Most people do not suspect that their body contains human papillomavirus (HPV). This is because the papillomavirus is usually in a latent form, suppressed by innate immunity. Problems arise when it is out of control and begins to manifest itself actively in the form of growths in various parts of the body. Men are less likely to suffer from the virus than women, but for them, their effects can turn into serious penile papillomas.
Causes of the event
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 transmissions are sexually transmitted. Barrier contraception reduces the risk of infection, but does not completely eliminate it.
Other ways to infect:
- Home road.The virus is transmitted along with the infected person's personal belongings: clothes, hygiene items, etc. The risk of transmission is increased if the skin is damaged, albeit small. This method is characterized by infection with low oncogenic virus types. They do not cause serious health problems, but occur 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 more likely to be infected.
If a person has good immune protection, the virus does not appear and can remain latent in the body for a long time. Therefore, it is not the infection of the virus itself that is dangerous, but the weakening of the immune system that results in the activation of HPV.
There are several factors that affect the ability to amplify a virus:
- chronic diseases;
- hormonal problems;
- incorrect choice of contraception or complete absence of contraception;
- viral infections;
- alcohol, smoking, or long-term use of antibiotics;
- frequent stress.
All of these factors negatively affect the immune system. If there is not one provocative factor in a man’s life, but several, it will lead to a more rapid development of the papillomavirus.
Symptoms
Papillomas often appear only externally, but in some cases non-specific symptoms may occur:
- itching and burning during intercourse;
- pain when touching papillomas;
- accumulation of urine in the folds of the penis;
- An unpleasant odor in the affected area.
In addition, neoplasms can grow and affect not only the area of the penis, but also appear on the anus and pubic area.
What do papillomas look like
Penile papilloma is a small neoplasm. At first, it may appear alone, but without proper treatment, the number of papillomas increases. But they can merge.
These plants look like body or pink cauliflower inflorescences. They are usually localized in the foreskin, on the head and sternum. Less commonly, they are diagnosed in the urethra and scrotum. Papillomas can also appear as small white pimples that occur in long lines. This form is characteristic of localization in the bumblebee area.
One manifestation of HPV is Buschke-Levenshtein warts. It stands out for its rapid growth, exceptional size, and resistance to a variety of treatments. Its appearance results from several existing papillomas and warts that merge to form one large lesion area. The presence of warts in Buschke-Levenshtein is dangerous because the cells it replaces can easily develop into cancer.
Which doctor to go to
Usually, the urologist makes the diagnosis of male papillomas. You can also consult a dermatovenerologist or proctologist if there are genital warts in the anal area. However, papillomas are usually sent to the surgeon for removal. In total, the diagnosis takes place in several stages:
- The urologist examines and interviews the patient.An oral interview is necessary to assess a patient’s lifestyle and determine the cause of a viral infection. The visual examination includes an assessment not only of the condition of the penis, but also of the adjacent organs - the scrotum, the anal area. This is necessary to fill in the virus localization image.
- Urethral smear.Detects 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 a urethral test if the papillomavirus has infected the gut.
- After removing the papilloma, your doctor may order a biopsyto assess the condition of the removed tumor. This is necessary to eliminate 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. Usually a woman is also infected with one type 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
The human papillomavirus is often accompanied by other related diseases. The appearance of papillomas in the area of the head of the penis contributes to the accumulation of urine in the wrinkles. This creates the conditions for the emergence and multiplication of various microorganisms, which later lead to infections. They can provoke erosion around the papilloma, as well as contribute to inflammation of the urethra and testicles. These diseases are characterized by urinary problems, pain and high fever.
Another risk is trauma to the neoplasms that causes bleeding. This is because many blood vessels form around the papillomas, which supply them with blood. Even minor damage can cause infection due to injury.
In addition, neoplasms can rub while moving, causing pain and discomfort to the man.
HPV and cancer
When the virus is just beginning to spread, the neoplasms become solitary and benign. Without treatment, they grow and merge. Over time, the cells degenerate into malignancies.The risk of cancer is especially high if a man is infected with a highly oncogenic virus, aged 16 or 18 years.They are the ones who contribute to the development of penile and bladder cancer.
Treatment of papillomas
Treatment for HPV involves not only the elimination of its external manifestations, but also the strengthening of the immune system, which should block the manifestations of the virus.Immunostimulatory drugs are used to maintain immunity.
As an antiviral drug, an effective ointment that inhibits the replication of the virus and eliminates small growths. This does not always cope with the task of complete removal, but prevents the emergence of new growths. Antiviral ointment is used to stimulate immunity. The ointment does not remove papillomas, but stimulates the activation of cells in 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 that completely burns the regrowth. A crust forms at this point, which calms down after a few weeks. The method is considered effective because there are no recurrences. Removal is performed under anesthesia. No bleeding, no scars or scars.
- Cryodestruction.Papillomas are exposed to liquid nitrogen. Instantly freezes the desired area, the neoplasm on it collapses and dies. The disadvantage of this method is the inability to control the depth of cryodestruction effects. Removed papillomas also leave a crust in place, which disappears after a while.
- Radiosurgery.The principle of this method is similar to laser removal. Radio waves do not leave scars and scars, and pre-anesthesia with a special spray is performed before the procedure. After that, there are no complications and the body recovers quickly.
- Electrocoagulation.Growth is affected by an electric current that removes the leg and then the papilloma disappears. If necessary, surface anesthesia may be used. The procedure takes a few minutes, is widespread and affordable. But this method is able to heal scars.
- Surgical intervention.It is used in rare cases where the tumor becomes too large. This is done under anesthesia, it heals and trauma for a long time. The method is good because it allows the removed plant to be retained for histological examination.
The cost of each method depends on the complexity of the work, the size and number of papillomas removed.
Consult your doctor before choosing a method. He will tell you what is best to use in your situation, tell you in detail how the procedure is performed. In addition, after removal of the neoplasm, it is advisable to take the material for histology. This is necessary to determine whether the process of degeneration of benign tumors into malignant has begun. This method will help detect early cell changes and prevent the cancer from spreading.