There can be a huge number of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. In addition, several species of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. The papilloma virus of the penis usually affects the mucous membranes and skin in the male body, localizing on the external genitalia.
Papilloma is a benign neoplasm, usually small in size, resembling cauliflower. This oncological process develops from squamous epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and can have both flesh color and some others (white, dark brown, etc. ). The cause of all variants of oncology is the human papilloma virus.
HPV is a DNA-containing virus and has tropism for epithelial tissues, which is why it only affects the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogen has no shell, but is highly resistant to environmental conditions. HPV is a huge group of viruses that are subdivided into:
- Species with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Species with a medium risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- The type with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas of the glans penis are considered a precancerous condition, ie they belong to the last group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of pathology, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment. If the process of malignancy has already begun, then therapy becomes very difficult.
Reasons for the appearance
The appearance of penile papilloma in men requires direct contact with an infected person. Microscopic or obvious skin damage is considered 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. In traditional sex, the head of the penis is affected, in oral-genital contacts - the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx, during anal - the anus and rectum.
If a person has HPV elsewhere, then during shaving and other manipulations related to injuries, papillomas can appear on the skin of the penis. The household route of infection is also possible, which is associated with the high resistance of the virus to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are especially dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- Reduction of 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 can vary considerably, as the clinical picture depends mainly on the degree of protection of the body.
Despite the fact that HPV most often causes harmless pathologies that do not cause inconvenience to patients, the types of viruses that cause the appearance of papillomas in the penis are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms can be considered the first stage of the cancer process.
Penile papillomas appear as small neoplasms of body color, single or multiple, not accompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they may resemble cauliflower, sometimes they are swelling of the stalk. In the absence of adequate treatment, the disease progresses and the following stages are distinguished:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the leaves of the foreskin, which makes it impossible to remove the glans penis);
- The accumulation of smegma and as a result 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 leaves of the foreskin (local signs are expressed in the form of swelling, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosive defects of the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of penile papillomas should be immediate and radical to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to significant disruption of life and even death.
Diagnosis
Removal of papillomas on the penis can be planned only after the diagnosis is finally established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Evaluation of complaints, anamnesis and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected intercourse is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of body 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, with the exception of the penis.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to perform, but with more than 95% efficiency, which is why it is considered the gold standard. With the help of PCR it is possible to detect the DNA of the virus in the human body, as well as to determine its exact type.
- Cytological examinations. Using various techniques, antibodies against HPV are detected, which makes it possible to assess the presence of infection.
Treatment of penile papillomas is performed immediately after accurately determining the type of HPV and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of penile papillomas?
There are no effective types of conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible action is the radical removal of papillomas on the penis. Different techniques are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radiowave method (the most optimal option, without cosmetic defects, painless);
- Open operation;
- Cauterization (using chemical agents).
In addition to radical therapy, drugs can be used. Cytostatic drugs are generally preferred. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment to prevent the spread of infection. It is also recommended that all sexual partners of the patient be tested for HPV.
Prevention
Preventive measures consist mainly of introducing a safe sex life with a proven partner. You should be very careful when visiting public baths and saunas, as well as avoid contact with any human neoplasms, especially in the presence of microtrauma.
To prevent the development of complications, you should promptly consult a doctor and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Curing the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee complete recovery of the patient (that is, if the papilloma of the penis is removed, it still will not work to remove the virus from the body), so the man must carefully monitor his condition, notingthe smallest changes and consult a doctor. The HPV carrier must maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not recur.