Often people do not suspect that they have human papillomavirus (HPV) in their bodies. This is because 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 various parts of the body. Men are less likely to suffer from the effects of the virus than women, but for them its effect can become serious problems in the form of papillomas on the penis.
Causes of occurrence
Viral DNA enters the body through micro-cracks in the skin or mucous membranes. If a man's immunity is weakened, the first manifestations of HPV appear several months after infection.
Up to 80% of the transmission takes place through the sexual pathway. Barrier contraception minimizes the risk of infection but does not completely eliminate it.
Other methods of infection:
- Household path.The virus is transmitted along with an infected person's personal belongings: clothing, hygiene items, etc. The risk of transmission increases if the skin is damaged, even less. 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 became infected with HPV during pregnancy and childbirth and gave birth naturally, the baby is likely to be infected.
If a man has a good immune system, the virus does not manifest itself and can remain in the body for a long time in latent form. Therefore, it is not infection with the virus itself that is dangerous, but a weakening of the immune system, leading to activation of HPV.
There are a number of factors that affect the ability to strengthen the virus' position:
- chronic diseases
- hormonal issues
- wrongly chosen contraception or its complete absence
- virus infections
- alcohol, smoking or long-term use of antibiotics
- frequent stress.
All of these factors adversely affect the immune system. If in a man's life there is not one provocative factor but several, this will lead to a faster development of papillomavirus.
Symptoms
Papillomas often appear only externally, but in some cases cannon-specific symptoms occur:
- itching and burning during intercourse
- pain on 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 penis area but appear on the anus and pubis.
What Papillomas Look Like
Penile papilloma is a small neoplasm. At first she may occur alone, but without proper treatment the number of papillomas increases. However, they can merge with each other.
These plants resemble flesh-colored or pink cauliflower blossoms. Most often they are located in the foreskin, on the head and the 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 shape is typical of localization in the area of the headwear.
One of the manifestations of HPV is Buschke-Levenshtein warts. It is characterized by its rapid growth, unique size and resistance to various types of treatment. Its appearance is due to several existing papillomas and warts that fuse together and form a large lesion area. The presence of the Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma is dangerous because the cells that are altered by it can easily develop into cancer.
Which doctor to contact
A urologist usually treats the diagnosis of papillomas in men. You can also seek the advice of a dermatologist 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 phases:
- The urologist examines and interviews the patient.Oral questioning is necessary to assess the patient's lifestyle and determine the cause of the viral infection. Visual inspection involves not only assessment of the condition of the penis, but also the adjacent organs - the scrotum, the 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 not only shows the presence of HPV in the body, but probably also determines its type.
- Meatoscopy.This procedure is an examination of the urethra whose papillomavirus has infected the frenum.
- After removal of the papillomathe 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 ensure that the papilloma is benign.
In this case, it is desirable to conduct a study of both partners. Usually a woman is also infected with one of the types of papillomavirus. If only one 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 glans penis area contributes to the accumulation of urine in the folds. This creates conditions for the emergence and growth of various microorganisms, which subsequently lead to infections. They can cause 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 because many blood vessels form around the papillomas, which supply them with blood. Even minor injuries can lead to infection due to injury.
Neoplasms can also be rubbed as they move, causing pain and discomfort to a man.
HPV and cancer
Once the virus has begun to spread, neoplasms are sporadic and benign. Without treatment, they grow and merge. Over time, the cells degenerate into malignant cells.The risk of cancer is especially high if a man is infected with highly oncogenic types of the virus - 16 or 18.These are the ones that contribute to the appearance of cancer of the penis and bladder.
Treatment of papillomas
HPV treatment involves not only the removal of its external manifestations, but also the strengthening of the immune system, which must block the manifestations of the virus.Immunostimulatory 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 does prevent the appearance of new growths. Antiviral ointment is prescribed to stimulate immunity. The ointment does not remove papillomas, but promotes the activation of cells in the immune system, which stops their growth and development.
Removal Methods
There are several ways to get rid of new growths that have emerged:
- Laser removal.The papilloma is exposed to a laser beam that completely burns the growth. A crust forms at this site, which subsides after a few weeks. The method is considered effective due to the absence of relapse. Removal is performed under anesthesia. There is no bleeding, no scarring or scarring.
- 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. At the site of the removed papilloma also remains a crust, which disappears after a while.
- Stroke surgery.The principle of this method is similar to laser removal. Radio waves do not leave scars and scars, and the procedure begins with a preliminary anesthesia with a special spray. Then there are no complications and the body recovers quickly.
- Electrocoagulation.An electric current affects the growth, eliminating the bone, after which the papilloma disappears. Superficial anesthesia can be given if necessary. The procedure takes several minutes, is widespread and affordable. However, this method is able to leave scars after healing.
- Surgical intervention.It is rarely used when the tumor becomes too large. It is done under anesthesia, it has long healing and trauma. The method is good because 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. After removal of the neoplasm, it is also recommended to take the material for histology. This is necessary to determine if the process of degeneration of benign neoplasms into malignant has begun. This method helps detect early cell changes and prevent the spread of cancer.