More often than not, people do not suspect that they have human papillomavirus (HPV) in their bodies. This is due to the fact that papillomavirus is usually present in a latent form, suppressed by natural immunity. Problems arise when it gets out of control and begins to actively manifest itself in the form of growths on different parts of the body. Men are less likely to suffer from the effects of the virus than women, however, for them, its action can turn into serious problems in the form of papillomas on the penis.
Causes of occurrence
Viral DNA enters the body through microcracks in the skin or mucous membranes. If a man's immunity is weakened, the first manifestations of HPV will appear several months after infection.
Up to 80% of transmission occurs through the sexual route. Barrier contraception minimizes the risk of infection, but does not completely eliminate it.
Other ways of infection:
- Household path.The virus is transmitted along with the personal belongings of an infected person: clothing, hygiene items, etc. The risk of transmission is increased if the skin is damaged, even minor. This pathway is characterized by infection with low-oncogenic types of the virus. They do not lead to serious health problems, but appear in the form of genital warts, papillomas and warts, creating a cosmetic defect.
- From mother to child.If the mother was infected with HPV during pregnancy and childbirth and gave birth naturally, the baby is likely to be infected.
If a man has good immune defense, the virus does not manifest itself and can remain in the body for a long time in a latent form. Therefore, it is not infection with the virus itself that is dangerous, but weakening of the immune system, which leads to the activation of HPV.
There are a number of factors affecting the possibility of strengthening the position of the virus:
- chronic diseases;
- hormonal problems;
- incorrectly selected contraception or its complete absence;
- viral infections;
- alcohol, smoking, or long-term use of antibiotics;
- frequent stress.
All of these factors negatively affect the immune system. If in the life of a man there is not one provoking factor, but several, this will lead to a more rapid development of the papillomavirus.
Symptoms
Often, papillomas appear only externally, however, in some cases,nonspecific symptoms may occur:
- itching and burning during intercourse;
- pain when touching papillomas;
- accumulation of urine in the folds of the penis;
- unpleasant odor in the affected area.
In addition, neoplasms can grow and affect not only the area of the penis, but also appear on the anus and pubis.
What papillomas look like
Penile papilloma is a small neoplasm. At first, she may appear alone, but without proper treatment, the number of papillomas increases. However, they can merge with each other.
These growths look like flesh-colored or pink-colored cauliflower inflorescences. Most often they are localized in the foreskin, on the head and frenum. Less commonly, they are diagnosed in the urethra and scrotum. Papillomas can also appear as small white pimples that appear in long rows. This form is typical for localization in the area of the bridle.
One of the manifestations of HPV is Buschke-Levenshtein warts. It is distinguished by its rapid growth, outstanding size and resistance to various types of treatment. Its appearance is due to several existing papillomas and warts, which merge together and form one large lesion area. The presence of condyloma Buschke-Levenshtein is dangerous because the cells changed by it can easily develop into cancer.
Which doctor to contact
As a rule, a urologist deals with the diagnosis of papillomas in men. You can also seek advice from a dermatovenerologist or proctologist if you have genital warts in the anal area. However, papillomas are usually referred to a surgeon for removal. In total, the diagnosis takes place in several stages:
- The urologist examines and interviews the patient.Verbal questioning is necessary to assess the patient's lifestyle and establish the cause of the virus infection. Visual examination involves not only assessing the condition of the penis, but also the adjacent organs - the scrotum, anal area. This is necessary to complete the picture of the localization of the virus.
- Urethral smear.Determines the presence of various sexually transmitted diseases.
- PCR.This analysis shows not only the presence of HPV in the body, but also most likely determines its type.
- Meatoscopy.This procedure is an examination of the urethra if the papillomavirus has infected the frenum.
- After removal of the papilloma, the doctor may order a biopsyto assess the condition of the removed tumor. This is necessary to rule out the risk of developing cancer and to make sure that the papilloma is benign.
In this case, it is desirable to conduct a survey of both partners. Usually a woman is also infected with one of the types of papillomavirus. If only a man is treated, it is very likely that he will get sick again after a while.
Why papillomas are dangerous
Human papillomavirus is often accompanied by other related diseases. The appearance of papillomas in the area of the glans penis contributes to the accumulation of urine in the folds. This creates conditions for the emergence and growth of various microorganisms, which subsequently leads to infections. They can provoke erosion around the papilloma, and also contribute to inflammation of the urethra and testicles. These diseases are characterized by problems with urination, pain and high fever.
Another danger is trauma to neoplasms, which leads to bleeding. This is due to the fact that many blood vessels form around the papillomas, which supply them with blood. Even minor damage can lead to infection due to injury.
Also, neoplasms can rub when moving, which causes pain and discomfort to a man.
HPV and cancer
When the virus is just beginning to spread, neoplasms are sporadic and benign. Without treatment, they grow and merge with each other. Over time, the cells degenerate into malignant ones.The risk of cancer is especially high if a man is infected with highly oncogenic types of the virus - 16 or 18.They are the ones that contribute to the appearance of cancer of the penis and bladder.
Treatment of papillomas
HPV treatment involves not only removing its external manifestations, but also strengthening the immune system, which should block the manifestations of the virus.Immunostimulating drugs are used to maintain immunity.
As an antiviral drug, an effective ointment suppresses the multiplication of the virus and removes small growths. It does not always cope with the task of complete removal, but it prevents the appearance of new growths. Antiviral ointment is prescribed to stimulate immunity. The ointment does not remove papillomas, but promotes the activation of cells of the immune system, which stops their growth and development.
Removal methods
There are several ways to get rid of new growths that have appeared:
- Laser removal.The papilloma is exposed to a laser beam, which completely burns out the growth. A crust forms at this place, which subsides after a few weeks. The method is considered effective due to the absence of relapses. Removal is performed under anesthesia. There is no bleeding, no scars or scars.
- Cryodestruction.Papillomas are exposed to liquid nitrogen. It instantly freezes the desired area, the neoplasm on it collapses and dies off. The disadvantage of this method is the inability to control the depth of the effect of cryodestruction. A crust also remains at the site of the removed papilloma, which disappears after a while.
- Radiosurgery.The principle of this method is similar to laser removal. Radio waves do not leave scars and scars, and the procedure is preceded by preliminary anesthesia with a special spray. After that there are no complications, and the body quickly recovers.
- Electrocoagulation.The growth is affected by an electric current, due to which the leg is eliminated, after which the papilloma disappears. Superficial anesthesia may be given if necessary. The procedure takes several minutes, is widespread and affordable. But this method is capable of leaving scars after healing.
- Surgical intervention.It is used in rare cases when the tumor becomes too large. It is done under anesthesia, it has a long healing and trauma. The method is good in that it allows you to save the removed growth for histological examination.
The cost of each method depends on the complexity of the work, the size and number of papillomas to be removed.
Before choosing a method, consult your doctor. He will tell you what is best to use in your situation, tell you in detail how the procedure is performed. Also, after removal of the neoplasm, it is advisable to take the material for histology. This is necessary in order to determine whether the process of degeneration of benign neoplasms into malignant ones has begun. This method will help detect early cell changes and prevent the spread of cancer.