Papilloma in men

The human papilloma virus (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 demonstrated. Since then, there is no doubt about the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans), but for some reason it is only now that they have started to scare us about this disease and its consequences. While in the human body, different types of HPV manifest themselves in different ways. But the unifying property of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various shapes.

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of those infected with HPV. Doctors consider Papilloma to be a benign tumor and not a significant threat. Although 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 exclusively as a dermatological disease with family contact transmission. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease, causing genital forms of papillomas with sexual transmission. Since cases of cancer are very rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, in which cancer occurs much more often. About 40 of the 130 types of the virus cause genital forms of HPV. 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.

Of course, sexual activity does not mean monogamous relationships are "outdated". In fact, provided that both partners have never had other sexual contacts, the possibility of genital forms of HPV is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. 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 most other infections, where bodily fluids are the primary transmission factor, contact with the skin and mucous membranes is sufficient to transmit HPV. And if in the case of typical STDs, the use of a condom is a relatively reliable remedy, then in the case of HPV, for example, generation says, its effectiveness is rather questionable.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of a patient's infection with the human papillomavirus. It should be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to stay in the human body for a long time, practically without showing itself externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, resulting in the formation of various neoplasms of 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 seriously, under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of occurrence

The reason for 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 because a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time, without even knowing it, since the virus has the abilitymanifest itself only under the influence of external factors. . Transmission can also occur through direct contact with mucous membranes. In this case, the risk of infection increases if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (there are cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ). Due to the prevalence of this cause of infection, it is understandable that papillomas (condylomas) are often seen in men and women in the private area, at points of contact, from which the risk of infection in men is usually higher, due to their- infection. more sexual activity, but the mucous membranes of women are less protected.
• Through household contact: it has now been proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through normal contact (even shaking hands), especially in public places (baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It is also necessary to remember that infection does not mean the expression of the specified virus.The disease often becomes active and makes itself felt if anything:

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

Aspects 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. After entering a human cell, virus DNA 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 is replicated synchronously with the cell without harming it, an infection of a non-productive type develops, otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic behavior.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic carriage, or it releases thousands of active viral particles. 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 "insertion mutation", and the gene thus changed is inherited by each offspring of a particular cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor appears. Therefore, each offspring inherits these cells from the moment the fetus is formed, during the woman's pregnancy and during the birth of the child.

Main factors of infection

• multiple sexual partners;
• use of contraceptive pills;
• smoking;
• insufficiency of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of a chronic focus of coccal infection - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
• artificial dietary 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 one year, and in 85% of cases - within 4 years. This is why the number of women infected with HPV decreases with age. The development of cancer in both men and women is closely related to human papillomavirus infection. As a result of a study of men and women infected with human papilloma virus infection, genital warts, papillomas of the body, warts and flat warts were discovered.

HPV in men: consequences

The virus can cause condylomas, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are located in the groin, as well as the head of the penis and the foreskin. This type of condylomas has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condylomas on the penis can cause thinning of the foreskin, making it difficult to expose the head of the penis and causing problems in your personal life. It must also be remembered that such formations are not an indicator of HPV in some cases, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet been demonstrated (for example, syphilis). Another danger associated with HPV is that the carrier of the virus can transmit it to their partner, which also increases the 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 be present in the human body for a long time without showing itself. However, the most important sign (symptoms) of the possible presence of HPV in men and women is the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the groin area or in the pubic area, condylomas and papillomas - warts, lumps and irregularities of the skin. , whose color is not different from the main skin only.Condyloma- This is a type of genital papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a type of "foot". 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 can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, and also around the anus (then there is a high probability that condylomas can also be in the rectum). They are often painless, but in some cases men may have additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests itself as:

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

The listed symptoms usually indicate damage to the condyloma.

Treatment of HPV in men

Initial examination

The appearance of papillomas, as well as the presence of HPV in the human body, indicates a reduced immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas have a high oncological potential, especially condylomas on the head of the penis, so when the symptoms of the disease are first detected, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating the human papilloma virus, the more likely a man will be to avoid the serious health consequences of condylomas. (All of the above also apply to women. )

Initial appointment

An initial appointment with a specialist involves a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as questioning and prescribing tests. Although papillomas often have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics can fully 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 can isolate the DNA of the virus from the available material and thus confirm its presence in the patient's body;
• biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): done to determine whether or not cancer cells are present in tumors.

additional 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 get rid of HPV completely, so therapeutic effects 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 is not a threat and does not disturb the patient, then at his request it cannot be removed, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. The removal of genital warts in men is a mandatory treatment, due to their special location.

Methods of disposal are different and are chosen individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to removing tumors, the treatment of condylomas in men involves the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight and suppress the virus, which suppressesperformance part. Depending on the chosen method to get rid of condylomas, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, one technique cannot rid a person of an infection completely: the disease is only "muffled". The therapy is combined and includes the removal of growths from the skin and the use of medications. The length depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are removed in different 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 used.The main interferon preparations are:

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

Interferonit is a substance produced by the human immune system to protect itself against viruses. Thanks to modern scientific progress in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained by synthesis. This allows you to get a purer drug (without impurities) and less allergenic. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect on the whole body. However, there are cases when interferon treatment provokes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are discontinued, and the doctor develops another course of medication.

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) with food containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance present in broccoli - the latest scientific discovery. This chemical compound has a strong anti-carcinogenic effect (prevention of malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is worth noting that indole-3-carbinol is found in most types of cabbage. It has been established that the use of indinol improves the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still being tested and its effect on the body is subject 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, since its state changes depending on any intervention: be it therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs such as the antiviral drug, which are particularly effective against the herpes simplex, herpes zoster (singles) and chicken pox viruses, have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is practical.

During the treatment, the patient may also be counseled:

• abstinence from sexual relations, especially unprotected, to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body;
• Strengthen your own immune system with diet and moderate physical activity.

Treatment outcome:It must be remembered that the HPV treatment process, its timing and its effectiveness depend greatly on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, as well as the development of possible complications of this disease (oncological in the first place).

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. A growth located in the genital area has a negative impact on the mental and sexual health of the man and leads to communication difficulties with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With reduced immunity, condylomas can grow quickly, occupying a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, the sensation of a foreign body in the rectum seems to come, anal fissures and other proctological problems can develop. The spread of the growths to the urethral area leads to the development of urological pathology. When the formations are injured, bleeding develops. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, which are accompanied by pain, fever, weakness, and a weakening of the general condition.

Prevention

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

• prescribed sexual intercourse with a reliable partner and using 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, taking vitamins, etc. ;
• the use of a special vaccine: the course of taking medication for the human papillomavirus in men is by injection into the brachial muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection must be given after a preliminary consultation with a specialist (this prevention can only be prevented in people who are not infected with HPV);
• preventive visits to the urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the genitourinary system, performing tests to identify the virus.

If characteristic formations are found in the personal area, as well as other parts of the body, skin and mucous membranes, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist as quickly as possible. This will avoid complications and other undesirable consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strongly not recommended to treat yourself, since only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment for condyloma in men.

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What symptoms can cause papilloma in men?

Papilloma in men can appear as small warts or flat warts on the skin of the genitals, anus or near them. Itching, discomfort or minor 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 the mucous membrane of the genital organs. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, as well as 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 intercourse. Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to your doctor and testing will also help identify the infection in its early stages and prevent its spread.

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 injuring the papilloma. Do not try 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 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 avoid infection.