Not everyone knows that squamous cell papilloma is the result of a viral disease. In addition to being an aesthetic problem, the disease can seriously damage health, including death. The tumor can "grow" on any part of the body and affect internal organs.
What is squamous cell papilloma and its structure
The answer to the question: "What is it? " is a benign neoplasm. The main sites of localization include the face, neck and mucous membranes. If the pathology is not treated for a long time, it can turn malignant. Outwardly, a flat papilloma looks like a mole in the shape of a circle. The color can vary from flesh to deep brown. Doctors call squamous cell papilloma with hyperkeratosis the most common. It occurs mainly in older people, sometimes in people aged 30-35 years.
Causes and sources of infection
There are many ways to get infected with squamous cell papilloma of the skin, some of them are simple and do not cause concern:
- Sexual intercourse of any origin: vaginal, oral, anal;
- Daily contact (handshake). Fundamental here is the presence of open wounds;
- Visit public places with high humidity: swimming pool, sauna;
- Violation of personal hygiene standards.
This type of papilloma is diagnosed in people with a low level of immunity who have many casual sexual contacts.
The penetration of a virus into a healthy body does not mean that papillomas will appear in the near future. This happens only when the immunity decreases. Main reasons:
- Presence of bad habits: alcoholism, smoking, illegal drugs, poor quality nutrition;
- Malfunction of the digestive system;
- Skin diseases;
- Older age;
- Hereditary disposition;
- Chemical exposure from third parties.
Esophageal papilloma appears almost immediately after a mistake. It forms on the tongue, lips, inside the mouth, in the esophagus and intestines.
Why is it dangerous for humans?
The biggest danger is that papilloma with hyperkeratosis develops into cancer in more than 60% of cases. If the growth forms in the respiratory system, there is a risk of gradual lack of oxygen, leading to death. When a growth occurs in the intestines, it can flare up due to exposure to feces. In the case of squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus, there is a risk of inflammation and bleeding due to consumption of solid food or low-quality alcohol.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms of the formation of squamous cell papilloma are few and vague. First, the area with the growth is inspected. Most people mistake skin growths for warts and pay no attention to them, hoping that they will disappear with time. The neoplasm develops and grows very slowly, and inflammation occurs very rarely.
Foci of manifestation appear primarily in the thinnest areas of the skin. This is the eyelid area, neck, chest. If the eyelid is affected, damage to the conjunctiva may occur.
The neoplasm grows and develops gradually, its average size is from 0. 3 to 1. 5 centimeters. The color of the neoplasm is different and can change over time from flesh-colored to purple.
Picking, squeezing, or cutting off a squamous cell papilloma is dangerous; an infection can enter an open wound.
There are no special diagnostic measures to detect the presence of the virus. First, a visual examination of the tumor is performed by a therapist. Afterwards, he writes out referrals to other specialists: a dermatologist, a gynaecologist. The appointment is made depending on the location of the papilloma. If it is located on the outer part of the skin, the diagnosis can be made immediately. If the growth is inside the body, fluoroscopy is prescribed.
If the rectum is affected, the doctor palpates the neoplasm; the cervix is clearly visible using a gynecological glass.
There are a number of mandatory procedures:
- Biopsy;
- Blood analysis;
- PCR study.
If necessary, the attending physician may prescribe additional diagnostic methods.
Papillomas in the esophagus
The most important sites for the formation of squamous cell papilloma in the esophagus are the tongue, lips and oral mucosa. The virus may be accompanied by the formation of small sores and itching.
With papillomas on the lips, the first thing that appears is swelling and discomfort when eating. If the affected area is damaged, blood will appear. The growth can grow quickly and cause lip cancer.
With papilloma of the esophagus, the symptoms of which occur mainly in the male half of the population. The causes of the disease can be poor nutrition, poor food quality and bad habits. The main location of the tumor in the esophagus is its middle part. The size of each is from 1-2 millimeters to 3-4 centimeters, elongated in shape, on a stalk. The patient notices abdominal pain, belching, excess salivation and a lump in the throat. Diagnosis is carried out using X-ray and esophagoscopy.
Signs of formations in the mouth and larynx
With squamous cell papilloma of the larynx, it hurts the patient to eat, swallow and sometimes even breathe. Sometimes there are difficulties in speaking. The size of the growth is small, pedunculated. If a neoplasm is detected in a child, treatment is not started immediately; it happens that it goes away by itself. If you do not fight the disease in adulthood, it can turn into a malignant tumor.
The appearance of squamous cell papilloma in the tongue does not manifest itself in any way at first. White, flesh-colored growths begin to manifest only if the patient has somehow damaged them. After a few weeks, bad breath occurs, itching, burning and sores form.
Symptoms in the larynx in adults can vary depending on the general condition of the body and the degree of development of the disease. There may be a sore throat, a lump in the nose, discomfort, congestion, itching. If a growth has formed on the septum, it gradually grows through the nasal sinuses, interfering with the normal processes of oxygen entry and exit.
Symptoms of formations in intimate places
In the case of squamous cell papilloma in the cervix, there is a very high risk that the neoplasm's benign state will turn into cancer. Often this process is accompanied by erosion and genital warts.
In the initial stage, initial development, the virus has no symptoms. Itching and burning gradually appear in the affected area, and over time a constant state of discomfort appears. Discharge is possible. Papillomas are discovered during a routine examination by a gynecologist, and a colposcopy may be prescribed. During pregnancy, a woman may experience a decrease in her immunity level and, consequently, the appearance of papillomas. In such cases, immediate removal is recommended.
If we talk about the genitourinary system, the most problematic place for women is the rectum. There are no symptoms in the initial phase, then pain, itching, purulent discharge and blood in the stool appear. The diagnosis can be made after a palpation procedure. In 90% of cases, when this type of neoplasm appears, doctors send you to take tests for syphilis.
Treatment and removal methods
In most cases, patients seek treatment when symptoms are already severe. It is forbidden to prescribe treatment for yourself or to try to remove the papilloma. Removal is done in several ways:
- Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen;
- Surgery;
- High frequency current removal;
- Laser removal;
- Operation with radio knife.
Esophageal papilloma requires further investigation; therefore, the treatment may take longer.
After the removal procedure, the scar is practically invisible. But there is no 100% guarantee that the tumor will not come back. Without proper prevention, the virus will reawaken and growths will appear. After treatment, the patient is prescribed a course of antiviral drugs, vitamins and immunomodulators. It is important to restore the level of general immunity as successfully as possible. Although the virus remains in the body, it will contain it, preventing the formation of papillomas. It is recommended to eliminate bad habits completely.
Treatment with folk medicine
Squamous papilloma, like all other types of growth, is formed mainly in older people. Surgical intervention is contraindicated for many of them. In such cases, the attending physician recommends turning to traditional medicine. The most recommended means are:
- Freshly squeezed potato juice. Course – 2 months, take 100 ml, 2 times a day;
- Celandine juice. Course – 4 weeks, the affected area is smeared with liquid several times a day;
- Fresh garlic. The cleaned disk is attached to the growth with an adhesive plaster for 2-3 hours.
Currant leaves, licorice root, nettle, lemongrass, plantain, garlic, beetroot and carrots are actively used in the preparation of medicinal infusions. In addition to taking medicinal compounds internally, you can prepare salads and soups from medicinal plants and vegetables.
Prevention and prognosis
The most important preventive methods are:
- Early seeking of medical care;
- Proper nutrition;
- Elimination of all bad habits.
Papilloma of the esophagus, bladder and cervix "responds" well to natural traditional medicine. Their treatment is also slightly different from the traditional one, it also takes longer.
After removal surgery, rehabilitation may be different and complications may occur. As a starting point, the forecasts are always favorable. The proportion of deaths is minimal. If the process of formation of cancer cells has already begun, the survival rate is 30-35%.
If you seek medical help in time, a complete recovery is 90% possible and soft tissue damage is minimal. Cancer tumors are also successfully removed and the degeneration process can be stopped.