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Papilloma in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted 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 papilloma and skin cancer in rabbits was proven. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been questioned, but somehow they have only now begun to scare us about this disease and its consequences. Different types of HPV manifest themselves in different ways in the human body. However, the binding property of these viruses causes the formation of papillomas (warts) of various forms.

penile papillomas

Papillomas develop at the site of first contact in approximately 1-3% of HPV-infected individuals. Papilloma is considered by doctors as a benign tumor and does not pose a serious threat. Any change in normal cell growth in the form of a tumor or spot should alert both the patient and the physician. In some cases, HPV appears only as a dermatological disease transmitted through household contacts. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease causing genital forms of sexually transmitted papillomas. Because cases of cancer in the skin form of HPV are very rare, we focus more on the genital forms of HPV, where cancer is more common. Genital forms of HPV are caused by about 40 of the 130 known types of the virus. It is estimated that about 70% of the sexually active adult population will be infected with genital forms of HPV at some point in their lives.

Of course, being sexually active doesn't mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. In fact, if both partners have had no other sexual intercourse, the probability of acquiring genital forms of HPV is almost zero. The risk of transmission increases significantly with each new partner. In addition, it is possible to be infected with several types of HPV at the same time, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike other infections where the main transmission factor is bodily fluids, HPV is transmitted through skin and mucous membrane contact. And while the use of condoms is relatively reliable for typical STDs, its effectiveness against HPV, such as genital herpes, is highly questionable.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma is a clinical manifestation of human papillomavirus infection in men. It should be noted that the virus is very common, but it is able to stay in the human body for a long time, practically invisible from the outside. Under the influence of predisposing factors activation of the human papillomavirus, as a result of which various tumors of the skin and mucous membrane appear. Some types of the virus are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any tumors that appear on the skin and mucous membranes should be treated very carefully under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of appearance

The reason for the appearance of papillomas in the body of men and women is a virus that enters the body in different ways:

  • Due to unprotected sex: the most common type of infection, in which a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time without knowing it, because the virus is able to manifest itself only under the influence of external factors. . It can also be transmitted through direct contact with mucous membranes. In this case, if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (there are cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ), the risk of infection increases. Due to the prevalence of this cause of infection, it is clear that papillomas (condylomas) in men and women often appear in the intimate zone, in places of contact, from which the risk of infection in men is often higher. more sexual activity, but women's mucous membranes are less protected.
  • Through household: it has now been proven that the HPV virus enters the human body through normal contact (handshake), especially in public places (baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

Also, it should be remembered that infection with the mentioned virus does not mean its appearance.Often the disease becomes active and makes itself felt:

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

Features of the course of human papillomavirus infection in men

Under natural conditions, most viruses are less pathogenic due to their low infectivity and host resistance to infection. Once inside a human cell, the DNA virus usually does not integrate into the cellular genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus replicates synchronously with the cell without harming it, a nonproductive infection occurs, " otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic course.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in the cell, the process is called asymptomatic, or thousands of active viral particles are released. This period is characterized by the appearance of rounded structures and 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 thus changed is inherited by all descendants of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and tumors are formed. Thus, these cells are inherited from the moment the fetus is formed, during the pregnancy of the woman and at the birth of the child.

Major factors of infection

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

With a good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is cleared from the woman's body within one year, and in 85% of cases - within 4 years. For this reason, the number of women with HPV decreases with age. The development of cancer in men and women is closely related to human papillomavirus infection. Genital warts, body papillomas, warts, and flat warts were found in studies of men and women with human papillomavirus infection.

HPV in men: implications

The virus can cause condylomas, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, can be found on the groin, as well as on the head of the penis and on the skin of the foreskin. Such condylomas have very dangerous consequences for men and require treatment. Genital warts can cause the foreskin to tighten, making it difficult to open the head of the penis and causing problems in your private life. It should also be remembered that in some cases, such formations are not HPV, but other sexually transmitted diseases (for example, syphilis) have not manifested themselves. Another risk of HPV is that a carrier can pass it on to their partner, putting them at risk of developing cancer. The virus can also be transmitted to the fetus 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

Often, HPV can remain in the human body for a long time without showing itself. However, the most important sign (symptom) of HPV in men and women is the appearance of condylomas and papillomas - warts, bumps and skin lesions - on the skin and mucous membranes, including the groin or pelvis. , the color does not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a genital type of papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a "leg". The size of a condyloma can vary from several millimeters to several centimeters - in the last case, we are talking about accumulation of condylomas. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the skin of the foreskin, as well as around the anus (condylomas can also be inside the anus). Usually they are not painful, but in some cases, men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus, if the disease is expressed as follows:

  • pain when urinating, defecating, or having sex;
  • Bleeding from condyloma: sometimes they can be replaced by sores that do not heal for a long time;
  • Also, sometimes warts can itch.

The indicated symptoms usually indicate a condyloma disorder.

HPV treatment in men

Initial examination

The appearance of papillomas, in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body, indicates the weakness of the immune system and the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas, in particular, condylomas on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, so when the symptoms of the disease are detected for the first time, it is necessary to consult a specialist. The earlier you start treatment for human papillomavirus, the more chances a man has to avoid the serious health consequences of genital warts. (All of the above applies to women as well. )

Initial appointment

The first appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membrane and skin, as well as questioning and ordering tests. Although most often papillomas have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics allow to 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, as well as analysis of urethral discharge): modern diagnostic methods allow to isolate the DNA of the virus from the available material and thus confirm its presence in the patient's body;
  • Biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): performed to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in the tumors.

Further treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is usually 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 period of remission. Papilloma removal for HPV is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not interfere with the patient, it cannot be removed at his request, but then he should undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is mandatory treatment of male genital warts due to their specific location.

Removal methods are different and are selected individually depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to the removal of tumors, the treatment of condyloma in men means the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system, the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the chosen method, getting rid of condylomas, 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 "Muslim".. Treatment is combined and includes excision of skin growths and medication. The duration depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are removed in several ways:

  • use of cryodestruction (liquid nitrogen);
  • diathermocoagulation (high-frequency current);
  • electrocoagulation (cauterization with electric current);
  • laser;
  • chemical or surgical method, etc. b.

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

  • In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
  • Viferon;
  • Cycloferon;
  • reaferon;
  • leukinferon and others.

Interferona substance produced by the human immune system to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific achievements in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained by synthesis. This allows for a cleaner (without additives) and less allergenic preparation. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect on the whole body. However, there are cases where interferon treatment causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are stopped, and the doctor develops another course of drugs.

Dietary supplement(Bad) indole-3-carbinol, a natural substance in broccoli, is the latest discovery of science. This chemical compound has a strong carcinogenic effect (prevents harmful formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It should be noted that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. The use of indinol has been found to increase the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still being tested and its effects on the body are being studied in detail. The doctor can prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It should be remembered that the functioning of the immune system is not completely understood, because its state changes according to various interventions: whether therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It is important to note that antiviral drugs, such as antiviral drugs that are particularly effective against herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and chicken pox viruses, have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is not practical.

During treatment, the patient may also be recommended:

  • to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body, especially to avoid unprotected sex;
  • Strengthen your immune system with diet and moderate exercise.

Treatment result:It should be remembered that the HPV treatment process, its time and effectiveness often depend on the general condition of the patient's body, accompanying 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 have a negative impact on a person's mental and sexual health and cause difficulties in communicating with people of the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With a decrease in immunity, condylomas can occupy a significant area and grow rapidly. When the rectal process is involved, there is a feeling of a foreign body in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may occur. The spread of plants to the urethral zone leads to the development of urological pathology. Bleeding occurs when formations are damaged. When infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness, and general malaise.

Prevention

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 to have sex with a trusted partner and to use barrier contraception. At the same time, modern research shows that only high-quality protection can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection for both partners;
  • strengthening the immune system: diet, taking vitamins, etc. b. ;
  • the use of a special vaccine: the course of taking drugs against the papillomavirus in men is three times injected into the brachial muscles, which reduces the risk of this disease. Injection should be done after prior consultation of a specialist (this prevention is possible only in people without HPV infection);
  • preventive visit to the urologist, checking for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems of the urogenital system, taking tests to detect the virus.

If characteristic structures are detected in the intimate area, as well as in other parts of the body, on the skin and mucous membranes, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible. It avoids complications and other unpleasant consequences for men's health. In such cases, self-treatment is not recommended, because only a specialist can determine and correctly prescribe the treatment of condyloma in men.

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of papilloma in men?

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

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

Papilloma is transmitted in men by contact with infected skin or mucous membranes of the genitals. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, as well as through direct contact with the affected area.

How to prevent papilloma infection in men?

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

Useful tips

Tip #1

Consult a dermatovenerologist for professional advice and diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist can accurately determine whether a papilloma is dangerous or requires removal.

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilloma. Do not attempt 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 damage.

Tip #3

Follow the rules of hygiene. Always wash and dry the area around the papilloma to prevent bacterial growth and infection. To prevent the spread of infection, do not share personal hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with other people.