Papilloma is a lesion of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the human papilloma virus.
Causes - viruses of the genus Papilloma virus. More than 60 variants are currently known, and 32 have been identified as causative diseases.
Transmission routes - contact (via skin microtrauma), genital, perinatal (in childbirth).
Manifestations of papillomas
- Cutaneous papillomas (warts).
It is most often seen on the hands, less often on other parts of the body. Localized lesions are common in children and adolescents. In patients with a weakened immune system, nipple lesions may be widespread. The incubation period is 1-6 months. The maximum virus content in the affected tissues is recorded 6 months after infection. - Vulgar (simple) papillomas
They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). This shape is manifested by hard protrusions of a rough surface with a diameter of 1 mm or more, with a tendency to join. Vulgar papillomas often cover a large area. They can appear anywhere, but are more often found on the back of the palms and fingers, in children - on the knees. An individual papilloma can exist for several months or even years, practically unchanged, but a rapid spread of the process is also possible. There are isolated cases of papilloma degeneration into a tumor. Immunodeficiency states contribute to the spread of the process. - Plantar papillomas.
The cause is HPV-1 (deep form), HPV-2 (mosaic warts) and HPV-4 (minor lesions). The process begins with the appearance of a small, shiny protrusion, acquiring the characteristics of a typical papilloma surrounded by a protruding rim. Sometimes numerous daughter formations appear around one papilloma, resembling vesicles - mosaic warts. Plantar papillomas can be painful and make it difficult to walk. The duration of their existence is different. In some cases, especially in children, spontaneous disappearance of any number of papillomas is possible. This form of the disease is often confused with calluses that appear at sites of pressure on the fingers or between the fingers. Corns, unlike papillomas, have a smooth surface with a skin pattern. - Flat papillomas.
They are caused by HPV-3 and HPV-10. They are represented by smooth protrusions of normal skin color (light yellow or slightly colored). They can be round or polygonal in shape. The appearance of flat papillomas, mainly in children, is usually accompanied by itching, inflammation of the affected area, redness, pain. - Filiform papillomas.
It is found in 50% of the population older than 50 years more often in the armpits, groin, neck, around the eyes. The process begins with the appearance of tiny yellowish or slightly colored particles, and then increases and turns into elongated dense elastic formations up to 5-6 mm in size. In places of possible trauma, papillomas can become inflamed. Their spontaneous disappearance does not come. - Local epithelial hyperplasia (Beck's disease).
The causative agents are human papilloma viruses 13 and 32. The disease was first described by Native Americans. It is observed on the mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue, lips in the form of small connecting papillary eminences. - Genital warts.
The causes of genital warts are human papilloma viruses of low (6, 11), medium (31, 33, 35) and high (16, 18) oncological risk. Viruses are also sexually transmitted. The incubation period lasts from a few weeks to months. In some cases, the lesions are minimal, often going unnoticed. Infected cells are prone to malignant degeneration. In most cases, a long and widespread process accompanies immunodeficiency states. Cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women with genital warts. In most cases, despite the patient's age, the viral genome is detected by DNA hybridization. The causative agent is HPV-18. - Juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis.
Causes are HPV-6 and HPV-11. They are rarely registered. In most cases, papillomatosis is detected in children younger than 5 years who are infected in the mother's birth canal. Characteristic growths of the vocal cords are observed, leading to speech difficulties and impaired air circulation in the upper respiratory tract.
Treatment of papillomas
The same symptoms can be signs of different illnesses, and the illness may not go according to the textbook. Do not try to cure yourself - consult a doctor.
There is currently no single international standard for the treatment of papillomas. Official treatment guidelines so far include
- cytostatics (antineoplastic drugs),
- cryo laser,
- electrical destruction.
But they are not always effective and relapses follow.
Other treatments for papillomas:
- For skin and vulgar (simple) papillae - surgical removal (cryodestruction, laser removal combined with immune correction).
- For plantar - cryodestruction, laser and / or diathermocoagulation.
- Mosaic papillomas are the most difficult to treat. When they disappear, especially in children, signs of inflammation are noticed.
- For flat forms - cryotherapy with immune correction.
- For filiform - diathermocoagulation.
- For local epithelial hyperplasia, cryotherapy with immune correction.
- In case of wart skin dysplasia, cryotherapy or diathermocoagulation with subsequent correction of immunity.
- For genital warts - removal of warts by cryotherapy, laser excision or diathermocoagulation and mandatory correction of the immune system.
Treatment of genital papillomas can be difficult in other genital infections (chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, herpes, CMV infection, etc. ). In these cases, the treatment is carried out in parallel.