More often than not, people do not suspect that they have the human papillomavirus (HPV) in their bodies. This is due to the fact that the papillomavirus is usually present in a latent form, suppressed by natural immunity. Problems arise when it gets out of control and begins to actively appear in the form of growths in various parts of the body. Men are less likely to suffer from the effects of the virus than women, however, for them, its action can turn into serious problems in the form of papillomas on the penis.
Causes of occurrence
Viral DNA enters the body through microcracks in the skin or mucous membranes. If a person's immunity is weakened, the first manifestations of HPV will appear several months after infection.
Up to 80% of transmission occurs through sexual contact. Barrier contraception minimizes the risk of infection but does not completely eliminate it.
Other ways of infection:
- Family Road.The virus is transmitted along with an infected person's personal belongings: clothing, hygiene items, etc. The risk of transmission increases if the skin is damaged, even if small. This pathway is characterized by infection with low oncogenic strains of the virus. They do not lead to serious health problems, but appear in the form of genital warts, papillomas and warts, creating a cosmetic defect.
- From mother to child.If the mother was infected with HPV during pregnancy and childbirth and gave birth naturally, the baby is more likely to become infected.
If a man has good immune defenses, the virus does not show up and can remain in the body for a long time in a latent form. Therefore, it is not the infection with the virus itself that is dangerous, but the weakening of the immune system, which leads to the activation of HPV.
There are a number of factors that affect the possibility of strengthening virus positions:
- chronic diseases;
- hormonal problems;
- Wrongly chosen contraception or its complete absence;
- viral infections;
- alcohol, smoking or long-term use of antibiotics;
- frequent stress.
All these factors negatively affect the immune system. If in the life of a man there is not one provocative factor, but several, it will lead to a faster development of the papilloma virus.
Symptoms
Often, papillomas appear only on the outside, however, in some cases,nonspecific symptoms may appear:
- itching and burning during intercourse;
- pain when touching papillomas;
- accumulation of urine in the folds of the penis;
- unpleasant odor in the affected area.
Furthermore, neoplasms can grow and affect not only the penis area but also appear in the anus and pubis.
What do papillomas look like
Penile papilloma is a small neoplasm. At first, it may appear alone, but without proper treatment, the number of papillomas increases. However, they can merge with each other.
These growths look like flesh-colored or pink cauliflower flowers. Most often they are localized in the forearm, head and frenum. Rarely, they are diagnosed in the ureter and scrotum. Papillomas can also appear as small white pimples that appear in long lines. This shape is typical for localization in the freer zone.
One of the manifestations of HPV is Buschke-Levenstein warts. It is distinguished by rapid growth, extraordinary size and resistance to various types of treatment. Its appearance is due to several existing papillomas and warts, which come together and form a large area of the lesion. The presence of Buschke-Levenstein condyloma is dangerous because the cells altered by it can easily develop into cancer.
Which doctor to contact
As a rule, a urologist deals with the diagnosis of papillomas in men. You can also seek advice from a dermatovenerologist or proctologist if you have genital warts in the anal area. However, papillomas are usually referred to a removal surgeon. In total, the diagnosis takes place in several stages:
- The urologist examines and interviews the patient.Verbal questions are needed to assess a patient's lifestyle and to determine the cause of the virus infection. Visual examination includes not only the assessment of the condition of the penis, but also of the adjacent organs - the scrotum, the anal area. This is necessary to complete the virus localization picture.
- Defamation of the urethra.Determines the presence of various sexually transmitted diseases.
- PCR.This test not only shows the presence of HPV in the body, but also most likely determines its type.
- Meatoscope.This procedure is an examination of the urethra if the papilloma virus has infected frenum.
- After removing thepapilloma, your doctor may order a biopsyto assess the condition of the removed tumor. This is necessary to rule out the risk of developing cancer and to make sure the papilloma is benign.
In this case, it is desirable to do a survey of both partners. Usually a woman is also infected with one of the types of papillomavirus. If only one man is treated, it is very likely that he will get sick again after a while.
Why papillomas are dangerous
Human virus papyrus is often associated with other related diseases. The appearance of papillomas in the glans penis area contributes to the accumulation of urine in the folds. This creates conditions for the emergence and growth of various microorganisms, which then lead to infections. They can provoke erosion around the papilloma, and also contribute to inflammation of the urethra and testicles. These diseases are characterized by problems with urination, pain and high fever.
Another risk is trauma to neoplasms, which leads to bleeding. This is due to the fact that many blood vessels form around the papillomas, which supply them with blood. Even minor injuries can lead to infection due to injuries.
Also, neoplasms can rub when they move, causing pain and discomfort to a man.
HPV and cancer
When the virus has just started to spread, the neoplasms are sporadic and benign. Without treatment, they grow and merge with each other. Over time, the cells degenerate into malignant ones.The risk of cancer is especially high if a man is infected with highly oncogenic strains of the virus - 16 or 18.These are what contribute to the development of penile and bladder cancer.
Treatment of papillomas
Treatment with HPV involves not only removing its external manifestations, but also strengthening the immune system, which must block the manifestations of the virus.Immunostimulatory drugs are used to maintain immunity.
As an antiviral drug, an oil that suppresses virus multiplication and removes small growths is effective. It does not always face the task of complete removal, but prevents the appearance of new growths. Antiviral ointment is prescribed to stimulate immunity. The ointment does not remove papillomas, but stimulates the activation of cells of the immune system, which stops their growth and development.
Removal methods
There are several ways to get rid of new growths that have appeared:
- Laser removal.Papilloma is exposed to a laser beam, which completely burns the growth. In this place a crust is formed, which subsides after a few weeks. The method is considered effective due to the lack of returns. Removal is performed under anesthesia. There is no bleeding, no scarring or scarring.
- Cryodestruction.Papillomas are exposed to liquid nitrogen. Instantly freezes the desired area, the neoplasm in it collapses and disappears. The disadvantage of this method is the inability to control the depth of the cryodestruction effect. A crust also remains at the site of the removed papilloma, which disappears after a while.
- Radiosurgery.The principle of this method is similar to laser removal. The radio waves leave no marks and marks, and the procedure is preceded by preliminary anesthesia with a special spray. After that there are no complications, and the body heals quickly.
- Electrocoagulation.The growth is affected by an electric current, due to which the foot is eliminated, after which the papilloma disappears. Superficial anesthesia may be given if necessary. The procedure takes a few minutes, is widespread and affordable. But this method is capable of leaving scars after healing.
- Surgical intervention.Used in rare cases when the tumor becomes very large. It is done under anesthesia, there is a long recovery and trauma. The method is good as it allows you to save the removed growth for histological examination.
The cost of each method depends on the complexity of the work, the size and the number of papillomas to be removed.
Before choosing a method, consult your doctor. He will tell you what is best to use in your situation, will show you in detail how the procedure is performed. Also, after removal of the neoplasm, it is advisable to take the material for histology. This is necessary to determine whether the process of degeneration of benign to malignant neoplasms has begun. This method will help detect early cell changes and prevent the cancer from spreading.