A pathological formation such as papilloma can appear in anyone.Furthermore, the older he is, the higher his number will be in his body.To answer the question of why papillomas appear on human skin, it is necessary to study their nature in more detail.These formations are small benign tumors that develop from epithelial cells.They are located above the epidermis in the form of an irregularly shaped drop.Sometimes papillomas do not appear on the body, but on mucous membranes, ligaments and some organs.
The pathogen that causes the appearance of papilloma in the body is the human papillomavirus (HPV).Once it enters the body, it stays there forever.
Species
Experts distinguish more than a hundred types of these neoplasms.Fortunately, 5 of them appear most frequently in the human body.They all differ from each other:
- Simple,that occur in the upper extremities.They can exist for decades, but sometimes they disappear on their own.They are most often seen in children and teenagers.
- Flat,common on the neck, face, upper limbs.Sometimes they are a major factor in skin inflammation.
- plant,causing great discomfort and intense pain.They affect the feet.
- thread-like,common in adults and the elderly.Most often they form in the neck, groin area and armpits.These papillomas are usually located in the eye area.
- pointed,which are often called condylomas.They form in the genitals and are very dangerous.
Infection
To understand why papilloma appears on the body, it is necessary to understand how the virus enters the body.There are the following ways to become infected with HPV:
- contact and domicile;
- sexual;
- generic.
The pathogen penetrates even through microscopic damage to the skin.Infection of newborns occurs in the birth canal of the mother - a carrier of the papillomavirus.After infection, the child usually develops anogenital warts or laryngeal papillomatosis.
Reasons for the appearance
Naturally, the main reason for the formation of papillomas is HPV, but sometimes it does not manifest itself for years, and under favorable conditions it begins to actively develop in the body.There are several factors that provoke the progression of the disease.Causes of papilloma:
- low immunity;
- frequent infectious diseases;
- depression and stress conditions;
- alcoholism;
- prolonged use of medications, especially antibiotics;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases;
- visit public places such as saunas, baths, swimming pools, beaches.
Despite the fact that the causes of the appearance of the virus are different, the combination of several provoking factors provokes the growth of a large number of tumors in the body.
Danger of papillomas
A person with HPV is at risk of developing cancer, since several types of papillomavirus are distinguished by their high oncogenicity.
They are often the main cause of the appearance of malignant tumors in the genital region.Tumors most often develop in elderly people, although recently they have also appeared in quite young women.
The papillomavirus often causes erosion of the cervix, which increases the risk of cancer.For men, the virus does not pose a particular danger, since the likelihood of them developing malignant tumors is very low.Papillomas on the genitals create certain discomfort, which can interfere with full sexual life.
These tumors in the body are often damaged.Injuries and infections of papillomas located in places of friction of clothing and in the bends of the limbs are especially dangerous.
Often, when shaving, men damage the formations located on the face and neck.But any mechanical injury can lead to infection and degeneration into a malignant tumor.
Signs and diagnosis
After HPV enters the body, the incubation period lasts 2 to 3 months.In some cases, it can last several years.At the same time, the virus does not reveal itself in any way, but under favorable conditions, papillomas quickly appear on the body.Signs of these neoplasms:
- Simple papillomashard with a rough surface.Their size can vary from 1 mm to several millimeters.They are often located in groups.They form in the palms, fingers and popliteal cavities.These papillomas grow when the immune system does not work well.
- Flat papillomasThe color is practically indistinguishable from the skin tone.They resemble cones with a flat top.These formations often turn red and itch.
- Plantar formationsIt reminds me a lot of calluses.At the initial stage of development, small lump-like neoplasms appear, gradually transforming into a papilloma with a characteristic border.Smaller daughter formations appear close to it.
- Filiform papillomasThey are yellowish cones that gradually grow in length.Its size can reach 1-6 mm.
- Condylomata acuminatumappear when the immune system malfunctions.In good health, this type of virus can remain dormant for decades.Under the influence of provoking factors, characteristic formations appear on the genitals.In men, they are located in the scrotum, head of the penis, and frenulum.In women, they appear on the clitoris, cervix, labia, vagina and anus.These painless formations, ranging in size from 1 mm to several centimeters, have a thin stalk.They have a flesh-colored, pinkish or reddish hue.
A dermatologist will help diagnose a specific type of HPV.Specialists such as a urologist and gynecologist also examine the genitals for tumors.To determine the oncogenicity of papilloma, a blood test is carried out using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and DNA diagnostics.As a rule, the specialist suggests carrying out the same studies to the patient's sexual partner.
Women, in addition to the above examinations, undergo colposcopy and biopsy of the genital organs.Patients whose papillomavirus is oncogenic undergo medical examinations with a gynecologist twice a year.Pregnancy planning involves preliminary diagnosis and treatment of the virus.If genital warts are detected in a pregnant woman, the specialist recommends removing these growths.
Treatment
Papillomas can be treated using different methods.Most often they are removed using various modern methods.These include:
- cryodestruction;
- laser destruction;
- thermocoagulation;
- chemical destruction;
- radiosurgical removal.
If HPV is detected in the body, conservative treatment is prescribed, during which special medications are used.They prevent the virus from multiplying and increase the activity of immune cells.When the cervix is affected, special ointments are also used, which are applied topically.Papillomavirus treatment should be comprehensive.
Prevention
Getting rid of these tumors is much more difficult than preventing their occurrence.Knowing why papillomas occur on the body, a person can protect himself as much as possible from infection with this virus.To do this, it is not enough just to eliminate the causes of the disease, but it is necessary to regularly carry out restorative therapy.You must also follow all personal hygiene rules.
As no one is immune to the papillomavirus, one must strengthen the body's immune system, maintain hygiene, practice protected sex and promptly treat diseases of the nervous system.If these tumors appear, you should definitely undergo a medical examination, which will determine the type of HPV and recommend treatment.