There can be a large number of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. In addition, several types of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. The papillomavirus on the penis usually affects the mucous membranes and skin of the male body, located on the external genitalia.
A papilloma is a benign neoplasm, usually small in size, resembling a cauliflower. This oncological process develops from flat epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and can have both a flesh color and some others (white, dark brown, etc. ). The causative agent of all variants of oncology is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a DNA-containing virus and has a tropism for epithelial tissue, therefore it only affects the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogenic agent does not have a shell, but it is extremely resistant to environmental conditions. HPV is a huge group of viruses, which are divided into:
- Types with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Types with an average risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- The type with high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the glans penis are considered a precancerous condition, that is, they belong to the last group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of the pathology, consult a doctor and start treatment. If the malignancy process has already started, the treatment becomes very difficult.
Reasons for the appearance
For the appearance of papilloma on the penis in men, direct contact with an infected person is required. Microscopic or obvious damage to the skin is considered to be a particularly important predisposing factor. The main route of transmission of the disease is sexual. In addition, not only people with papillomas with a clear clinical picture are infected, but also latent carriers of the virus. During traditional sex, the head of the penis is affected under the oral genitals - the lining of the mouth and throat, under the anal - anus and rectum.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis during shaving and other manipulations in connection with injuries. The household route of infection is also possible, which is associated with the virus' high resistance to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are especially dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- Decrease in the body's immune system;
- Prolonged stress;
- The presence of chronic diseases;
- Excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking certain medications.
Clinical picture
The incubation period for papilloma on the skin of the penis is approximately 8-12 weeks, but it can vary considerably as the clinical picture mainly depends on the degree of protection of the body.
Despite the fact that HPV most often causes harmless pathologies that do not cause discomfort to patients, the types of viruses that cause the appearance of papillomas in the penile area are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms can be considered as the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas on the penis resemble small flesh-colored neoplasms, single or multiple, not accompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they may look like cauliflower, sometimes they are a swelling on the stem. In the absence of adequate treatment, the disease progresses and the following stages are distinguished in it:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin, making it impossible to remove the glans penis);
- Accumulation of smegma and consequently the development of the infectious process (due to the narrowing it is difficult to clean the space between the head and the leaves of the foreskin);
- Inflammation of the head of the penis and both foreskin sheets (local signs are expressed in the form of edema, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosive defects on the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of papillomas on the penis should be immediate and radical to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to significant disruption of life and even death.
Diagnostics
Removal of papillomas on the penis can only be planned once the diagnosis is finally established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Evaluation of complaints, medical history and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected intercourse is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of flesh-colored growths resembling cauliflower. It is also possible to detect such formations on the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus and on other external genitalia, except the penis.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement but more than 95% effective and is therefore considered the gold standard. Using PCR, it is possible to detect the DNA of the virus in the human body as well as accurately determine its type.
- Cytological studies. Using various techniques, antibodies to HPV are detected, which makes it possible to assess the presence of an infection.
Treatment of penile papillomas is carried out immediately after the exact determination of the type of HPV and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papillomas on the penis?
There are no effective forms of conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible action is radical removal of papillomas on the penis. Different techniques are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radiowave method (the most optimal solution that leaves no cosmetic defects, painless);
- Open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemical agents used).
Medication can be used in addition to radical therapy. Basically, preference is given to cytostatics. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of relapse.
During the treatment period, intercourse should be avoided to prevent the spread of infection. It is also recommended that all sexual partners of the patient be tested for the presence of HPV.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures mainly consist of the introduction of a protected sex life with a documented partner. You need to be very careful when visiting public baths and saunas, as well as avoid contact with any person's neoplasms, especially in the presence of microtraumas.
To prevent the development of complications, consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Unfortunately, the cure of the symptoms of the disease does not guarantee the patient's complete recovery (that is, if papilloma on the penis is removed, it still does not work to remove the virus from the body), so a man should carefully monitor his condition, note the slightest changes and refer toa doctor. The HPV carrier must maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not recur.