More often than not, people are unaware that they have the human papillomavirus (HPV) in their bodies. This is due to the fact that the papilloma virus 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 turn into serious problems in the form of papillomas on the penis.
Causes
Viral DNA enters the body through microcracks in the skin or mucous membranes. If a man's immunity is weakened, the first signs of HPV will appear a few months after the infection.
Up to 80% of the transmission is sexual. Barrier contraception minimizes the risk of infection, but does not completely eliminate it.
Other ways of infection:
- Household path.The virus is transmitted along with the personal belongings of an infected person: clothing, hygiene items, etc. The risk of transmission increases if there is damage to the skin, even minor. This pathway is characterized by infection with low oncogenic virus types. 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 was infected with HPV during pregnancy and childbirth and gave birth naturally, the baby is probably infected.
If a man has a good immune defense, the virus does not manifest itself and can remain in the body for a long time in a hidden form. Therefore, it is not the infection with the virus itself that is dangerous, but the weakening of the immune system, which leads to the activation of HPV.
There are a number of factors that affect the ability to strengthen the virus:
- chronic diseases;
- hormonal problems;
- incorrectly chosen contraception or its complete absence; viral infections;
- alcohol, smoking or long-term use of antibiotics;
- frequent stress.
All these factors negatively affect the immune system. If there is not one provoking factor in a man's life, but several, it will lead to faster development of the papillomavirus.
Symptoms
Often papillomas appear only externally, but in some casesnon-specific symptoms may occur:
- itching and burning during intercourse;
- pain on contact with papillomas;
- accumulation of urine in the folds of the penis;
- unpleasant odor in the affected area.
In addition, tumors can grow and affect not only the area of the penis, but also appear in the anus and pubis.
What do papillomas look like
Penile papilloma is a small tumor. At first, it may appear on its own, but without proper treatment, the number of papillomas increases. However, they can merge with each other.
These growths look like fleshy or pink cauliflower inflorescences. They are most often localized in the foreskin, head and 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 for localization in the area of the bridle.
One of the manifestations of HPV is Bushke-Levenstein's warts. It is distinguished by its fast growth, exceptional size and resistance to various types of treatment. Its appearance is due to several existing papillomas and warts, which merge together and form a large area of lesion. The presence of Bushke-Levenstein warts is dangerous because the cells it changes can easily develop into cancer.
Which doctor to contact
As a rule, the urologist deals with the diagnosis of papillomas in men. You can also seek advice from a dermatologist or proctologist if you have genital warts in the anal area. However, papillomas are usually referred to a surgeon for removal. In general, the diagnosis is made in several stages:
- The urologist examines and interviews the patient.An oral questioning is needed to assess the patient's lifestyle and determine the cause of the virus infection. The visual examination includes not only an assessment of the condition of the penis, but also the neighboring 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 also most likely determines its type.
- Meatoscopy.This procedure is an examination of the urethra if the papilloma virus has infected the frenum.
- After papilloma removal, the 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 survey of both partners. The woman is usually infected with one of the types of papillomavirus. If only a 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 area of the glans penis contributes to the accumulation of urine in the folds. This creates conditions for the appearance and growth of various microorganisms, which subsequently leads to infections. They can provoke erosion around the papilloma and also contribute to inflammation of the urethra and testicles. These diseases are characterized by problems with urination, pain and fever.
Another danger is trauma to the neoplasms, which leads to bleeding. This is due to the fact that many blood vessels form around the papillomas, which supply them with blood. Even minor damage can lead to infection due to injury.
Also, tumors can rub during movement, which causes pain and discomfort to the man.
HPV and cancer
When the virus is just beginning to spread, the tumors are sporadic and benign. Without treatment, they grow and merge with each other. Over time, the cells degenerate into malignant.The risk of cancer is especially high if a man is infected with highly oncogenic types of the virus - 16 or 18.They are the ones that contribute to the occurrence of cancer of the penis and bladder.
Treatment of papillomas
Treatment of HPV involves not only eliminating its external manifestations, but also strengthening the immune system, which must block the manifestations of the virus.Immunostimulatory drugs are used to maintain immunity.
As an antiviral drug, the ointment is effective, which suppresses the multiplication of the virus and removes small growths. It does not always cope with the task of complete removal, but prevents the appearance of tumors. An antiviral ointment is prescribed to stimulate immunity. The ointment does not remove papillomas, but promotes the activation of cells of the immune system, which stops their growth and development.
Removal methods
There are several ways to get rid of new growths:
- Laser removal.The papilloma is exposed to a laser beam, which completely burns the growth. At this point, a crust forms, which disappears after a few weeks. The method is considered effective due to the lack of recurrences. Removal is performed under anesthesia. No bleeding, no scars or scars.
- Cryodestruction.Papillomas are exposed to liquid nitrogen. It immediately freezes the desired area, the neoplasm on it collapses and dies. 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.
- Radiosurgery.The principle of this method is similar to laser removal. The radio waves do not leave scars and scars, and the procedure is preceded by preliminary anesthesia with a special spray. Then there are no complications and the body recovers quickly.
- Electrocoagulation.Electric current acts on the growth, due to which the leg is eliminated, after which the papilloma disappears. If necessary, superficial anesthesia can be performed. The procedure takes a few minutes, is widespread and accessible. But this method is able to leave scars after healing.
- Surgical intervention.Used in rare cases when the tumor becomes too large. It is done under anesthesia, has a long recovery and trauma. The method is good in that 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 the number of papillomas that need to be removed.
Before choosing a method, consult your doctor. He will tell you what is best to use in your situation, will tell you in detail how the procedure is performed. Also, after removal of the neoplasm, it is recommended to take the material for histology. This is necessary to determine whether the process of degeneration of benign into malignant neoplasms has begun. This method will help detect early changes in cells and prevent the spread of cancer.