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 disputed, but for some reason only now have they 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 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 about 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 the normal growth of cells 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 transmission through household contact. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease, causing sexually transmitted forms of genital papillomas. Since cases of cancer are extremely rare in the cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to the 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.

Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. Indeed, provided that both partners have never had other sexual contacts, the probability of HPV forms appearing in the genitals is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. In addition, it is possible to be infected with several types of HPV at the same time, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main agent of transmission is bodily fluids, contact of 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 treatment, then in relation to HPV, such as, for example, genital herpes, its effectiveness is rather dubious.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of infection of a patient with human papillomavirus. 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 papilloma virus is activated, as a result of which various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes are formed. Some types of viruses 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 appearance

The cause of the appearance of papillomas on the body in men and women is a virus that can enter the body in several ways:

• Due to unprotected sexual contact: the most common type of infection, including that 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 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 quite often papillomas (warts) in men and women appear in the intimate area, in points of contact, of which the risk of infection in men is usually higher, due to greater sexual activity, but mucous membranesof 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 shaking hands), especially in public places (bathrooms, 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 is felt if:

• the patient's immunity is weakened.
• There was great physical or mental stress, anxiety, exhaustion.
• There are several types of sexually transmitted diseases.

Characteristics of the course of human papillomavirus infection in men

Under natural conditions, most viruses are of low pathogenicity due to low infectivity and host resistance 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 virus genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus multiplies simultaneously with the cell without harming it, a non-productive type of infection 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 it 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 cellular genome without disrupting cellular genes. This phenomenon is called "introduction mutagenesis" and the gene so changed is inherited by all the offspring of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor appears. Thus, these cells are inherited by all offspring from the moment the embryo is formed, during the woman's pregnancy and the birth of the child.

Major factors of infection

• multiple sexual partners.
• use of birth control pills.
• smoking;
• deficiency 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, body papillomas, warts and flat warts were discovered.

HPV in men: implications

The virus can cause warts, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are found in the groin area, as well as on the head of the penis and foreskin. This type of warts has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Warts 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 indication 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, 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 of the time, HPV can exist 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 the groin or pubic area, of warts and papillomas - warts, bumps and skin abnormalities, the colorof which does not differ from the main skin.Warts- This is a type of genital papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "foot". The size of the warts can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters - in the latter case we are talking about an accumulation of warts. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, but also around the anus (then there is a high probability that the warts are also present in the rectum). Most of the time they are painless, but in some cases men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests itself as:

• pain during urination, defecation or sex.
• bleeding warts: sometimes ulcers may form in their place that do not heal for a long time.
• also sometimes warts can itch.

The symptoms listed usually indicate damage to the wart.

Treatment of HPV in men

Initial examination

The appearance of papillomas, in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body, also indicates an exhausted immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas, especially warts 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 better chance a man has of avoiding the serious health consequences of warts. (All of the above applies to women as well. )

Initial appointment

An initial appointment with a specialist includes 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 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 warts, also analysis of secretions from the urethra): 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 (warts): 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 genital warts. Like the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to completely get rid of HPV, so therapeutic results and surgery are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations and increasing the period of remission. Papilloma removal 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 should undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is mandatory treatment for genital warts in men, due to their special location.

Disposal methods are different and are chosen individually, among other things depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to the removal of tumors, the treatment of warts in men includes the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thus suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the chosen method of getting rid of warts, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no technique can completely rid a person of infection: the disease is only "suffocated". Treatment is combined and includes the removal of growths from the skin and the use of drugs. The duration depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are removed in several ways:

• use of 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 preparations of interferon are:

• In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon.
• Viferon?
• Cycloferon?
• Reaferon?
• leucineferone etc.

Interferonis a substance produced by the human immune system to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific developments in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained synthetically. This allows you to get a cleaner 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 therapy causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are discontinued and the doctor develops another course of medication.

Dietary Supplements(dietary supplement) in foods containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance present in broccoli - the latest discovery of science. This chemical compound has a strong anticarcinogenic effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is worth noting that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. The use of indinol has been found to enhance the effectiveness of interferon therapy. However, this drug is still being tested and its effect on the body is subject to 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, since its state changes according to any intervention: 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 the herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and chicken pox viruses, have no effect on the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is not practical.

During treatment, the patient may also be consulted:

• avoid sexual intercourse, especially without protection, to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body.
• Boost your immune system yourself with diet and moderate physical activity.

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

Complications

The presence of papillomas and warts 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, warts can grow quickly, occupying 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 may develop. The spread of growths in the area of the urethra leads to the development of urological pathology. When the formations are injured, bleeding develops. When an infection occurs, inflammation and swelling begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and weakening of the general condition.

Prevention

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

• ordered intercourse with a trusted partner and used 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, taking vitamins, etc.
• use of a special vaccine: the course of taking drugs for human papillomavirus in men is three injections in the brachial muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection should be done after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is possible only in people who are not infected with HPV).
• preventive visits to the urologist to check for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the urogenital system, taking tests to detect the virus.

If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area, as well as in 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 highly not recommended to treat yourself, as only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe the treatment for warts 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, in or near the anus. Itching, discomfort or mild pain may also occur in the affected area.

How is papilloma spread 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 intercourse. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to your doctor and tests will also help detect the infection in its early stages and prevent it from spreading.

Helpful 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 needs removal.

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilla. Do not try 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 damage.

Tip #3

Follow the hygiene rules. Wash and dry the area around the nipple regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Avoid sharing hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with other people to avoid spreading the infection.