There can be a large number of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. In addition, several species of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. The papillomavirus on the penis affects the mucous membranes and skin of the male body, usually localized in the external genitalia.
Papilloma is a benign neoplasm, usually small in size, resembling a cauliflower. This oncological process develops from flat epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and can have both flesh color and some (white, dark brown, etc. ). The causative agent of all oncology variants is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a DNA-containing virus and has a tropism for epithelial tissues, therefore it affects only the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogenic agent does not have a bark, but it is quite resistant to environmental conditions. HPV makes up a large group of viruses that are subdivided into:
- Types with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Types with average risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- The type with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the glans penis are considered a precancerous condition, that is, they belong to the second group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of the appearance of pathology, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment. If the malignancy process has already begun, the treatment becomes very difficult.
Reasons for appearance
For the appearance of papilloma on the penis in men, direct contact with an infected person is necessary. Microscopic or obvious damage to the skin is considered a particularly important predisposing factor. The main mode 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 membrane of the mouth and pharynx, during anal - anus and rectum.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis during shaving and other manipulations associated with injuries. A domestic route of infection is also possible, which is associated with the high resistance of the virus to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are particularly dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- Decrease in the body's immune forces;
- prolonged stress;
- Presence of chronic diseases;
- excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking certain medications.
clinical picture
The incubation period for papilloma on the skin of the penis is about 8-12 weeks, but the clinical picture can vary significantly, since the clinical picture mainly depends on the degree of protection of the body.
Despite the fact that HPV most often causes harmless pathologies that do not cause discomfort to patients, the types of viruses that cause the appearance of papillomas in the penis area are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms can be considered the initial stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas on the penis look like small flesh-colored neoplasms, single or multiple, not accompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they look like cauliflower, sometimes they have a bump on the stem. In the absence of adequate treatment, the disease progresses, and the following stages are distinguished in it:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the layers of the foreskin, which makes it impossible to remove the glans penis);
- Accumulation of smegma and, as a result, the development of the infectious process (due to narrowing, it is difficult to clean the space between the head and the leaves of the foreskin);
- Inflammation of the glans penis and both layers of the foreskin (local manifestations are expressed in the form of edema, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosive defects on the glans penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of papillomas on the penis should be urgent and radical in order to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to significant disruption of life and even death.
diagnosis
Removal of papillomas on the penis can only be planned after the diagnosis is confirmed. The main diagnostic measures for this disease are:
- Evaluation of complaints, medical history and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected intercourse is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of flesh-colored growths resembling cauliflower. It is possible to detect such formations in the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus and in other external genital organs other than the penis.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement, but is over 95% effective, so it is considered the gold standard. With the help of PCR, it is possible to detect the DNA of the virus in the human body and accurately determine its type.
- cytological studies. Using different techniques, antibodies to HPV are detected, which makes it possible to judge the presence of an infection.
Treatment of penile papillomas is carried out immediately after the exact determination of the HPV type and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papillomas on the penis?
There are no effective conservative treatments for this infection. The only possible action is the radical removal of papillomas on the penis. Various techniques are used for therapy:
- laser removal;
- cryosurgery;
- Radio wave method (the most convenient option, without cosmetic defects, painless);
- open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemical agents are used).
In addition to radical therapy, drugs can also be used. Basically, cytostatic drugs are preferred. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of relapse.
During treatment, 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 consist mainly of initiating a protected sex life with a proven partner. When visiting baths and saunas, you should be very careful and avoid contact with any neoplasms of a person, especially in the presence of microtraumas.
To prevent the development of complications, you need to consult a doctor in time and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Treatment of the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee a complete 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 should be careful. monitor the condition, note the slightest changes and consult a doctor. The HPV carrier must maintain a high level of immunity to prevent recurrence of clinical signs (relapses).