There can be many diseases caused by human papillomavirus. In addition, several types of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. The papilloma virus in the penis is usually localized in the external genitalia and affects the mucous membranes and skin of the male body.
Papilloma is a small, benign neoplasm that resembles cauliflower. This oncological process develops from smooth epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and can have both flesh color and others (white, dark brown, etc. ). The causative agent of all variants of oncology is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a virus that contains DNA and has tropism for epithelial tissues, so it only affects the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. There is no bark of the pathogen, but it is highly resistant to environmental conditions. HPV is a large group of viruses divided into:
- Species with minimal risk of cancer;
- Species at medium risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- The type with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas in the glans penis are considered a precancerous condition, ie they belong to the latter group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of pathology, you should consult a doctor and start treatment. If the malignant process has already begun, therapy becomes very difficult.
Reasons for appearance
In men, direct contact with an infected person is necessary for the appearance of papillomas on the penis. Microscopic or overt damage to the skin is considered a particularly important predisposing factor. The main route of transmission is sexually transmitted. In addition, not only people with papillomas with a clear clinical picture, but also latent virus carriers are infected. During traditional sexual intercourse, the head of the penis is affected, during oral-genital contact - the mucous membrane of the mouth and esophagus, during anal - the anus and rectum.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis during shaving and other manipulations related to injuries. Infection at home is also possible, which is due to the high resistance of the virus to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are especially dangerous.
Factors that cause the disease:
- Decreased immune system of the body;
- Long-term stress;
- Presence of chronic diseases;
- Excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Take certain medications.
Clinical picture
The incubation period of papilloma in the skin of the penis is about 8-12 weeks, but the clinical picture can vary significantly, mainly depending on the degree of protection of the body.
Although HPV causes harmless pathologies that do not bother most patients, the types of viruses that cause papillomas in the penis are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms can be considered the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas in the penis resemble single-colored or very small fleshy-colored neoplasms that are not accompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they look like cauliflower, sometimes there is a swelling on the stalk. In the absence of appropriate treatment, the disease progresses and the following stages are distinguished:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin, which makes it impossible to remove the glans penis);
- Smegma accumulation and the consequent development of an infectious process (it is difficult to clear the gap between the leaves of the scalp and foreskin due to narrowing);
- Inflammation of both layers of the scalp and foreskin (local symptoms are expressed in the form of edema, redness, purulent discharge);
- Abrasive defects on 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 prevent dangerous complications that can lead to serious disruption of life and even death.
Diagnostics
Removal of penile papillomas can be planned only after diagnosis. The main diagnostic measures of this disease are:
- Assessment of complaints, medical history and clinical picture. Unprotected sex is clarified, and the presence of cauliflower-like growths in the affected area is investigated. With the exception of the penis, it is possible to detect such formations in the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus and other external genitalia.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to apply, but is more than 95% effective, so 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 accurately determine its type.
- Cytological studies. Antibodies to HPV are detected using different methods, which allows us to judge the presence of infection.
Treatment of penile papillomas is carried out immediately after accurate identification of the type of HPV and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papillomas in the penis?
There are no effective conservative treatments for this infection. The only possible action is the radical removal of papillomas in the penis. Different methods are used for treatment:
- Laser removal;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radio wave method (the most optimal option without pain, without any cosmetic defects);
- Open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemicals are used).
In addition to radical treatment, drugs can also be used. Mainly cytostatic drugs are preferred. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of relapse.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided during treatment to prevent the spread of infection. It is also recommended that all sexual partners be tested for HPV.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures consist mainly of having sex with a proven partner. You should be very careful when visiting baths and saunas, especially in the presence of microtraumas, to avoid contact with any neoplasm of a person.
To prevent the development of complications, you should consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Treatment of the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee complete recovery of the patient (ie, if the papilloma in the penis is removed, the removal of the virus from the body will still not work), so the man must be careful. Monitor the condition by consulting a doctor, noting the smallest changes. The HPV carrier must have a high level of immunity to prevent recurrence of clinical manifestations (relapses).