What are papillomas?

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

Papilloma: what is it

Papilloma is a small neoplasm that either has the same color as healthy skin or is slightly different from it. Neoplasms can appear singly and in multiple rashes. Depending on the species, they can be flat, stalked, in the form of elongated papillae. This neoplasm can be located almost anywhere: genitals, face, neck, armpits, limbs, etc.

It should also be noted that papillomas are benign neoplasms. That is, they do not belong to oncological tumors. However, doctors do not recommend leaving them alone.

Papilloma is usually painless, but in some cases it can itch, peel, cause slight tingling and / or redness. If the papilloma is located in the intimate area, it can cause discomfort when moving.

Types of papillomas

The five most common types of papilloma are:

1. Easy. It looks like a nest or a cauliflower.
2. flatSuch neoplasms are flat nodules located on the surface of the skin. It can also form in the cervix.
3. Filiform. Often located on thin skin and elongated nodules. Usually found in people over 50 years old.
4. Pointing. Or warts. Sexually transmitted, and therefore most often formed in the genital area. They may appear one after the other or several at once. In this case, they can merge into a large papilloma. They are also different because they are formed not only on the surface of the genitals, but can also grow in the urethra or in the cervix.

Why do papillomas appear?

As we wrote above, the main reason for the appearance of papillomas is the activity of the human papillomavirus. Keep in mind that according to the WHO, today about four out of five people (or more) are infected with papillomavirus. This is due to several reasons:

1. This virus is very durable. Once infected, it is almost impossible to get rid of it.
2. This virus is contagious. Sometimes even one use of a toilet seat or towel is enough to get infected. And unprotected sex has almost a hundred percent chance of infection.
3. This virus is congenital. Often, the virus is transmitted from mother to newborn, so many people are born with acquired papillomavirus.

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 papillomas (or other neoplasms caused by HPV) may appear. There are other factors that can favor the formation of papillomas:

1. Stress and emotional stress.
2. Elderly 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. Indecent sex life.

After the virus enters the body, external manifestations of papilloma do not immediately appear. Depends on what? 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 may appear even after a year. In this case, a person can be infected with several types 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 also believe that there is no need to treat it, because this neoplasm is benign. Doctors have different opinions on this matter: papillomas should be treated and it is advisable not to delay treatment. So why do these benign neoplasms need to be treated? First, papillomas can turn into malignant neoplasms. Especially under the influence of certain factors. For example, due to intense ultraviolet rays, injury, inflammation. Second, neoplasms have a negative impact on women's reproductive function. If the woman does not recover and becomes pregnant, then the virus is most likely to be transmitted to the newborn baby. Third, papillomas located in the throat or trachea can make breathing difficult and even cause shortness of breath. Fourth, as already mentioned, papillomaviruses are quite easily transmitted, and therefore untreated neoplasms can be highly contagious. Fifth, neoplasms can cause aesthetic discomfort.

Types of papilloma treatment

Immediately it should be noted that you can not use the drug yourself. Only specialists with medical education know exactly how to diagnose papillomas, what they are and how they are treated. At the same time, it must be remembered that when removing any neoplasm, it is recommended to send the cut tissue for histological examination.

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

1. Surgical removal. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The neoplasm is removed with a scalpel along with the adjacent healthy tissue. Because of this, the healing process can take a long time. In addition, there is a high probability of scarring at the cutting site. For these reasons, this procedure is currently carried out relatively rarely. Especially in cases where other methods fail or when the neoplasm is too large.
2. Cryodestruction. This is the name of the procedure for exposing tissue to ultra-low temperatures. Often, the procedure is carried out using liquid nitrogen, which has a temperature of -196 ° C. As a result, the water in the cells at the site of exposure is frozen, and the neoplasm dies. Its disadvantages include low efficiency (about 60%), because with insufficient coagulation, the neoplasm will not receive sufficient damage. And with excess - healthy tissue will be damaged.
3. Electrocoagulation. This is the name of the procedure to burn neoplasm tissue with electric current. Of the minuses, they call the pain of the procedure and the possibility of skin scarring at the site of exposure. But the efficiency is quite high: about 95%.
4. Laser removal of neoplasms. The essence of the procedure is the effect of the laser beam on the tissue. As a result, the neoplasm is evaporated layer by layer. Adjustable power allows you to remove papillomas with almost 100% efficiency. And high accuracy allows you to exclude damage to healthy tissue. Today, laser removal is considered by many experts to be one of the most effective ways to eliminate papillomas. After the procedure, there are almost no scars, a long recovery period is not required, and since the application anesthetic is used before the session, the procedure is quite comfortable for the patient.

In the clinic, laser removal of papillomas is carried out using modern devices. Preparation for laser removal is not required. But you need to make an appointment with a laser therapist. At the appointment, the doctor will tell you what the papilloma is and how the session will take place. The patient will also be checked for contraindications.

The procedure itself happens quite quickly: for a single neoplasm, a few minutes are enough, for multiple - 15-20. After the procedure, the specialist will inform you about the proper care. According to the general instructions, it is impossible to sunbathe, go to the bathhouse and sauna during the first two weeks. You also need to take care of the treated area.

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