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 demonstrated. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been in doubt, but for some reason it is only now that they have begun 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. Papilloma is considered by doctors as a benign tumor and does not pose 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 itself exclusively as a dermatological disease with contact-household transmission. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease, causing genital forms of papillomas with sexual transmission. Since cases of cancer are extremely rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, in which cancer occurs much more often. 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Naturally, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships.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 contacts, the possibility of having genital forms of HPV is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. Moreover, infection is possible with several types of HPV at once, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main factor of transmission is body fluids, contact of the skin and mucous membranes is sufficient for transmission of HPV. And if in the case of typical STDs, the use of a condom is a relatively reliable remedy, then in relation to HPV, as, for example, genital herpes, its effectiveness is rather doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of a patient’s infection with the human papilloma virus. It should 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, resulting in the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of virus are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes should be treated with extreme caution, 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 because a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time, without even knowing 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, 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 quite often papillomas (condylomas) in men and women appear in the intimate area, at points of contact, from which the risk of infection in men is usually higher, due to their greater 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 ordinary contact (even a handshake), especially in public places (baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It is also necessary to remember that infection with the specified virus does not mean its manifestation.Most often, the disease becomes active and makes itself felt if:

• the patient's immunity is weakened;
• there were great physical or mental stress, stress, exhaustion;
• 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 resistance of hosts to infection. Having penetrated a human cell, a 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 harming it, an infection of a non-productive type develops, " otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic carriage.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic carriage, or 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 "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 by all descendants 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 contraceptive pills;
• smoking;
• insufficiency of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of chronic foci 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 men and women is closely related to human papillomavirus infection. As a result of a study of men and women infected with human papillomavirus 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 on the head of the penis and foreskin. This kind of condylomas has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condylomas on the penis can lead to a narrowing of the foreskin, which can make it difficult to expose the head of the penis and lead to problems in your personal life. It must 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 manifested themselves (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that a carrier of the virus can transmit it to their partner, also putting them at risk of developing cancer. Transmission of the virus is also possible to the fetus from an infected mother, so couples wishing to have children should pay special attention to HPV and other diseases of this kind.

HPV in men: symptoms

Most 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 on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the groin or pubic area, of condylomas and papillomas - warts, lumps and irregularities of the skin, the color of which does not differ from the main oneskin.Condyloma- This is a genital type of papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "leg". The size of condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters - in the latter case we are talking about an 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 may also be in the rectum). Most often they are painless, but in some cases men may experience additional symptoms of the human papillomavirus 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.

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 depleted immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas, in particular condylomas on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, so when signs of the disease are first detected, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating the human papillomavirus, the more chances a man has to avoid serious health consequences of condylomas. (All of the above applies to women as well. )

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 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 thereby confirm its presence in the patient’s body;
• biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): 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 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 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 at his request it may not be removed, 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.

Methods of disposal are different and are selected individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to removing tumors, treatment of condylomas in men involves 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, not a single technique can completely rid a person of infection: the disease is only "muffled". The therapy is combined and includes the removal of growths from the skin 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 used.The main interferon preparations are:

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

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

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) to food that contains indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance present in broccoli - the latest discovery of science. 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 varieties of cabbage. It has been established that the use of indinol enhances 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 at random. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs such as the antiviral drug, which is particularly effective against the herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox viruses,  do not have any effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is impractical.

During treatment, the patient may also be advised:

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

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

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. Growths located in the genital area negatively affect a man’s mental and sexual health and lead to difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With reduced immunity, condylomas can grow rapidly, occupying a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, a sensation of a foreign body in the rectum appears, anal fissures and other proctological problems may develop. The spread of 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 impairment of general condition.

Prevention

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

• ordered sexual intercourse with a trusted partner and using barrier contraception 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. ;
• use of a special vaccine: the course of taking medication for the human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the brachial muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection must be given after preliminary consultation with a specialist (this prevention is only possible in people uninfected with HPV);
• preventive visits to the urologist to check for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the genitourinary system, taking 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, 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 diagnose and correctly prescribe treatment for condyloma in men.

FAQ

What symptoms can papilloma cause 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 slight pain in the affected area may also occur.

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

Papilloma in men is transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membrane of the genital organs. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, as well as through 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) 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 requires removal.

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilloma. Do not try to remove it yourself, as this 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 the rules of hygiene. 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 other people to avoid spreading infection.