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 started to scare us about this disease and its consequences. While in the human body, different types of HPV manifest in different ways. But the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various forms.

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approx. 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 presents exclusively as a dermatological disease with contact-household transmission. HPV can also occur as an STD 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, where 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.

Of course, sexual activity does not mean "obsolete" monogamous relationships. In fact, assuming 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. In addition, 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 for transmission is body fluids, contact with skin and mucous membranes is sufficient for transmission of HPV. And if in the case of typical sexually transmitted diseases, the use of a condom is a relatively reliable means, then its effectiveness is rather questionable in relation to HPV, such as genital herpes.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of a patient's infection with the human papillomavirus. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to remain in the human body for a long time and practically does not manifest itself externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, which results in the formation of various neoplasms in the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes must 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 different 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 only has the ability to manifest itself under the influence of external factors. Transmission is also possible through direct contact with 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 papillomas (condylomas) in men and women quite often appear in the intimate area, at points of contact, from which the risk of infection in men is usually higher, due to greater sexual activity, but women's mucous membranesare 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 asserts itself if:

• the patient's immunity is weakened;
• there was great physical or mental stress, stress, exhaustion;
• There are different 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 host resistance to infection. After entering a human cell, a DNA virus usually 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 damaging it, an infection of a non-productive type develops, otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic transport.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic transport 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 altered is inherited by all descendants of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor appears. These cells are thus 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 birth control 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 removed from a woman's body within a 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: implications

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 type of condyloma 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 should 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 (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that a carrier of the virus can pass it on to their partner, which also puts them at risk of developing cancer. Transmission of the virus is also possible to the fetus from an infected mother, so couples who want to have children should be especially aware of 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. But 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 bone, of condylomas and papillomas - warts, lumps and irregularities in the skin, the color of which does not differ from the mainskin.Condyloma- This is a genital type of papilloma that looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "leg". The size of condylomas 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 (there is a high probability that condylomas can 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 during urination, defecation or sex;
• bleeding of condylomas: sometimes ulcers that do not heal for a long time can form in their place;
• also sometimes condylomas can itch.

The listed symptoms usually indicate damage to the condyloma.

Treatment of HPV in men

Preliminary investigation

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, especially 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 chance a man has to avoid serious health consequences of condylomas. (All of the above also applies to women. )

Initial appointment

An initial appointment with a specialist involves a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as the inquiry and prescription of tests. Although papillomas most often have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to 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, thereby confirming its presence in the patient's body;
• biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): performed to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Additional treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is largely determined by the presence or absence of genital warts. 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 disturb the patient, it cannot be removed at his request, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for genital warts in men due to their particular location.

Methods of disposal are different and are chosen 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 method chosen to get 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 "subdued". The therapy is combined and includes the removal of growths from the skin and the use of medication. 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 most important 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 genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained by synthesis. This allows you to obtain a cleaner drug (without impurities) and less allergenic. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect on the whole body. However, there are cases where interferon treatment causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are discontinued and the doctor develops another course of medication.

Dietary supplements(dietary supplement) for food containing 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 increases the effectiveness of interferon therapy. However, this drug is still being tested, and its effect on the body is the subject of a detailed study. The doctor can prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the function of the immune system is not fully understood, as its state changes depending on any intervention: be it therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs such as the antiviral drug, which is particularly effective against herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and chicken pox virus,  have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is impractical.

During the treatment, the patient can also be counselled:

• refrain from 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 should be remembered that the process of HPV treatment, its timing and effectiveness largely depends 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. Growth localized in the genital area negatively affects a man's mental and sexual health and leads 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 quickly and occupy a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, there is a sensation of a foreign body in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems can develop. The spread of growths to the urethra area leads to the development of urological pathology. When the formations are damaged, bleeding develops. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, which are accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and weakening of the general condition.

Prevention

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

• ordered intercourse with a trusted partner and use barrier contraception. 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, intake of vitamins, etc. ;
• use of a special vaccine: the course of taking medicine against the human papillomavirus in men is three injections in the arm muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection must be given after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is only possible in people who are not infected with HPV);
• preventive visit to the urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the genitourinary system, by 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 soon as possible. This will avoid complications and other unwanted consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strongly recommended not to treat yourself, as only a specialist can diagnose and correctly prescribe treatment for condyloma in men.

FAQ

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

Papillomas in men can appear as small warts or flat warts on the skin of the genitals, anus or near them. Itching, discomfort or mild pain in the affected area may also occur.

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

Papillomas in men are transmitted by contact with infected skin or mucous membrane of the genitals. It can be transmitted through 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 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 dermatologist 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 damaging the papilloma. Do not attempt to remove it yourself as this can 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 injury.

Tip #3

Follow the rules for 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 others to avoid spreading infection.