Papilloma in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through contact and/or sexual contact. HPV has been known for more than 70 years. In 1935, the ability of this group of viruses to cause the development of papillomas and skin cancer in rabbits was demonstrated. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been in doubt, but for some reason only now they have begun to scare us about this disease and its consequences. While in the human body, different types of HPV manifest in different ways. But the unifying property of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various forms.

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of those infected with HPV. Papilloma is considered by doctors as a benign tumor and does not pose a significant threat. Although any change in normal cell growth in the form of a tumor or spot should alarm both the patient and the doctor. In some cases, HPV manifests exclusively as a dermatological disease with contact-family transmission. HPV can also appear as a venereal disease, causing genital forms of sexually transmitted papillomas. Since cases of cancer are extremely rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, in which cancer occurs much more often. Genital forms of HPV are caused by about 40 of the 130 known types of the virus. It is estimated that up to 70% of the sexually active adult population will be infected with genital forms of HPV at some point in their lives.

Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. Indeed, provided that both partners have never had other sexual contact, the chance of having genital forms of HPV is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. In addition, infection is possible with several types of HPV at the same time, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main factor of transmission is body fluids, skin and mucous membrane contact is sufficient for HPV transmission. And if in the case of typical sexually transmitted diseases, the use of a condom is a relatively reliable remedy, then in relation to HPV, such as, for example, genital herpes, its effectiveness is quite doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of a patient's infection with the human papillomavirus. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to stay in the human body for a long time, practically not appearing from the outside. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, resulting in the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasm on the skin and mucous membranes should be treated with extreme care, under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of appearance

The cause of the appearance of papillomas on the body in men and women is a virus that can enter the body in different ways:

• Due to unprotected sexual contact: the most common type of infection, including because a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time without even knowing it, since the virus has the ability to appear only under the influence of factorsexternal. . Transmission is also possible through direct mucosal contact. In this case, the risk of infection increases if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (there are cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ). Due to the spread of this cause of infection, it is understandable that quite often papillomas (condylomas) in men and women appear in the intimate area, in the points of contact, from which the risk of infection in men is usually higher, due totheirs. greater sexual activity, but women's mucous membranes are less protected.
• Through family contact: it has already been proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through ordinary contact (even shaking hands), especially in public places (bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It is also necessary to remember that infection with the specified virus does not mean its manifestation.More often, the disease becomes active and makes itself felt if:

• the patient's immunity is weakened;
• there was great physical or mental stress, stress, exhaustion;
• There are different types of sexually transmitted diseases.

Characteristics of the course of human papillomavirus infection in men

Under natural conditions, most viruses are low pathogenic due to low infectivity and host resistance to infection. Once inside a human cell, a DNA virus usually does not integrate into the cellular genome. Instead, a protein (or set of proteins) encoded by the viral genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus replicates synchronously with the cell without damaging it, an infection of a non-productive type develops", otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic transport.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic carriage, or releases thousands of active viral particles. This period is characterized by the appearance of formations and rounded growths on the skin and mucous membranes. However, HPV types 16 and 18 can integrate into the cell genome without hijacking cellular genes. This phenomenon is called "insertional mutagenesis" and the gene changed in this way is inherited by all the descendants of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor appears. Thus, these cells are inherited by all offspring from the moment of the formation of the fetus, during the pregnancy of the woman and the birth of the child.

The main factors of infection

• multiple sexual partners;
• use of contraceptive pills;
• smoking;
• insufficiency of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of chronic foci of coccal infection - tonsils, sinusitis, caries);
• artificial dietary restriction, weight loss.

With a good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is cleared from a woman's body within a year, and in 85% of cases - within 4 years. This is why the number of women infected with HPV decreases with age. The development of cancer in men and women is closely related to human papillomavirus infection. As a result of a study of men and women infected with human papillomavirus infection, genital warts, body papillomas, warts and flat warts were discovered.

HPV in men: the consequences

The virus can cause condylomas, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are located on the groin, as well as on the glans and foreskin. This type of warts has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condylomas on the penis can lead to a narrowing of the foreskin, which can make it difficult to expose the head of the penis and lead to problems in your personal life. It should also be remembered that in some cases such formations are not indicative of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet appeared (for example, syphilis). Another risk of HPV is that a carrier of the virus can pass it on to their partner, putting them at risk of developing cancer as well. Transmission of the virus to the fetus is also possible from an infected mother, so couples who want to have children should pay special attention to HPV and other diseases of this type.

HPV in men: symptoms

More often, HPV can be present in the human body for a long time without appearing. However, the most important sign (symptom) of the possible presence of HPV in men and women is the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the groin or pubic area, of condylomas and papillomas - warts, bumps and skin irregularities. , the color of which does not differ from the main skin.Condylomas- This is a genital type of papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucosa with a kind of "foot". The size of the condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters - in the latter case we are talking about a collection of condylomas. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, and also around the anus (then there is a high probability that condylomas can also be in the rectum). Most often they are painless, but in some cases men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests itself as:

• pain during urination, defecation or sexual intercourse;
• bleeding of condylomas: sometimes ulcers can form in their place that do not heal for a long time;
• also sometimes warts can itch.

The listed symptoms usually indicate condyloma damage.

Treatment of HPV in men

Initial examination

The appearance of papillomas, in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body, also indicates a weakened immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas, especially condylomas on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, so when the signs of the disease are first detected, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating the human papillomavirus, the more chances a man has to avoid the serious health consequences of condylomas. (All of the above also applies to women. )

Initial meeting

An initial appointment with a specialist includes a complete visual examination of the patient's mucosa and skin, as well as questioning him and ordering tests. Although most often papillomas have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to absolutely accurately determine the presence of HPV in the patient's body.If HPV infection is suspected in men, the following tests are usually prescribed::

• blood analysis (for condylomas, also analysis of urethral discharge): modern diagnostic methods make it possible to isolate the DNA of the virus from the available material and thus confirm its presence in the patient's body;
• papilloma biopsy (condyloma): done to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Further treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is mainly determined by the presence or absence of genital warts. Like the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to completely get rid of HPV, so therapeutic effects and surgical intervention are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations and increasing the remission period. Removal of papillomas for HPV is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not interfere with the patient, then at his request it may not be removed, but then he will undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for genital warts in men, due to their special location.

Disposal methods are different and are chosen individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to the removal of tumors, the treatment of condylomas in men includes the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thus suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the method chosen to get rid of warts, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no single technique can completely free a person from infection: the disease is only "suffocated". The therapy is combined and includes the removal of growths from the skin and the use of medications. The duration depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are removed in several ways:

• using cryodestruction (liquid nitrogen);
• diathermocoagulation (high frequency current);
• electrocoagulation (cauterization with electric current);
• laser;
• chemical or surgical method etc.

In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used.The main preparations of interferon are:

• In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
• Viferon;
• cycloferon;
• reafer;
• leukinferon etc.

Interfereis a substance that the human immune system produces to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific advances in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained by synthesis. This allows you to get a cleaner (without impurities) and less allergenic medicine. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect throughout the body. However, there are cases when treatment with interferon provokes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are discontinued and the doctor develops another course of medication.

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) for food containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance present in broccoli - the latest discovery of science. This chemical component has a strong anticancer effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is worth noting that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. It has been proven that the use of indinol increases the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still being tested and its effect on the body is subject to detailed study. The doctor can prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not fully understood, as its state changes depending on each intervention: whether therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs such as the antiviral drug, which is particularly effective against herpes simplex, herpes zoster (herpes zoster) and chicken pox viruses, have no effect on the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is impractical.

During treatment, the patient may also be counseled:

• refrain from sexual relations, especially unprotected, to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body;
• Strengthen your own immune system with diet and moderate physical activity.

Treatment result:It should be remembered that the HPV treatment process, its time and effectiveness depend mainly on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, as well as the development of possible complications of this disease (primarily oncological).

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. Growths located in the genital area negatively affect a man's mental and sexual health and lead to difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With reduced immunity, condylomas can grow rapidly, occupying a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, there is a sensation of a foreign body in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may develop. The spread of growths in the area of the urethra leads to the development of urological pathology. When formations are injured, bleeding develops. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suffocation begin, which are accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and deterioration of the general condition.

Preventing

The complexity of HPV treatment, as well as the serious health problems that this virus can cause, determine the importance of preventive measures, which include:

• ordered sexual intercourse with a trusted partner and using contraceptive measures. At the same time, modern research shows that only high-quality protective equipment can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection for both partners;
• strengthening the immune system: diet, taking vitamins, etc. ;
• the use of a special vaccine: the course of taking drugs for human papillomavirus in men is three injections in the brachial muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection should be done after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is possible only in persons not infected with HPV);
• preventive visit to the urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the genitourinary system, taking tests to identify the virus.

If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area, as well as in other parts of the body, skin and mucous membranes, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist as soon as possible. This will avoid complications and other unwanted consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strictly not recommended to treat yourself, as only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe the treatment of condyloma in men.

FAQ

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

Papilloma in men can appear as small warts or flat warts on the skin of the genitals, anus or near them. Itching, discomfort or mild pain in the affected area may also occur.

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

Papilloma in men is transmitted through contact with infected skin or genital mucosa. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, as well as through direct contact with the affected area.

How can you prevent papilloma infection in men?

To prevent papilloma infection in men, it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to the doctor and testing will also help identify the infection in its early stages and prevent its spread.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatovenerologist for professional advice and diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine whether the papilloma is dangerous and whether it requires removal.

Tip #2

Avoid damaging the papilloma. Do not try to remove it yourself, as this can lead to infection and complications. If the papilloma is in an area of friction or injury (such as the neck or armpit), try using a soft bandage or tape to prevent injury.

Tip #3

Follow the rules of hygiene. Wash and dry the area around the papilloma regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Avoid sharing hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with other people to avoid spreading the infection.