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papilloma in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through contact and/or sexual contact. HPV has been known for more than 70 years. In 1935, the ability of this group of viruses to cause the development of papillomas and skin cancer in rabbits was proven. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been a matter of doubt, but for some reason they only now began to scare us about this disease and its consequences. Different types of HPV manifest themselves in different ways in the human body. But the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various shapes.

papillomas on the penis

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of those infected with HPV. Papilloma is considered by doctors to be a benign tumor and does not pose a significant threat. Any change in normal cell growth in the form of a tumor or spot should alert both the patient and the doctor. In some cases, HPV manifests itself as a dermatological disease transmitted only by household contact. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease that causes sexually transmitted forms of genital papillomas. Since cases of cancer in cutaneous forms of HPV are extremely rare, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, where cancer occurs much more often. Genital forms of HPV are caused by approximately 40 of the 130 known types of the virus. 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Naturally, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. In fact, the probability of having genital forms of HPV is almost zero, provided that both partners have not had other sexual intercourse. The risk of infection increases significantly with each new partner. Moreover, infection with several types of HPV is simultaneously possible, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections in which the main transmission factor is body fluids, contact with skin and mucous membranes is sufficient for transmission of HPV. And if in the case of typical sexually transmitted diseases, the use of condoms is a relatively reliable remedy, then with regard to HPV, such as genital herpes, its effectiveness is quite doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of a patient's infection with human papillomavirus. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to remain in the human body for a long time, practically not manifesting itself externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, as a result of which various neoplasms are formed on the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes should be treated very carefully under the supervision of a doctor.

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 various ways:

  • Due to unprotected sexual contact: The most common type of infection, including the fact that a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time without even realizing it, since the virus has the ability to manifest itself only under the influence of external factors. Transmission is also possible through direct contact of mucous membranes. In this case, if there is damage to the skin or mucosa (cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ), the risk of infection increases. Due to the prevalence of this cause of infection, it is understandable that papillomas (condylomas) in men and women appear in the intimate area, at points of contact, where the risk of infection in men is usually higher. sexual activity is greater, but women's mucous membranes are less protected.
  • Through household contact: It has now been proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through ordinary contact (even shaking hands), especially in public places (bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It should also be noted that it does not mean the manifestation of infection with the specified virus.Often the disease becomes active and makes itself felt.:

  • the patient's immunity is weakened;
  • there was great physical or mental stress, stress, fatigue;
  • There are various 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 low infectivity and host resistance to infection. A DNA virus that penetrates a human cell often 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 multiplies simultaneously without damaging the cell, a non-productive type of infection develops, otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic carriage.

If the virus replicates rapidly in a cell, this process is called asymptomatic carriage, or thousands of active viral particles are released. This period is characterized by the appearance of rounded formations 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 a tumor appears. Thus, these cells are inherited to all generations from the moment the fetus is formed, during the woman's pregnancy and the birth of the child.

Main factors of infection

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

With a good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection the virus is cleared from a woman's body within a year, and in 85% of cases within 4 years. Therefore, the number of women infected 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 discovered as a result of a study of men and women infected with human papillomavirus infection.

HPV in men: consequences

The virus can cause condylomas or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are found in the groin, the head of the penis and the foreskin. These types of condylomas have very dangerous consequences for men and require treatment. Condylomas on the penis can cause the foreskin to narrow, making it difficult to expose the head of the penis and can lead to problems in your personal life. It should also be noted that in some cases such formations are not an indicator of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet manifested themselves (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that the carrier of the virus can infect his partner and also runs the risk of developing cancer. It is also possible for the virus to be transmitted from an infected mother to the fetus, so couples who want to have children need to pay special attention to HPV and other such diseases.

HPV in men: symptoms

Often, HPV can be present 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 of condylomas and papillomas (warts, lumps and irregularities on the skin) on the skin and mucosa, including in the groin or groin area. Its color is not different from the main leather.condyloma- This is a type of genital papilloma that resembles a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "leg". The size of the condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters - in the latter case we are talking about the accumulation of condylomas. Such papillomas may appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, and also around the anus (then there is a high probability that condylomas will also be in the rectum). Most of the time they are painless, but in some cases additional symptoms of human papillomavirus may appear in men if the disease manifests itself as:

  • pain when urinating, defecating, or having sex;
  • bleeding of condylomas: sometimes ulcers that do not heal for a long time may form in their place;
  • Also, sometimes condylomas can itch.

The listed symptoms usually indicate damage to the condyloma.

HPV treatment in men

first review

The appearance of papillomas in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body also indicates the depletion of the 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 a high oncological potential, so when symptoms of the disease are first detected, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating human papillomavirus, the better a man's chances of avoiding the serious health consequences of condylomata. (All of the above applies to women too. )

first date

The first appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as questioning him and prescribing tests. Although most often papillomas have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to absolutely 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 test (for condylomas also analysis of urethral discharge): modern diagnostic methods make it possible 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.

Advanced treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is largely determined by the presence or absence of condylomas on the genitals. 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 symptoms and increasing the period of remission. Removal of papillomas for HPV is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not interfere with the patient, it may not be removed at his request, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal of genital warts in men is a mandatory treatment method due to their special location.

Disposal methods are different and are selected individually depending on the location of the tumors. Treatment of condylomas in men, in addition to removing tumors, includes the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the chosen method of getting rid of condylomas, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no single technique can completely save a person from infection: the disease is only "suppressed". Therapy is combined and includes removal of skin growths and the use of medications. The duration depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are removed in several ways:

  • using cryodestruction (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 also used.The main interferon preparations are:

  • In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are also used: human interferon;
  • Viferon;
  • cycloferon;
  • reaferon;
  • leukinferon etc.

interferonIt is a substance produced by the human immune system to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific developments in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained through synthesis. This allows you to get a purer (without impurities) and less allergenic medicine. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect on the entire body. But there are cases when interferon therapy causes allergic reactions. Therefore, these drugs are stopped and the doctor develops another drug treatment.

dietary supplement(dietary supplement) science's latest discovery of foods containing indole-3-carbinol, a natural substance found in broccoli. This chemical compound has a strong anti-carcinogenic effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is noteworthy that indole-3-carbinol is found in most cabbage varieties. It has been determined that the use of indinol increases the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still being tested and its effect on the body is subjected to detailed study. The doctor may prescribe nonspecific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not fully understood, as its condition varies depending on any intervention (therapeutic or microbial). Therefore, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It should be noted that antiviral drugs, such as antiviral drugs that are especially effective against herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox viruses, do not have any effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is not practical.

Additional advice may be given to the patient during treatment.:

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

Treatment result:It should be noted that the process, timing and effectiveness of HPV treatment largely depend on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant 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 in the genital area negatively affect men's mental and sexual health, causing difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is also a source of infection for his sexual partners. With reduced immunity, condylomas can grow rapidly and occupy a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, a foreign body sensation occurs in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may develop. The spread of growths to the urethral region leads to the development of urological pathology. When the formations are injured, bleeding develops. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and deterioration of the general condition.

Prevention

The complexity of HPV treatment and the serious health problems that this virus can cause determine the importance of preventive measures, including:

  • sought sexual intercourse with a trusted partner and used barrier contraceptive measures. At the same time, 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, vitamin intake, etc. ;
  • the use of a special vaccine: the course of taking drugs against human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the brachial muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection should be done after preliminary consultation with a specialist (this prevention is possible only in people who are not infected with HPV);
  • Preventive visits to the urologist to check for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the genitourinary system, tests to identify the virus.

If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area and on other parts of the body, on the skin and mucosa, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist as soon as possible. This will prevent complications and other undesirable consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strictly not recommended to treat yourself, because only a specialist can diagnose and correctly prescribe treatment for condyloma in men.

FAQ

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

In men, papillomas may appear as small warts or flat warts on the skin of or near the genitals, anus. Itching, discomfort, or mild pain in the affected area may also occur.

How is papilloma in men transmitted?

Papilloma in men is transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes of the genital organs. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse or direct contact with the affected area.

How can you prevent papilloma infection in men?

To prevent papilloma infection in men, it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) may also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits and tests to your doctor will also help detect infection in its early stages and prevent it from spreading.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatovenerologist 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 damaging the papilloma. Do not try to remove it yourself as it may 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 hygiene rules. 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 others to prevent the spread of infection.