Human papillomavirus can cause a large number of diseases. In addition, several variants of this pathogen can cause similar pathologies. Papiloma virus on the penis usually affects the mucous membranes and skin in the male body, localizing on the external genitaliadoes.
Papilloma is a benign neoplasm, usually small in size, resembling a cauliflower. This oncological process develops from flat epithelial cells. The tumor grows above the skin and has flesh color and some other (white, dark)Brown, and so on). The causative agent of all types of oncology is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a DNA-containing virus and is a tropical to epithelial tissues, so it affects only the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogenic agent does not have a shell, but is highly resistant to environmental conditions. HPVForms a huge group of viruses, which are divided into:
- Types with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Types with average risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- High-risk types of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the glans penis are considered a precancerous condition, that is, they belong to the latter group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of the presence of pathology, you should consult a doctor and start treatment. The healing becomes very difficult if the process has already started.
due to presence
For the appearance of papillomas on the penis in men, direct contact with an infected person is required. Subtle or obvious damage to the skin is considered a particularly important predisposing factor. The main route of transmission of the disease is sexual. Also, not only people with papillomas with a clear clinical picture are infected, but also latent carriers of the virus. During traditional sex, the head of the penis is affected, during oral-genital contacts - the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, anusDuring - anus and rectum.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis, during shaving and other manipulations involving injuries. Home route of infection is also possible, which is associated with high resistance to the virus in environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are especially dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- decrease in the immunity power of the body;
- prolonged stress;
- the presence of chronic diseases;
- excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking some medicines
clinical picture
The incubation period for papillomas on the skin of the penis is about 8-12 weeks, but it can vary significantly, since the clinical picture primarily depends on the degree of protection of the body.
Despite the fact that HPV often causes harmless pathologies that do not cause discomfort to patients, the types of viruses that cause the appearance of papillomas in the penile area are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms. Cancer can be considered the first stage of the process.
Papillomas on the penis look like small flesh-colored neoplasms, single or multiple, with no subjective symptoms. Sometimes they can resemble cauliflower, sometimes they can be swollen on the stalk. In the absence of adequate treatment, the diseasegrows, and in it the following stages are distinguished:
- phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin, making it impossible to remove the glans penis);
- accumulation of smegma and, consequently, the development of the infectious process (due to the contraction, it is difficult to clear the space between the head and foreskin leaves);
- swelling of the head of the penis and both sheets of foreskin (local symptoms are expressed in the form of edema, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosion defects on the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of papillomas on the penis must be immediate and radical to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to significant life disruptions and even death.
diagnosis
Removal of papillomas on the penis can be planned only after the diagnosis is finally established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Evaluation of complaints, medical history and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected intercourse is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of cauliflower-like flesh-colored growths. On the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus and penisIt is also possible to detect such formations on the external genitalia except.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement, but is more than 95% effective, which is why it is considered the gold standard. With the help of PCR it is possible to detect the DNA of viruses in the human body, as well asIt is also possible to accurately determine its type.
- Cytological studies. Using various techniques, antibodies to HPV are detected, which makes it possible to judge the presence of infection.
Treatment of papillomas of the penis is carried out immediately after an accurate determination of the type of HPV and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papillomas on the penis?
There are no effective types of conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible course of action is to completely remove the papillomas on the penis. Various techniques are used for therapy:
- laser removal;
- cryosurgery;
- radio wave method (the most optimal option, leaving no cosmetic defects, painless);
- open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemical agents are used).
Medications may be used in addition to radical therapy. Basically, preference is given to cytostatic drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of relapse.
During the treatment period, sexual intercourse should be avoided to prevent the spread of infection. It is also recommended that all sexual partners of the patient be tested for the presence of HPV.
prophylaxis
Preventive measures mainly include the introduction of a protected sex life with a proven partner. You should be very careful when visiting public baths and saunas, as well as avoid contact with any neoplasms of a person, especiallyIn the presence of microtrauma.
To prevent the development of complications, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Treating the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee a full recovery of the patient (that is, if the papilloma on the penis is removed, it will still not work to remove the virus from the body), so a man shouldshould carefully monitor his condition, noting minor changes and see a doctor. HPV carriers should maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not recur.