What are papillomas

A fairly large part of neoplasms on human skin is caused by the activity of the human papillomavirus (HPV). At the same time, papillomas are one of the most common of them. The virus not only causes the appearance of this neoplasm, but also gave it a name. But not all patients today know what a 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, for what reasons it is formed and how it is treated

Papillomas: what is it

Papillomas are small neoplasms that are either the same color as healthy skin or slightly different from it. Neoplasms can appear both individually and in multiple skin rashes. Depending on the species, they can be flat and stalked in the form of elongated papillae. These neoplasms can be localized almost anywhere: 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.

Usually papillomas do not hurt, but in some cases they can itch, peel off, cause a slight tingling and / or redness. If the papilloma is located in the intimate area, then there may be discomfort with movement.

Types of papillomas

The five most common types of papillomas are:

1. Easy. It looks like either a cockscomb or a cauliflower.
2. Even. Such a neoplasm is a flat nodule on the surface of the skin. It can also form in the cervix.
3. threadlike. Most often located on thin skin and are elongated nodules. Usually found in people over 50 years of age.
4. Pointed. Or warts. Sexually transmitted and therefore most commonly formed in the genital area. They can appear one at a time or several at the same time. In this case, they can merge into one large papilloma. They also differ in that they are formed not only on the surface of the genital organs, but can also grow in the urethra or cervix.

Why papilloma appears

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

1. The virus is very persistent. Once infected, it is almost impossible to get rid of it.
2. The virus is easily transmissible. Sometimes even using a toilet seat or towel is enough to get infected. And with unprotected sex there is an almost 100% risk of infection.
3. The virus is innate. Very often the virus is transmitted from mother to newborn, so many people are born with already acquired papillomaviruses.

In general, our immunity cannot destroy the virus, but it can suppress it well. Because of this, neoplasms do not appear in all infected individuals. However, when the immune system weakens, a papilloma (or other neoplasm caused by HPV) can appear. There are other factors that can promote the development of a papilloma:

1. stress and emotional stress.
2. Older 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, external manifestations of the papilloma do not appear immediately. What does it depend on? From the state of immunity and the length of the incubation period (from a few weeks to several years). Therefore, with good immune protection, the first manifestations can occur even after a year. In this case, a person can become infected with several HPV strains 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 since these neoplasms are benign, it is not necessary to treat them. Doctors have a different opinion on this issue: papillomas should be treated and it is desirable not to postpone treatment. So why should this benign neoplasm be treated? First, the papilloma can turn into a malignant neoplasm. Especially under the influence of certain factors. For example, due to intense ultraviolet radiation, injuries, inflammation. Secondly, the neoplasm negatively affects the female reproductive function. If the woman is not cured and becomes pregnant, the virus will most likely be transmitted to the newborn. Thirdly, a papilloma in the throat or trachea can make breathing difficult or even cause choking. Fourth, as mentioned earlier, the papillomavirus is fairly easily transmissible, and therefore an untreated neoplasm can be very contagious. Fifth, neoplasms can cause aesthetic discomfort.

Types of papilloma treatment

It should immediately be noted that you can not resort to self-medication. Only a specialist with a medical education knows exactly how papillomas are diagnosed, what it is and how it is treated. At the same time, it must be remembered that when removing neoplasms, it is recommended to send the excised tissue for histological examination.

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

1. surgical removal. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The neoplasm is removed with a scalpel along with adjacent healthy tissue. Because of this, the healing process can take a long time. Also, there is a high probability of scarring at the excision site. For these reasons, this procedure is currently rarely carried out. Mainly in cases where other methods fail or when the neoplasm is too large.
2. cryo destruction. This is the name of the process for exposing tissue to ultra-low temperatures. Most often, the procedure is carried out using liquid nitrogen, which has a temperature of -196 ° C. This freezes the water in the cells at the exposure site and the neoplasms die. The disadvantages include low efficiency (about 60%), since with insufficient freezing the neoplasm will not receive enough damage. And with too much - healthy tissue is damaged.
3. electrocoagulation. This is the name of the procedure for cauterizing neoplasm tissues with an electric current. Of the minuses they call the pain of the procedure and the likelihood of scarring of the skin at the site of exposure. But the efficiency is quite high: about 95%.
4. Removal of neoplasms by laser. The essence of the procedure is the effect of a laser beam on the tissue. This will vaporize the neoplasm layer by layer. Adjustable power allows you to remove papilloma with almost 100% efficiency. And with high accuracy, you can exclude damage to healthy tissue. Today, many experts consider laser removal to be one of the most effective methods of removing papillomas. After the procedure there are practically no scars, a long recovery period is not required, and since application anesthesia is used before the session, the procedure is very comfortable for the patient.

In the clinic, laser removal of papillomas is performed using modern equipment. No preparation is required for laser removal. However, you must make an appointment with a laser therapist. At the appointment, the doctor will tell you what papillomas are and how the session will go. The patient is also examined for contraindications.

The procedure itself is carried out quite quickly: for single neoplasms, a few minutes are enough, for several - 15-20. After the procedure, the specialist doctor will inform you about the correct care. According to the general instructions, for the first two weeks it is not possible to sunbathe, go to the bathhouse and go to the sauna. You also need to take care of the treated area.

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