There can be many diseases caused by human papillomavirus. In addition, several types of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. Papillomavirus is usually localized in the external genitalia of the penis and affects the mucous membranes and skin of the male body.
Papilloma is a benign tumor, usually small in color, resembling cauliflower. This oncological process develops from squamous epithelial cells. The tumor grows on the skin and may have a fleshy color or some (white, dark brown, etc. ). Human papillomavirus is the causative agent of all variants of oncology.
HPV is a DNA-containing virus and has tropism for epithelial tissues, so it only affects the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. There is no bark of the pathogen, but it is very resistant to environmental conditions. HPV is a large group of viruses that are divided into:
- Minimally dangerous species;
- Moderately dangerous species (special conditions required);
- A type with a high risk of harmful transformation.
Genital papillomas are considered precancerous, meaning they belong to the last group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start treatment. If the tumor process has already begun, the therapy will be very difficult.
Causes
In order for papillomas to form in the penis of men, direct contact with an infected person is required. Microscopic or overt skin lesions are a particularly important contributor. The main mode of transmission is sexual intercourse. Moreover, 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 damaged, during oral sex - the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, during anal - the rectum and anus.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, papillomas on the skin of the penis can occur from injuries associated with shaving and other manipulations. Household infections are also possible due to the high resistance of the virus to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are especially dangerous.
Factors contributing to the disease:
- Decreased immune system;
- Prolonged stress;
- Presence of chronic diseases;
- Excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking some medications.
Clinical picture
The incubation period of papilloma in the skin of the penis is about 8-12 weeks, but the clinical picture depends on the degree of protection of the body, so it can vary considerably.
Although HPV often causes benign pathologies that do not cause discomfort to patients, the types of virus that cause papillomas in the penile area are highly oncogenic. In other words, the formation of neoplasms can be considered the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas of the penis resemble small neoplasms of flesh color and are not accompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they can look like cauliflower, and sometimes there is swelling on the stem. Without proper treatment, the disease develops and is divided into the following stages:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the skin, inability to remove the teeth of the penis);
- Concentration of smegma and the consequent development of the infectious process (it is difficult to clear the space between the head and leaves due to cavities);
- Inflammation of the head of the penis and the bones of both leaves (local signs are expressed in the form of swelling, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosive defects in the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of penile papilloma should be rapid and radical to prevent serious complications that can lead to serious life-threatening and even fatal complications.
Diagnosis
Removal of papillomas from the genitals can be planned only after the final diagnosis. The main diagnostic measures of this disease are:
- Assessment of complaints, medical history and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected sex is checked, and the affected area is checked for the presence of fleshy colored plants resembling cauliflower. This formation can also be found in the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus, and in other external genitalia except the genitals.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement, but more than 95% effective, so it is the gold standard. PCR can detect the DNA of the virus in the human body, as well as its type.
- Cytological examination. Using a variety of methods, antibodies against HPV are detected, which allows you to determine the presence of infection.
Treatment of penile papillomas is carried out immediately after accurate identification of the type of HPV and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papilloma on the penis?
There are no effective forms of conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible course is radical removal of papillomas from the penis. Different methods are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radio wave method (the best option, without any cosmetic defects, without pain);
- Open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemical agents are used).
Medications can be used as an adjunct to radical therapy. In general, cytostatic drugs are preferred. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment to prevent the spread of infection. It is also recommended that all sexual partners of the patient be tested for HPV.
Prevention
Preventive measures mainly consist of introducing a protected sex life with a proven partner. When visiting public baths and saunas, you should avoid contact with human neoplasms, especially in the presence of microtraumas.
To prevent the development of the disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Curing the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee a complete recovery of the patient (i. e. , even if the papilloma is removed from the penis, it will not work to remove the virus from the body), so the man should carefully observe small changes and consult a doctor. The HPV carrier must maintain a high level of immunity to prevent recurrence of clinical manifestations (relapses).