms.Sometimes they can be felt by a slight tingling and itching of the skin.Papilloma can be recognized by its appearance.Externally, it is a small growth that rises above the skin and, as a rule, does not differ from it in color.Sometimes light brown papillomas are found.Large neoplasms, reaching two centimeters and located in open areas of the body (neck, décolleté, face), can cause aesthetic discomfort.
The cause of papilloma is most often a weakened immune system, unable to cope with the virus that has entered the body in time.Risk factors include: smoking, alcohol abuse, frequent stress, diseases of the digestive system, promiscuity.You can also become infected with the disease by visiting swimming pools, saunas and public baths.Papilloma is transmitted from mother to baby at birth.Located in the deep layers of the epithelium and not making itself felt, the virus is considered dormant;does not pose a threat to its bearer or its environment.Therefore, its presence in the human body is not an indication for treatment.Papilloma becomes contagious when it reaches the upper layers of the skin and is located above its surface in the form of a visible neoplasm.
Treatment of papillomas
Self-treatment of papilloma is not recommended.At best, the result will be no positive outcome;in the worst case, a secondary infection will be introduced under the skin.You cannot remove the papilloma yourself, pluck it, comb it or scratch it with your nails.An incorrectly removed papilloma will form again in the same place after some time.Therefore, this delicate matter should be entrusted to a specialist - a dermatologist.
Today there are several ways to remove papilloma:
- Electrocoagulation;
- Laser removal;
- Removal with a radium knife;
- Cryodestruction.
Electrocoagulation involves exposing the affected area of the skin to a high-frequency current, under the influence of which the protein tissue coagulates.Anesthesia is used in case of large papilloma removal.The main advantage of this method is that the removal procedure itself is completely bloodless, after which no noticeable traces of medical intervention remain on the skin.
The use of lasers for medical purposes has made life much easier for doctors and patients.Today, much more serious operations are performed with lasers than removing an ordinary wart.The laser method for removing benign skin tumors is recognized throughout the world.It has many advantages: a quick, comparatively painless procedure, the absence of blood and scars on the skin that form after removing the papilloma with the surgeon's scalpel.After laser papilloma removal, a thin protective film forms on the patient's skin, which disappears spontaneously after 12 to 14 days, leaving in its place healthy skin that is no different from the rest of the body.
For patients who are afraid of the reappearance of papilloma or who have previously had an unsuccessful experience of getting rid of it, it is recommended to remove the tumor with a special radio knife, which cuts the entire area of epithelial tissue along with the papilloma located on it.The operation, of course, is performed under anesthesia and guarantees lifelong relief from papilloma in this area of the skin.
Another modern way to remove unwanted skin defects is cryodestruction - cauterization of the tumor with liquid nitrogen.The procedure itself is painless, but it has one drawback - in some cases, for example, with genital warts, it is ineffective.
A specialist can advise which method is most effective for removing papilloma in each specific case.Having decided to get rid of the unpleasant manifestation of the virus on your skin once and for all, you should pay special attention to the institution where the procedure will be carried out.Now many beauty salons offer removal of moles, papillomas and warts for a relatively low fee, but most of them cannot guarantee the complete safety of removal and the absence of undesirable consequences.As practice shows, it is recommended to remove all skin tumors, including papillomas, only in medical institutions and after consultation with a dermatologist, who will diagnose the disease, determine its exact origin and only then prescribe the removal procedure.