Not every individual knows that squamous cell papilloma is the result of a viral disease. In addition to being an aesthetic problem, the disease can also cause serious damage to health, including death. The tumor can "grow" anywhere in the body and affect internal organs.
What is squamous cell papilloma and its structure
The answer to the question "What is it? " is a benign neoplasm. The main places of localization include the face, neck and mucous membranes. If the pathology is left untreated for a long time, it can become malignant. Externally, a flat papilloma resembles a circular mole. Color can vary from fleshy to dark brown. Doctors call the most common squamous papilloma with hyperkeratosis. It is mostly seen in older people, sometimes in individuals between the ages of 30-35.
Causes and sources of infection
There are many ways to become infected with squamous cell papilloma of the skin, some are simple and do not cause any concern:
- Sexual intercourse of any origin: vaginal, oral, anal;
- Daily contact (handshake). The main thing here is the presence of open wounds;
- Visiting public places with high humidity levels: swimming pool, sauna;
- Violation of personal hygiene standards.
Such papillomas are diagnosed in people with low immunity and who engage in a lot of casual sexual intercourse.
The penetration of a virus into a healthy body does not mean that papillomas will appear in the near future. This only happens when immunity decreases. Main reasons:
- The presence of bad habits: alcoholism, smoking, illegal drugs, poor-quality nutrition;
- Malfunction of the digestive system;
- Skin diseases;
- old age;
- Hereditary predisposition;
- Exposure to third-party chemicals.
Esophageal papilloma occurs immediately after failure. It occurs on the tongue, lips, mouth, esophagus and intestines.
Why is it dangerous for humans?
The main danger is that papilloma with hyperkeratosis turns into cancer in more than 60% of cases. If the growth occurs in the respiratory system, there is a risk of gradual oxygen deprivation and death. When a growth appears in the intestines, inflammation may occur due to exposure to feces. With squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus there is a risk of inflammation and bleeding due to consumption of solid food or low-quality alcohol.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms of squamous cell papilloma formation are few and vague. First, the area where the growth occurs is examined. Many people confuse skin growths with warts and do not pay attention to them, hoping that they will disappear over time. The neoplasm develops and grows very slowly, and inflammation occurs very rarely.
Foci of manifestation appear primarily in the thinnest areas of the skin. This is the eyelid area, neck, chest. If the eyelid is affected, damage to the conjunctiva may occur.
The neoplasm grows and develops slowly, its average size is from 0. 3 to 1. 5 centimeters. The color of the neoplasm varies and may change from skin color to purple over time.
Picking, squeezing or cutting squamous cell papilloma is dangerous; Infection may enter an open wound.
There are no specific diagnostic measures to detect the presence of the virus. First of all, a visual examination of the tumor is performed by the therapist. Then he writes referrals to other specialists: dermatologist, gynecologist. The appointment is made depending on the location of the papilloma. If it is located on the outer part of the skin, the diagnosis can be made immediately. Fluoroscopy is prescribed if the growth is inside the body.
If the rectum is affected, the doctor will palpate the neoplasm; The cervix can be clearly seen using a gynecological glass.
There are a number of mandatory procedures:
- Biopsy;
- Blood analysis;
- PCR examination.
If necessary, the treating doctor may recommend additional diagnostic methods.
Papillomas of the esophagus
The main sites of formation of squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus are the tongue, lips and oral mucosa. The virus may be accompanied by the formation of small ulcers and itching.
The first thing that occurs with papillomas on the lips is swelling and discomfort while eating. If the affected area is damaged, blood appears. The growths can grow rapidly and cause lip cancer.
With papilloma of the esophagus, its symptoms occur mainly in the male half of the population. The causes of the disease may be malnutrition, poor quality food and bad habits. The main location of the tumor in the esophagus is its middle part. The size of each is from 1-2 millimeters to 3-4 centimeters, elongated on a stalk. The patient notices pain in the stomach, belching, excessive salivation, and swelling in the throat. Diagnosis is performed using radiography and esophagoscopy.
Symptoms of formation in the mouth and larynx
With squamous cell papilloma of the larynx, it hurts the patient to eat, swallow, and sometimes even breathe. Sometimes there are difficulties in speaking. The growth is small in size, stalked. If a neoplasm is detected in a child, treatment is not started immediately, it will go away on its own. If you do not fight the disease in adulthood, it can turn into a malignant tumor.
The appearance of squamous cell papilloma of the tongue does not at first manifest itself in any way. White, flesh-colored growths only begin to show themselves if the patient is injured in some way. After a few weeks, bad breath appears, itching, burning and ulcers occur.
Symptoms of the larynx in adults may vary depending on the general condition of the body and the degree of development of the disease. There may be sore throat, nasal swelling, discomfort, congestion, and itching. If a growth has formed in the septum, it gradually grows along the nasal sinuses, disrupting the normal oxygen entry and exit processes.
Signs of formations in intimate places
In squamous cell papilloma of the cervix, the risk of the benign state of the neoplasm turning into cancer is very high. Often this process is accompanied by erosion and genital warts.
In its initial stage of development, the virus does not have any symptoms. Itching and burning gradually appear in the affected area, and over time a constant state of discomfort occurs. Discharge is possible. Papilloma is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist and colposcopy may be prescribed. During pregnancy, a woman may experience a decrease in the level of immunity and, accordingly, the appearance of papillomas. In such cases, immediate removal is recommended.
If we talk about the genitourinary system, the most problematic place for women is the rectum. In the initial stage, there are no symptoms, then pain, itching, purulent discharge and blood in the stool appear. Diagnosis can be made after palpation. In 90% of cases where this type of neoplasm occurs, doctors send you for syphilis tests.
Treatment and removal methods
In most cases, patients seek treatment when symptoms are already severe. It is forbidden to prescribe treatment for yourself or try to remove the papilloma. Removal is carried out in several ways:
- Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen;
- Operation;
- Removal with high frequency current;
- Laser removal;
- Operation using radio knife.
Esophageal papilloma requires additional examination, accordingly, treatment may take longer.
After removal, the scar is almost invisible. However, there is no 100% guarantee that the tumor will not reoccur. Without proper prevention, the virus will reawaken and growths will appear. After treatment, the patient is prescribed a number of antiviral drugs, vitamins and immunomodulators. It is important to restore the overall level of immunity as successfully as possible. Even if the virus remains in the body, it will contain it and prevent the formation of papillomas. It is recommended to completely eliminate bad habits.
Treatment with folk remedies
Squamous cell papilloma, like all other types of growths, occurs most often in older people. For many, surgical intervention is contraindicated. In such cases, the attending physician recommends turning to traditional medicine. The most recommended tools are:
- Freshly squeezed potato juice. Course – 2 months, take 100 ml 2 times a day;
- Celandine juice. Course – 4 weeks, the affected area is lubricated with liquid several times a day;
- Fresh garlic. The cleaned slice is fixed to the growth with adhesive plaster for 2-3 hours.
Currant leaves, licorice, nettle, lemon balm, plantain, garlic, beets and carrots are actively used in the preparation of medicinal infusions. In addition to taking medicinal compounds internally, you can prepare salads and soups from herbs and vegetables.
Prevention and prognosis
The main preventive methods are:
- Seeking medical help early;
- Proper nutrition;
- Elimination of all bad habits.
Papilloma of the esophagus, bladder and cervix responds well to natural traditional medicine. Their treatment is also slightly different from traditional treatment, and it also takes longer.
Rehabilitation after removal surgery may proceed differently and complications may arise. Basically the predictions are always positive. The death rate is minimal. If the process of formation of cancer cells has started, the survival rate is 30-35%.
If medical attention is sought in time, full recovery is 90% possible and soft tissue damage is minimal. Cancerous tumors are also successfully removed and the degeneration process can be stopped.