Not everyone knows that squamous cell papilloma is the result of a viral disease. The disease is not only an aesthetic problem, but can also seriously harm health, including death. A tumor can "grow" in any part of the body and affect internal organs.
What is squamous cell papilloma and its structure
The answer to the question: "What is it? " is a benign tumor. The main localization sites are the face, neck and mucous membranes. If the pathology is not treated for a long time, it can become malignant. Outwardly, a flat papilloma resembles a circular birthmark. The color can vary from flesh to dark brown. Most often, doctors call it squamous papilloma with hyperkeratosis. It usually occurs in older people, sometimes in 30-35 year olds.
Causes and sources of infection
There are many ways to get infected with squamous cell papilloma of the skin, some of them are simple and do not cause concern:
- sexual relations of any origin: vaginal, oral, anal;
- Daily contact (handshake). The essential here is the presence of open wounds;
- Visiting public places with a high level of humidity: swimming pool, sauna;
- Violation of personal hygiene norms.
This type of papilloma is diagnosed in people with low immunity and who have a lot of casual sexual contact.
The penetration of the virus into a healthy body does not mean that papillomas will appear in the near future. This happens only when immunity is weakened. Main reasons:
- Presence of bad habits: alcoholism, smoking, illegal drugs, poor diet;
- Digestive system disorder;
- Skin diseases;
- Old age;
- Hereditary tendency;
- Third party chemical exposure.
Esophageal papilloma appears almost immediately after failure. It forms on the tongue, lips, inside the mouth, esophagus and intestines.
Why is it dangerous for humans?
The main danger is that papilloma with hyperkeratosis turns into cancer in more than 60% of cases. If the growth is formed in the respiratory system, there is a risk that the gradual lack of oxygen can lead to death. When a growth occurs in the intestine, it may pus from contact with feces. In the case of squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus, there is a risk of inflammation and bleeding when eating hard food or poor-quality alcohol.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms of the formation of squamous cell papilloma are small and unclear. First, the area with growth is examined. Most people think of skin growths as warts and ignore them, hoping that they will disappear with time. The neoplasm develops and grows very slowly, and inflammation occurs very rarely.
Foci of manifestation first appear in the thinnest areas of the skin. This is the area of the eyelids, neck, chest. If the eyelid is affected, the conjunctiva may be affected.
The neoplasm grows and develops gradually, its average size is from 0. 3 to 1. 5 centimeters. The color of the neoplasm is different and can change over time from flesh-colored to purple.
Picking, squeezing or cutting a squamous cell papilloma is dangerous, the infection can enter an open wound.
There are no special diagnostic tools to determine the presence of the virus. First, the therapist performs a visual examination of the tumor. Later, referrals are made to other specialists: dermatologist, gynecologist. The appointment is made depending on the location of the papilloma. If it is on the outer part of the skin, the diagnosis can be made immediately. If the growth is inside the body, fluoroscopy is prescribed.
If the rectum is affected, the doctor feels the neoplasm, the cervix is clearly visible with a gynecological glass.
There are several mandatory procedures:
- Biopsy;
- Blood analysis;
- PCR test.
If necessary, the attending physician may prescribe additional diagnostic methods.
Esophageal papillomas
The main sites of formation of esophageal squamous cell papilloma are the tongue, lips and oral mucosa. The virus can be accompanied by the formation of small ulcers and itching.
When papillomas appear on the lips, the first thing that happens is swelling and discomfort when eating. If the affected area is damaged, blood appears. The growth can grow rapidly and lead to lip cancer.
With esophageal papilloma, the symptoms of which occur mainly in the male half of the population. The causes of the disease can be improper diet, poor-quality food and bad habits. The main location of the tumor in the esophagus is its middle part. The size of each is from 1-2 millimeters to 3-4 centimeters, elongated shape, on a stalk. The patient notices abdominal pain, belching, excessive salivation and a lump in the throat. Diagnosis is made using radiography and esophagoscopy.
Signs of formations in the mouth and throat
With squamous cell papilloma of the larynx, the patient has pain when eating, swallowing, and sometimes even breathing. Sometimes there are difficulties in speaking. Growth size is small, peduncle. If a neoplasm is detected in a child, treatment is not started immediately, it happens that it goes away on its own. If an adult does not deal with the disease, it can degenerate into a malignant tumor.
The appearance of squamous cell papilloma of the tongue does not appear at all at first. White, flesh-colored growths begin to appear only if the patient has somehow injured them. After a few weeks, bad breath, itching, burning, and ulcers appear.
Larynx symptoms in adults may vary, depending on the general condition of the body and the degree of development of the disease. A sore throat, lump in the nose, discomfort, congestion, itching may occur. If a growth has formed on the septum, it gradually grows through all the nasal sinuses, disrupting the normal processes of oxygen entry and exit.
Symptoms of formations in intimate places
In the case of squamous cell papilloma of the cervix, there is a very high risk that the benign condition of the neoplasm will turn into cancer. Often this process is accompanied by erosion and genital warts.
In the initial stage of development, the virus does not have any symptoms. Itching and burning gradually appear in the affected area, and over time there is constant discomfort. Unloading is possible. A papilloma is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist, and a colposcopy may be prescribed. During pregnancy, a woman's immunity may decrease and, accordingly, papillomas may appear. In such cases, immediate removal is recommended.
If we talk about the genitourinary system, the most problematic place for women is the rectum. In the initial stage, there are no symptoms, then pain, itching, purulent discharge, blood in the stool appear. The diagnosis can be established after the palpation procedure. In 90% of cases when this type of neoplasm appears, doctors send for syphilis tests.
Treatment and removal methods
In most cases, patients seek treatment when symptoms are already severe. It is forbidden to self-medicate or try to remove the papilloma. Removal is done in several ways:
- Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen;
- Surgery;
- Removal with high frequency current;
- Laser removal;
- Radio knife operation.
Esophageal papilloma requires additional investigation, so treatment may take longer.
After the removal procedure, the scar is practically invisible. However, there is no 100% guarantee that the tumor will not recur. Without proper prevention, the virus will reawaken and growths will appear. After treatment, the patient is prescribed a course of antiviral drugs, vitamins and immunomodulators. It is important to restore the general level of immunity as successfully as possible. Even if the virus remains in the body, it will be there, preventing the formation of papillomas. It is recommended to completely give up bad habits.
Treatment with folk remedies
Squamous cell papilloma, like all other types of growths, is formed mainly in older people. For many of them, surgical intervention is contraindicated. In such cases, the attending physician advises to turn to traditional medicine. The most recommended measures are:
- Freshly squeezed potato juice. Course - 2 months, drink 100 ml 2 times a day;
- Celandine juice. The course is 4 weeks, the affected area is applied with liquid several times a day;
- Fresh garlic. The cleaned cut is attached to the growth with an adhesive plaster for 2-3 hours.
Currant leaves, licorice roots, nettles, lemon grass, plantains, garlic, beets, carrots are actively used in the preparation of medicinal infusions. In addition to taking medicinal compounds internally, you can prepare salads and soups from medicinal plants and vegetables.
Prevention and prognosis
The main prevention methods are as follows:
- Early medical assistance;
- Proper nutrition;
- Elimination of all bad habits.
Esophageal, urinary bladder and cervical papilloma "respond well" to natural traditional medicine. Their treatment is also slightly different from traditional, it takes longer.
After the removal operation, rehabilitation may take place differently, complications may arise. In general, the prognosis is always favorable. The death rate is minimal. If the process of cancer cell formation has already started, the survival rate reaches 30-35 percent.
If you seek medical attention in time, 90% of cases are completely cured, and soft tissue damage is minimal. Cancerous tumors are also successfully removed, and the degeneration process can be stopped.