Most of the time, people do not suspect that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is in their body. This is because the papillomavirus is usually present in a latent form, suppressed by natural immunity. Problems arise when it gets out of control and begins to actively manifest itself as growths on different parts of the body. Men are less likely to suffer from the effects of the virus than women, however, for them, its effect can turn into serious problems in the form of papillomas on the penis.
Causes of occurrence
Viral DNA enters the body through microcracks in the skin or mucous membranes. If a man's immunity is weakened, the first manifestations of HPV will appear several months after infection.
Up to 80% of transmission occurs through the sexual route. Barrier contraception minimizes the risk of infection, but does not completely eliminate it.
Other means of infection:
- Household path.The virus is transmitted with the personal effects of an infected person: clothing, hygiene items, etc. The risk of transmission is increased if the skin is damaged, even minor. This pathway is characterized by infection with weakly oncogenic types of the virus. They do not cause serious health problems, but come 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 likely to be infected.
If a man has good immune defense, the virus does not manifest itself and can remain in the body for a long time in a latent form. Therefore, it is not the infection with the virus itself that is dangerous, but a weakened immune system, which leads to the activation of HPV.
There are a number of factors affecting the possibility of strengthening the positions of the virus:
- chronic diseases;
- hormonal problems;
- incorrectly selected contraception or its complete absence;
- viral infections;
- alcohol, smoking, or long-term use of antibiotics;
- frequent stress.
All of these factors negatively affect the immune system. If in the life of a man there is not one provoking factor, but several, it will lead to a faster development of the papillomavirus.
Symptoms
Often papillomas appear only on the outside, however, in some cases, non-specific symptomsmay occur:
- itching and burning during intercourse;
- pain when touching papillomas;
- accumulation of urine in the folds of the penis;
- unpleasant odor in the affected area.
In addition, neoplasms can grow and affect not only the penile area, but also appear on the anus and pubis.
What papillomas look like
Penile papilloma is a small neoplasm. At first, it may appear on its own, but without proper treatment, the number of papillomas increases. However, they can merge with each other.
These growths look like flesh-colored or pink cauliflower inflorescences. Most often they are localized in the foreskin, on the head and frenulum. Less commonly, they are diagnosed in the urethra and scrotum. Papillomas can also appear as small white pimples that appear in long rows. This shape is typical for localization in the area of the flange.
Buschke-Levenshtein warts are one manifestation of HPV. It is distinguished by its rapid growth, exceptional size and resistance to various types of treatment. Its appearance is due to several existing papillomas and warts, which coalesce and form a large area of lesion. The presence of Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma is dangerous because the cells modified by it can easily turn into cancer.
Which doctor to contact
Usually a urologist will diagnose papillomas in men. You can also seek advice from a dermatovenerologist or proctologist if you have genital warts in the anal area. However, papillomas are usually referred to a surgeon for removal. In total, the diagnosis takes place in several stages:
- The urologist examines and questions the patient.Verbal questioning is necessary to assess the patient's lifestyle and establish the cause of the viral infection. Visual examination involves not only assessing the condition of the penis, but also the adjacent organs - the scrotum, the anal region. This is necessary to complete the picture of the localization of the virus.
- Urethral smear delivery.Determines 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 an examination of the urethra if the papillomavirus has infected the frenulum.
- After removal of the papilloma, the 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 with both partners. Usually, a woman is also infected with one of the types of papillomavirus. If only a man is treated, it is very likely that he will fall ill again after some time.
Why are papillomas dangerous?
Human papillomavirus is often accompanied by other related diseases. The appearance of papillomas in the glans area of the penis contributes to the accumulation of urine in the folds. This creates the conditions for the emergence and growth of various microorganisms, which in turn leads to infections. They can cause erosion around the papilloma and also contribute to inflammation of the urethra and testicles. These diseases are characterized by problems with urination, pain and high fever.
Another danger is the trauma of neoplasms, which leads to bleeding. This is due to the fact that many blood vessels form around the papillomas, which supply them with blood. Even minor damage can lead to infection from injury.
In addition, neoplasms can rub while moving, causing pain and discomfort in humans.
HPV and cancer
When the virus has just started to spread, the neoplasms are sporadic and benign. Without treatment, they grow and merge with each other. Over time, cells degenerate into malignant cells.The risk of cancer is especially high if a man is infected with highly oncogenic types of the virus - 16 or 18.These are the ones that contribute to the development of penile and bladder cancer.
Treatment of papillomas
Treatment for HPV involves not only eliminating its external manifestations, but also strengthening the immune system, which should block the manifestations of the virus.Immunostimulatory drugs are used to maintain immunity.
As an antiviral medicine, an ointment that suppresses the multiplication of the virus and removes small growths is effective. It does not always cope with the task of complete removal, but it prevents the appearance of new growths. Antiviral ointment is prescribed to boost immunity. The ointment does not eliminate papillomas, but promotes the activation of cells of the immune system, which stops their growth and development.
Removal methods
There are several ways to get rid of new growth that has appeared:
- Laser removal.The papilloma is exposed to a laser beam, which completely burns the growth. A crust forms here, which disappears after a few weeks. The method is considered effective due to the absence of relapses. The removal is performed under anesthesia. There is no bleeding, no scarring or scarring.
- Cryodestruction.Papillomas are exposed to liquid nitrogen. It instantly freezes the desired area, the neoplasm collapses and dies. The disadvantage of this method is the inability to control the depth of the effect of cryodestruction. At the site of the removed papilloma, there is also a crust left, which disappears after some time.
- Radiosurgery.The principle of this method is similar to laser removal. Radio waves do not leave scars or scars, and the procedure is preceded by preliminary anesthesia with a special spray. After that, there are no complications, and the body recovers quickly.
- Electrocoagulation.Growth is affected by an electric current, thanks to which the leg is shed, after which the papilloma disappears. Superficial anesthesia can be administered if necessary. The procedure takes several minutes, is widespread and affordable. But this method is able to leave scars after healing.
- Surgical intervention.It is used in rare cases when the tumor becomes too large. She is done under anesthesia, she has a long healing and trauma. The method is good in that it allows you to save the removed growth for histological examination.
The cost of each method depends on the complexity of the work, the size and number of papillomas to be removed.
Before choosing a method, consult your doctor. He will tell you what is best to use in your situation, explain in detail how the procedure is carried out. Also, 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 neoplasms into malignant tumors has started. This method will help detect early cell changes and prevent the spread of cancer.