papilloma in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is spread through contact and/or sexual contact. HPV has been known for over 70 years. In 1935, the ability of this group of viruses to cause the development of papillomas and skin cancer in rabbits was demonstrated. Was done. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been in doubt, but for some reason now they have begun to scare us about this disease and its consequences. In the human bodyWhile living, 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 shapes.

papilloma on penis

About 1-3% of people infected with HPV develop a papilloma at the site of primary contact. Papillomas are considered by doctors to be a benign tumor and do not pose a major threat. Although any change in normal cell growth in the form of a tumor or spotBoth the patient and the doctor should be alerted. In some cases, HPV manifests exclusively as a dermatological disease with contact-household transmission. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease, which is transmitted through sexual transmission. Genital forms of papilloma with. Since cases of cancer in cutaneous forms of HPV are extremely rare, we will pay more attention to the genital forms of HPV, in which cancer occurs more often. Genital forms of HPV There are 130 known strains of the virus. There are about 40 of the types. 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.

Naturally, sexual activity does not mean "old" monogamous relationships. In fact, provided that both partners have never had other sexual contact, the chances of getting the genital form of HPV are almost zero. With each new partnerThe risk of infection increases significantly. In addition, it is possible to be infected with several types of HPV simultaneously, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main factor of transmission is body fluidsare, contact of skin and mucous membranes is sufficient for the transmission of HPV. And if in the case of specific STDs, the use of condoms is a relatively reliable measure, then with respect to HPV, for example, with respect to genital herpes, its effectivenessRather doubtful.

papilloma in men

Papillomas in men are a clinical manifestation of infection of a patient with the human papilloma virus. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to live in the human body for a long time, practically not manifesting itself externally. Is. Under the influence of the predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus becomes 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 membranesShould be treated with extreme caution under doctor's supervision.

Papillomas in men: causes of occurrence

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, in which a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time, without even knowing it, since the virus has the ability to manifest itself only under the influence of external factors. , Transmission is also possible through direct contact with mucous membranes. In this case, the risk of infection increases if the skin or mucous membrane is damaged (cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. occur). The prevalence of this cause of infectionDue to, it is understandable that often papillomas (condylomas) in men and women appear in the intimate area, at the points of contact, so that the risk of infection is usually higher in men, due to their greater sexual activity, but women. The mucous membrane of is less protected.
  • Through household contact: It has now been proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through casual contact (even shaking hands), especially in public places (bath, swimming pool, gym, etc. ).

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

  • The patient's immunity becomes weak;
  • there was excessive physical or mental stress, tension, exhaustion;
  • There are different types of sexually transmitted diseases.

Features of the course of human papillomavirus infection in men

Under natural conditions, most viruses are low-pathogenic due to the hosts' low infectivity and resistance to infection. After entering a human cell, the DNA virus often does not integrate into the cellular genome. Instead, the viral genome encodesA protein (or group of proteins) rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus replicates synchronously with the cell without damaging it, a non-productive type of infection develops, "Otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic carriage.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, this process is called asymptomatic carriage, or releases thousands of active viral particles. This period is characterized by the appearance of round structures and growths on the skin and mucous membranes. However, HPV type 16And 18 can integrate into the cell genome without hijacking cellular genes. This phenomenon is called "insertional mutation", and thus the altered gene is inherited by all descendants of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes become activated. and a tumor appears. Thus, these cells are inherited by all descendants from the moment the embryo is formed until the woman's pregnancy and childbirth.

Main factors of infection

  • multiple sexual partners;
  • use of birth control pills;
  • smoking;
  • Insufficiency of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of chronic foci of coccal infection - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
  • Artificial dietary restrictions, weight loss.

With good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is cleared from the woman's body within a year, and in 85% of cases - within 4 years. That is why the number of women infected with HPV increases by 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: consequences

The virus can cause condylomas or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are located in the groin, as well as on the head and foreskin of the penis. This type of condyloma has very dangerous consequences for men. Condylomas on the penis can cause the foreskin to shrink, making it difficult to expose the head of the penis and causing problems in your personal life. It should also be remembered that someIn cases such formations are not an indicator of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet manifested (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that the carrier of the virus can transmit it to his partner. Transmission of the virus from an infected mother to the fetus is also possible, so couples wishing to have children should pay special attention to HPV and other such diseases.

HPV in men: symptoms

Often, HPV can exist in the human body for a long time without manifesting itself. 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 condylomas in the groin or pubic area. and papillomas – warts, lumps and skin irregularities, the color of which does not differ from the main skin.condyloma- This is a genital type of papilloma, which resembles a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "foot". The size of the condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters - in the latter case weWe are talking about the accumulation of condylomas. Such papillomas can also appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, and around the anus (then there is a high possibility that condylomas can also occur in the rectum). MostThese are painless, but in some cases men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests as:

  • Pain while urinating, defecating, or having sex;
  • Bleeding from condylomas: Sometimes ulcers that do not heal for a long time can form in their place;
  • Sometimes condyloma may also cause itching.

The listed symptoms usually indicate damage to the condyloma.

treatment of hpv in men

initial screening

The presence 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 high oncological potential. It occurs, so when the symptoms of the disease are first detected, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating human papillomavirus, the more likely it is that a man will be able to avoid the serious health consequences of condyloma. (All the above applies to women also. )

initial appointment

The initial appointment with a specialist involves a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as being interrogated and prescribing tests. Although often papillomas have a typical appearance, additional testing and diagnosis patientMake it possible to absolutely accurately determine the presence of HPV in the body.If HPV infection is suspected in men, the following tests are usually prescribed:,

  • Blood test (for condyloma, also analysis of urethral secretions): Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to isolate the DNA of the virus from the available material and thereby confirm its presence in the patient's body;
  • Biopsy of papilloma (condyloma): done to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in the tumor.

further treatment regimen

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

Methods of disposal are different and are selected individually depending on the location of the tumor. In addition to the removal of the tumor, the treatment of condyloma in men involves the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so thatThe body can fight the virus and suppress it, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the chosen method of getting rid of condyloma, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no technique can completely rid a person of infection: the disease is only "suppressed"., Therapy is combined and includes 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:

  • cryodestruction (using 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 interferon preparations are:

  • In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
  • Viferon;
  • Cycloferon;
  • Refron;
  • Leukinferon, etc.

interferonIs 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 gives you a pure drug (without impurities) and allows to receive less allergy-causing medication. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have systemic effects on the entire body. However, there are cases where interferon treatment provokes allergic reactions. In this regard, These medications are discontinued, and the doctor develops another course of medication.

dietary supplement(Dietary supplement) For food that contains indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance present in broccoli - the latest discovery of science. This chemical compound has a strong anticarcinogenic effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is noteworthy that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. It has been established that the use of indanol increases the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still being tested and the bodyBut its effect is a subject of detailed study. Doctors may prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not completely understood, since its state changes depending on any intervention: whether therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators are not prescribed randomly. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs, such as antiviral drugs that are particularly effective against herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox viruses, have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore. Their use is impractical.

The patient can also be given advice during treatment,

  • To prevent the virus from entering the partner's body, one should especially avoid unprotected intercourse;
  • Strengthen your immune system yourself with diet and moderate physical activity.

Treatment Result:It should be remembered that the process of HPV treatment, its timing and effectiveness largely depend on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, as well as the development of possible complications of this disease (oncological in the first place).

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. Growths located in the genital area have a negative impact on the mental and sexual health of a man and cause difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. is a source of infection. With reduced immunity, condyloma 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 andOther proctological problems may develop. The spread of growths to the urethral area leads to the development of urological pathology. When the structures are injured, bleeding develops. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin. , which is accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and deterioration in general condition.

prevention

The complexity of treating HPV, as well as the serious health problems caused by this virus, dictate the importance of preventive measures, including:

  • Ordered to have sexual intercourse with a trusted partner and use barrier contraceptive measures. Also, 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. ;
  • Use of a special vaccine: The course of taking the drug for human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the arm muscle and can reduce the risk of this disease. The injection should be given only after preliminary consultation with a specialist (this prevention is onlyPossible only in people uninfected with HPV);
  • Preventive visits to the urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems of the genitourinary system, taking tests to identify viruses.

If specific formations are found in the intimate area, as well as on 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 undesirable consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strongly not recommended to treat yourself, since only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment of condyloma in men.

general question

What symptoms can papillomas cause in men?

Papillomas in men may appear as small warts or flat warts on the genitals, anus, or the skin around them. There may also be itching, discomfort, or mild pain in the affected area.

How does papilloma spread in men?

Papillomas in men are spread by contact with infected skin or mucous membranes of the genital organs. It can also be spread through sexual intercourse, as well as through direct contact with the affected area.

How can you prevent papilloma infection in men?

It is recommended to use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent papilloma infection in men. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to your doctor and testingIt will also help in identifying the infection in its early stages and preventing its spread.

Useful advice

Tip #1

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

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilloma. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as this may lead to infection and complications. If the papilloma is in an area with friction or injury (such as the neck or armpit), apply a soft bandage orTry using tape.

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.