Papilloma is a lesion of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the human papillomavirus.
Causative agents - virus of the genus Papilloma virus. More than 60 variants are currently known, 32 are recognized as pathogens.
Routes of transmission - contact (through skin microtrauma), genital, perinatal (during childbirth).
Manifestations of papillomas
- Skin papillomas (warts).
Most often observed on the hands, less often on other parts of the body. Localized lesions are common in children and adolescents. In immunocompromised patients, wart lesions can be widespread. The incubation period is 1-6 months. The maximum virus content in the affected tissues is noted 6 months after infection. - Papillomas vulgaris (simple).
Their causative agent is the human papillomavirus (HPV). This form is manifested by hard bumps with a rough surface 1 mm in diameter or more, with a tendency to merge. Vulgar papillomas often cover a large area. They can appear anywhere, but are most often found on the back of the palms and fingers, in children - on the knees. A single papilloma can exist for several months or even years, practically unchanged, but 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 causative agent is HPV-1 (deep form), HPV-2 (mosaic warts) and HPV-4 (minor lesions). The process begins with the appearance of a small shiny bump, which acquires the characteristics of a typical papilloma, surrounded by a protruding edge. Sometimes, around a papilloma, numerous daughter formations appear, similar to bubbles - mosaic warts.
Plantar papillomas can be painful and make walking difficult. 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 pressure points on the fingers or between the toes. Corns, unlike papillomas, have a smooth surface with a skin pattern. - Flat papillomas.
Their causative agent is HPV-3 and HPV-10. They are represented by smooth bumps of normal skin color (light yellow or slightly tinted). 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, soreness. - Filiform papillomas.
They are found in 50% of the population over 50, most often in the armpits, groin, neck, around the eyes. The process begins with the appearance of small yellowish or slightly colored cones, and then grow larger and turn 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 occur. - Local epithelial hyperplasia (Beck's disease).
The causative agents are human papillomaviruses 13 and 32. The disease was first described in American Indians. Observed on the mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, lips in the form of small papillary eminences that come together. - Genital warts.
The causative agents of genital warts are human papilloma viruses of low (6, 11), medium (31, 33, 35) and high (16, 18) cancer risk. Viruses are sexually transmitted. The incubation period lasts from several 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 age of the patients, the viral genome is detected by DNA hybridization. The causative agent is HPV-18. - Juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx.
The causative agents are HPV-6 and HPV-11. They are rarely registered. In most cases, papillomatosis is detected in children under the age of 5 who are infected in the mother's birth canal. Characteristic growths on 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 diseases and the disease may not proceed according to the textbook. Don't try to heal on your own - consult your doctor.
There is currently no unified international standard for the treatment of papillomas. Official therapeutic guidelines so far include
- cytostatics (antineoplastic drugs),
- cryogenic laser,
- electro destruction.
But they are not always effective and are accompanied by relapses.
Other treatments for papillomas:
- For cutaneous and vulgar papillomas (simple) - surgical removal (cryodestruction, laser removal in combination with immunity 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 observed.
- For flat forms - cryotherapy with immunity correction.
- For filiform diathermocoagulation.
- For local epithelial hyperplasia, immunity corrected cryotherapy.
- In case of warty skin dysplasia, cryotherapy or diathermocoagulation with subsequent correction of immunity.
- For genital warts: removal of warts with cryotherapy, laser excision or diathermocoagulation and mandatory correction of the immune system.
Treatment of genital papillomas can be difficult with other genital infections (chlamydia, bacterial vaginosis, herpes, CMV infection, etc. ). In these cases, the processing is carried out in parallel.