What are papillomas?

A fairly large proportion of human skin neoplasms are caused by the activity of the human papillomavirus (HPV). At the same time, papillomas are one of the most common among them. The virus not only causes the appearance of this neoplasm, but also gives it a name. But not all patients today know what papilloma is. If you are one of these people or just want to learn more about this neoplasm, then this article is for you. In it we will talk about papillomas: what it is, what symptoms it has, why it is formed and how it is treated

Papillomas: what is it

Papillomas are small neoplasms that either have the same color as healthy skin or are slightly different from it. Neoplasms can appear both single and in multiple rashes. Depending on the type, they can be flat, with handles, in the form of elongated papillae. These neoplasms can be located almost anywhere: the genitals, face, neck, armpits, limbs, etc.

It is also worth noting that papillomas are benign neoplasms. That is, they do not belong to oncological tumors. However, doctors do not recommend leaving them as they are.

Papillomas usually do not hurt, but in some cases they can itch, peel, cause slight tingling and / or redness. If the papilloma is located in the intimate area, it can cause discomfort during movement.

Types of papillomas

The five most common types of papillomas are:

1. just. It looks like either a rooster's comb or a cauliflower.
2. Apartment. Such a neoplasm is a flat nodule located on the surface of the skin. It can also form in the cervix.
3. Filamentous. They are most often found on thin skin and are elongated nodules. It usually occurs in people over 50 years of age.
4. Pointed. Or warts. It is sexually transmitted and therefore most often forms in the genital area. They can appear one at a time or several at once. In this case, they can merge into a large papilloma. They also differ in that they are formed not only on the surface of the genital organs, but can also grow inside the urethra or the cervix.

Why do papillomas appear?

As we wrote above, the main reason for the appearance of papilloma is the activity of the human papilloma virus. It is worth noting that according to the WHO, today about four out of every five people (or even more) are infected with the papilloma virus. This is due to several reasons:

1. The virus is very durable. Once infected, it is almost impossible to get rid of it.
2. The virus is easily transmitted. Sometimes even one use of a toilet bowl or towel is enough to get infected. And unprotected sex has an almost 100% chance of infection.
3. The virus is congenital. Very often, the virus is transmitted from mother to newborn, so many people are born with already acquired papilloma virus.

In general, although our immunity does not destroy the virus, it can suppress it well. That is why neoplasms do not appear in all infected people. But if the immune system weakens, then a papilloma (or other neoplasm caused by HPV) may appear. There are other factors that can favor the formation of papilloma:

1. Stress and emotional distress.
2. Old age.
3. Alcohol abuse, smoking.
4. Excessive physical activity.
5. Lack of vitamins in the body.
6. some other diseases. For example, endocrine diseases.
7. Taking certain medications (oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants).
8. Promiscuous sex life.

After the virus enters the body, the external manifestations of papilloma do not appear immediately. What does it depend on? From the state of immunity and the length of the incubation period (from several weeks to several years). Therefore, with a good state of immune protection, the first manifestations can appear even after a year. In this case, a person can become infected with several strains of HPV at once (there are about 170 of them).

papilloma treatment

Of course, not everyone knows what papillomas are and how to treat them. And some even believe that it is not necessary to treat them, since these neoplasms are benign. Doctors have a different opinion on this matter: papillomas must be treated and it is desirable not to delay treatment. So why should this benign neoplasm be treated? First, the papilloma can transform into a malignant neoplasm. Especially under the influence of certain factors. For example, due to intense ultraviolet radiation, injury, inflammation. Secondly, the neoplasm negatively affects the female reproductive function. If the woman is not cured and becomes pregnant, then the virus will most likely be passed on to the newborn. Third, a papilloma located in the throat or trachea can make breathing difficult or even cause suffocation. Fourth, as already mentioned, the papillomavirus is transmitted quite easily, and therefore an untreated neoplasm can be very contagious. Fifth, neoplasms can cause aesthetic discomfort.

Types of papilloma treatment

It should be noted right away that you cannot resort to self-medication. Only a specialist with medical education knows exactly how to diagnose papillomas, what it is and how to treat it. At the same time, it should be remembered that when removing any neoplasm, it is recommended to send the excised tissue for histological examination.

Speaking of treatment, today you can choose several ways to eliminate the neoplasm.

1. Surgical removal. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The neoplasm is removed with a scalpel along with the adjacent healthy tissue. Therefore, the healing process can take a long time. In addition, there is a high probability of scarring at the incision site. For these reasons, this procedure is currently performed quite rarely. Mostly in cases where other methods are ineffective or when the neoplasm is too large.
2. Cryodestruction. This is the name of the procedure for exposing fabrics to ultra-low temperatures. Most often, the procedure is performed with liquid nitrogen, the temperature of which is -196 ° C. As a result, the water in the cells at the site of exposure is frozen and the neoplasms die. The disadvantages include low efficiency (about 60%), since with insufficient freezing the neoplasm will not receive enough damage. And with excessive - healthy tissue will be damaged.
3. Electrocoagulation. This is the name of the procedure for burning the tissues of the neoplasm with electric current. Of the minuses, they call the painfulness of the procedure and the likelihood of skin scars at the site of exposure. But the efficiency is quite high: about 95%.
4. Removal of neoplasm with laser. The essence of the procedure is the effect of a laser beam on the tissue. As a result, the neoplasm evaporates layer by layer. The adjustable power allows you to remove the papilloma with almost 100% efficiency. And high accuracy allows you to exclude damage to healthy tissues. Today, laser removal is considered by many experts to be one of the most effective ways to remove papillomas. After the procedure, there are practically no scars, a long recovery period is not required, and since anesthesia is applied before the session, the procedure is quite comfortable for the patient.

In the clinic, laser removal of papillomas is performed using modern devices. No preparation is necessary for laser removal. But you will need to make an appointment with a laser therapist. At the appointment, the doctor will tell you what the papillomas are and how the session will be conducted. The patient will also be checked for contraindications.

The procedure itself is quite fast: a few minutes are enough for single neoplasms, 15-20 for multiple ones. After the procedure, the specialist will tell you about the proper care. According to the general instructions, it is impossible to sunbathe, visit a bath and sauna during the first two weeks. You will also need to take care of the treated area.

Do not forget about the contraindications for the procedure. Laser removal of papillomas is not performed in the presence of any diseases, lesions of the central nervous system and the presence of bleeding.