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 the development of papillomas and skin cancer in rabbits was revealed. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has been in doubt, but for some reason only now have we begun to fear this disease and its consequences. While in the human body, different types of HPV are manifested in different ways. But the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause various forms of papillomas (warts).

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of HPV-infected individuals. Papilloma is considered by doctors as a benign tumor and does not pose a significant threat. Although any change in the normal growth of cells in the form of a tumor or spot should alert both the patient and the doctor. In some cases, HPV manifests exclusively as a dermatological disease through contact household transmission. HPV can also occur as a sexually transmitted disease that causes genital papillomas. Since cancer cases are very rare in the cutaneous forms of HPV, we will focus more on the genital forms of HPV, in which 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 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Naturally, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. Indeed, provided that both partners have never had other sexual contact, the possibility of the presence of genital forms of HPV is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. Moreover, infectionIt is possible to have several types of HPV at the same time, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike other infections, where the main factor of transmission is bodily fluids, HPV is transmitted through skin and mucous membrane contact. And if in the case of a typical STD, a condomThe use is a relatively reliable means, while in relation to HPV, for example, with genital herpes, its effectiveness is quite doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of human papilloma virus infection. 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, it is practically not manifested externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, as a result of which various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes are formed. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasm on the skin and mucous membrane should be treated with extreme caution, under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of origin

The cause of the appearance of papillomas on the body in men and women is a virus that can enter the body in different 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 knowing it, because the virus has the ability to manifest itself only under the influence of external factors. . Transmission is also possible through direct contact with mucous membranes. In this case, the risk of infection increases in case of damage to the skin or mucous membranes (there are cracks, scratches, wounds, etc. ). Due to the spread of this cause of infection, it is clear that quite often papillomas (condylomas) appear in men and women in the intimate area, at points of contact, from which the risk of infection in men is usually higher. Greater sexual activity, 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 casual contact (even shaking hands), especially in public places (bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It is also necessary to remember that infection with the indicated virus does not mean its manifestation.Most 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 different types of sexually transmitted diseases.

Peculiarities of human papillomavirus infection course in men

Under natural conditions, most viruses are low pathogenic due to the low infectivity and resistance of the host to infection. After entering a human cell, the DNA virus most 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 replicates synchronously with the cell without causing damage, a non-productive type of infection develops, otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic transmission.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in the cell, this process is called asymptomatic transfer, that is, thousands of active viral particles are released. This period is characterized by the appearance of rounded formations and formations 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 "insertion mutagenesis" and the gene thus changed is inherited by all descendants of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and tumors appear. Thus, these cells are inherited to all offspring from the moment of the formation of the fetus, during the pregnancy of the woman and the birth of the child.

The main factors of infection

• multiple sexual partners;
• use of contraceptive pills;
• smoke;
• failure of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of chronic foci of oral infection - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
• Restriction of artificial nutrition, weight loss.

With a good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is removed from the woman's body within one year, and in 85% - within 4 years. That is why 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 have been found in studies of men and women infected with human papillomavirus infection.

HPV in men: results

The virus can cause condyloma, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are located in the groin area, as well as on the head and skin of the penis. This type of condyloma has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condylomas on the penis can cause narrowing of the foreskin, which can make it difficult to reveal the head of the penis and cause problems in personal life. It should also be remembered that in some cases such formations are not an indicator of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet been detected (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that the person carrying the virus 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

Most often, HPV can be in the human body for a long time without revealing itself. However, the most important sign (symptom) of the possible presence of HPV in men and women is the appearance of warts, tumors and skin disorders on the skin and mucous membranes, including the groin or groin area. , whose color does not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a genital type papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "foot". The size of the condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters - in the latter case, it is an accumulation of condylomas. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the skin, and also in the anus area (then largeMost often, they are painless, but in some cases, men can experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus, if the disease is manifested as follows:

• pain during urination, defecation or sex;
• Bleeding of condylomas: sometimes ulcers may form in their place, which will not heal for a long time;
• Also sometimes condyloma can itch.

The listed symptoms usually indicate condyloma damage.

Treatment of HPV in men

initial examination

The appearance of papillomas, in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body, also indicates a weakened immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas, in particular condyloma on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, therefore, when the signs of the disease appear for the first time, you should consult a specialist. The earlier you start treatment for human papillomavirus, the more chances a man has to avoid serious health consequences of condyloma. (All of the above applies to women as well. )

initial appointment

The initial meeting with a specialist involves a complete visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as his questioning and appointment of 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, as well as 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;
• Papilloma (condyloma) biopsy: done to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Further treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is largely determined by the presence or absence of genital warts. Like the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to get rid of HPV completely, so the therapeutic effect and surgical intervention are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations 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, then it may not be removed at his request, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for genital warts in men due to their special location.

Destruction methods are different and are selected individually, including depending on the location of the tumor. In addition to the removal of tumors, the treatment of condyloma in men involves the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thus 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 technique can completely free a person from infection: the disease is only "suppressed". The therapy is combined and includes the 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. Sh.

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

• In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
• Viferon;
• Cycloferon;
• Referon
• Leukinferon and A. Sh.

interferonis a 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 you to get a cleaner (without impurities) and less allergenic drug. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect throughout the body. However, there are cases when interferon treatment causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are stopped and the doctor develops another course of the drug.

dietary supplement(dietary supplement) on foods containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance found in broccoli - the latest scientific discovery. This chemical compound has a strong anti-carcinogenic effect (inhibits malignant formation in intestines, lungs, etc. ). It should be noted that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. It is established that the use of indinol enhances the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still in the process of testing and its effect on the body is subject to detailed study. The doctor may prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not completely understood, because its state changes according to any intervention: whether it is therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs, such as an antiviral drug that is particularly effective against herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and chicken pox viruses, do not have any effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is impractical.

During the treatment, the patient may also be given advice:

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

Result of treatment:It should be remembered that the process of HPV treatment, its time and effectiveness 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 located in the genital area have a negative effect on a man's mental and sexual health and cause difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for sexual partners. With reduced immunity, condyloma can grow quickly and occupy a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, there is a feeling of a foreign body in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may develop. The spread of formations in the area of the urethra leads to the development of urological pathology. Bleeding develops when formations are damaged. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and deterioration of the general condition.

Prevention

The difficulty of treating HPV, as well as the serious health problems that this virus can cause, determine the importance of preventive measures, which include:

• He ordered intercourse with a trusted partner and the use of barrier contraceptive measures. At the same time, modern studies show that only high-quality protective equipment can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection for both partners;
• Strengthening the immune system: diet, taking vitamins, etc. Sh.
• Special vaccine use: The course of medication for human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the shoulder muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection should be done after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is possible only in people not infected with HPV);
• Preventive visits to the urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems of the urogenital system, conducting tests to identify the virus.

If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area, as well as on other parts of the body, skin and mucous membranes, you need to consult a specialist as soon as possible. This will prevent complications and other unwanted consequences for men's health. In these cases, self-treatment is strongly not recommended, because only a specialist can diagnose and correctly prescribe the treatment of condyloma in men.

FAQ

What symptoms can cause papilloma in men?

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

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

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

How to 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) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to the doctor and testing will also help to identify the infection at an early stage and prevent its spread.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatologist for professional advice and diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine whether a papilloma is dangerous and whether it needs to be removed.

Tip #2

Avoid damaging the papilloma. Do not try to remove it, as this can lead to infection and complications. If the papilloma is in an area of friction or injury (such as the neck or arm), try using a soft bandage or tape to prevent injury.

Tip #3

Follow the rules of hygiene. Wash and dry the papilloma area regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Avoid sharing hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with other people to prevent the spread of infection.