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 papilloma and skin cancer in rabbits was demonstrated. Since then, the fact that HPV can cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been in doubt, 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 themselves in different ways. But the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various shapes.

Papillomas develop at the site of initial contact in approximately 1-3% of people infected with HPV. Papilloma is considered by doctors as a benign tumor and does not pose a serious 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 manifests itself as a dermatological disease transmitted only through contact in households. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease causing genital forms of sexually transmitted papillomas. Since cases of cancer are extremely rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will focus more on genital forms of HPV, where cancer occurs more often. Genital forms of HPV are caused by about 40 of the 130 known types of viruses. 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Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships.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, the probability of having genital forms of HPV is almost zero, provided that both partners have never had another sexual relationship. The risk of infection increases significantly with each new partner. Moreover, infection with several types of HPV is possible, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections where the main transmission factor is bodily fluids, HPV is transmitted through skin and mucous membrane contact. If in the case of typical STDs, the use of condoms is a relatively reliable means, in relation to HPV, for example, genital herpes, its effectiveness is highly questionable.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of the patient's infection with the human papilloma virus. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to stay in the human body for a long time, it practically does not show itself outside. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, resulting in the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, therefore, any neoplasm on the skin and mucous membranes should be treated with extreme caution under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of formation

The reason for 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 sex: the most common type of infection, including a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time, even without knowing it, because the virus has the ability to manifest itself only under the influence of external factors. . Transmission is also possible by direct contact of mucous membranes. At this time, if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ), the risk of infection increases. Due to the spread of this cause of infection, it is understandable that papillomas (condylomas) in men and women often appear in the intimate area, at points of contact, the risk of infection is usually higher in men. more sexual activity, but women's mucous membranes are less protected.
• By household contact: it has now been proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body during ordinary contact (even shaking hands), especially in public places (bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It should also be remembered that infection with the specified virus does not mean its manifestation.Often the disease becomes active and makes itself felt:

• the patient's immunity weakens;
• 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. A DNA virus that penetrates a human cell often does not integrate into the cell's genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus reproduces synchronously without damaging the cell, a non-productive type of infection develops", otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic carriage.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in the cell, this process is called asymptomatic carriage, or it releases thousands of active viral particles. This period is characterized by the appearance of round formations and growths on the skin and mucous membranes. However, HPV types 16 and 18 are able to integrate into the cellular genome without hijacking cellular genes. This phenomenon is called "insertional mutagenesis" and thus the modified gene is inherited by all generations of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor is formed. Thus, these cells are inherited by all generations from the moment the fetus is formed, during the pregnancy of the woman and the birth of the child.

The main factors of infection

• multiple sexual partners;
• use of contraceptive pills;
• to smoke;
• lack of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of chronic foci of coccal infection - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
• artificial diet restriction, weight loss.

With a good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is cleared from the woman's body within one year, and in 85% of cases within 4 years. Therefore, 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. Genital warts, papillomas of the body, warts, flat warts were found as a result of research of men and women infected with human papillomavirus infection.

HPV in men: results

As the name suggests, the virus can cause condyloma or genital warts located in the groin area, as well as on the head of the genital organ and the foreskin. Such condylomas have very dangerous consequences for men and require treatment. Condylomas on the penis can cause the foreskin to tighten, which can make it difficult to expose the head of the penis and cause problems in your private life. It should also be remembered that in some cases such formations are not an indicator of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases (for example, syphilis) that have not yet manifested themselves. Another danger of HPV is that the carrier of the virus can pass it on to their partner, putting them at risk of developing cancer. It is also possible to transmit the virus from an infected mother to the fetus, so couples who want to have children should pay special attention to HPV and other diseases of this type.

HPV in men: symptoms

Often, HPV can exist in the human body for a long time without showing itself. However, the most important sign (symptom) of the possible presence of HPV in men and women is the appearance of condylomas and papillomas - warts, lumps and skin lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the groin or groin area. , color indistinguishable from a basic skin.Condyloma- This is a type of genital papilloma that looks like a small growth that sticks to the mucous membrane with a kind of "foot". The size of the condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters - in the latter case, we are talking about condyloma accumulation. Such papillomas can be seen 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 of the time, they are painless, but in some cases, men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus, if the disease manifests itself:

• pain during urination, defecation or sexual intercourse;
• bleeding of condylomas: sometimes ulcers may form in their place that do not heal for a long time;
• sometimes condylomas also itch.

The listed symptoms usually indicate condyloma damage.

Treatment of HPV in men

Initial examination

The appearance of papillomas indicates the presence of HPV in the human body, but also a weakened 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 the symptoms of the disease are first detected, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating human papillomavirus, the greater the chance of avoiding serious health consequences of condylomas. (All of the above applies to women as well. )

Primary destination

An initial appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membrane and skin, as well as questioning and prescribing tests. Despite the fact that papillomas often have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to determine the presence of HPV in the patient's body with absolute certainty. If you suspect HPV infection in men, the following tests are usually prescribed::

• blood test (for condylomas, as well as analysis of urethral discharge): modern diagnostic methods allow to isolate the DNA of the virus from the available material and thereby confirm its presence in the patient's body;
• biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): done to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Additional treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is mainly 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 remission period. Removal of papillomas for HPV is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not interfere with the patient, it may not be removed at his request, but then he should undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is mandatory treatment of genital warts in men due to their specific location.

Disposal methods are different and are selected individually depending on the location of tumors. In addition to removing tumors, the treatment of condylomas in men involves the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight and suppress the virus, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the method chosen to get rid of the condyloma, the patient can also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no method can completely save a person from infection: the disease is only "suffocated". Therapy 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:

• 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 main interferon drugs are:

• In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
• Viferon;
• cycloferon;
• reaferon;
• leukinferon, etc.

Interferonis a substance produced by the human immune system to protect against viruses. Thanks to modern scientific achievements in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained by synthesis. This allows you to get a cleaner drug (without impurities) and less allergens. 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 stopped and the doctor prepares another drug course.

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) to food containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance in broccoli - the latest discovery of science. This chemical compound has a strong anticancer effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). Interestingly, indole-3-carbinol is found mostly in cabbage varieties. It has been established that the use of indinol increases the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still being tested and its effects on the body are being studied in detail. The doctor can prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

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

The patient can also be counseled during treatment:

• avoid sexual contact, especially without protection, 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 treatment with HPV, its time and effectiveness mainly depends on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, as well as the development of possible complications (primarily oncological) of this disease.

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. Growths located in the genital area have a negative effect on a man's mental and sexual health and cause 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 rapidly, occupying a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, there is a feeling of a foreign body in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may occur. The spread of growths to the urethra area leads to the development of urological pathology. Bleeding develops when formations are damaged. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness, and deterioration 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:

• sex with a reliable partner and ordered to use barrier contraception. At the same time, modern studies show that only high-quality protective equipment can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection for both partners;
• strengthening the immune system: diet, vitamin intake, etc. ;
• the use of a special vaccine: the course of taking drugs for human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the brachial muscle, which can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection should be done after a preliminary consultation with a specialist (this prevention is possible only in people who are not infected with HPV);
• preventive visits to the urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems related to the genitourinary system, to conduct tests to identify the virus.

If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area, as well as in other parts of the body, on the 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 not recommended to treat yourself, because only a specialist can diagnose and correctly prescribe the treatment of condyloma in men.

Frequently asked questions

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

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

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

In men, papilloma comes into contact with the infected skin or mucous membrane of the genitals. It can be through sexual contact, as well as direct contact with the affected area.

How to prevent papilloma infection in men?

In order to prevent papilloma infection in men, it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to the doctor and tests will also help to identify the infection at an early stage and prevent its spread.

Helpful tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatovenerologist for professional advice and diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine whether the papilloma is dangerous or not and requires its removal.

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilloma. 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 damage (such as the neck or armpit), try to use a soft bandage or tape to avoid damage.

Tip #3

Follow the rules of hygiene. Wash and dry the area around the papilloma regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection. To prevent the spread of infection, do not share hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with other people.