Papilloma in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted by contact and/or sexual contact. HPV has been known for over 70 years. In 1935, the ability of this group of viruses to cause the development of papillomas and skin cancers in rabbits was demonstrated. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been in doubt, but for some reason only now they are beginning to scare us about this diseaseand its consequences. In the human body, different types of HPV manifest themselves in different ways. But the unifying property of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various shapes.

Papillomas develop at the primary contact site in approximately 1-3% of people infected with HPV. Papilloma is considered by doctors to be a benign tumor and does not pose a significant threat. However, 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 exclusively as a dermatological disease with contact and focus transmission. HPV can also manifest as venereal disease, causing genital forms of sexually transmitted papillomas. Since cases of cancer are extremely rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, in which cancers occur much more often. Genital forms of HPV are caused by about 40 of the 130 known types of virus. 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 life.

Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. Indeed, provided that both partners have never had other sexual contact, the possibility of having genital forms of HPV is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. In addition, infection with several types of HPV is possible at once, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main transmission factor is bodily fluids, skin and mucous membrane contact is sufficient for HPV transmission. And if in the case of typical STDs, the use of a condom is a relatively reliable remedy, then in relation to HPV, such as, for example, genital herpes, its effectiveness is rather doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in humans is a clinical manifestation of infection of a patient 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, practically without manifesting itself outside. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, leading to the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, therefore any neoplasm of the skin and mucous membranes should be treated with extreme caution, under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of appearance

The cause of 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 sexual contact: the most common type of infection, especially because a person can carry the virus for a long time, without even knowing it, since the virus has the ability to manifest itself only under theinfluence of external factors. . Transmission is also possible by direct contact of mucous membranes. In this case, the risk of infection increases if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ). Due to the prevalence of this cause of infection, it is understandable that very often papillomas (condyloma) in men and women appear in the intimate area, at the points of contact, from which the risk of infection inMen is generally higher, due to their greater sexual activity, but women's mucous membranes are less protected.
• Through household contact: it is now proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through ordinary contact (even a handshake), particularly in public places (baths, swimming pools, sports halls, etc. ).

It should also be remembered that infection with this virus does not imply its manifestation.Most often, the disease becomes active and makes itself felt if:

• the patient's immunity is weakened;
• 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 poorly pathogenic due to low infectivity and low host resistance to infection. Having penetrated a human cell, a DNA virus most often does not integrate into the cellular genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus replicates synchronously with the cell without harming it, a non-productive type infection develops, " otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic carriage.

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

Main infection factors

• multiple sexual partners;
• use of birth control pills;
• smoking;
• insufficiency of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of chronic foci of coccal infection - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
• artificial food restriction, weight loss.

With good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is eliminated from a woman's body within a year and in 85% of cases within 4 years. This is why the number of women infected with HPV decreases with age. The development of cancer in men and women is closely linked to human papillomavirus infection. As a result of a study of men and women infected with the human papillomavirus, genital warts, body papillomas, warts and flat warts were discovered.

HPV in men: consequences

The virus can cause condyloma, or genital warts, which, as their name suggests, are located in the groin, as well as on the head of the penis and the foreskin. This type of warts has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condyloma of the penis can cause shrinkage of the foreskin, which can make it difficult to expose the head of the penis and lead to problems in your personal life. It should also be remembered that in some cases such formations are not an indicator of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet manifested themselves (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that a carrier of the virus can pass it on to their partner, which also puts them at risk of developing cancer. Transmission of the virus to the fetus from an infected mother is also possible. Couples wishing to have children should therefore pay special attention to HPV and other diseases of this type.

HPV in men: symptoms

Most often, HPV can be present in the human body for a long time without manifesting itself. However, the most important sign (symptom) of the possible presence of HPV in men and women is the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the groin or pubis, of condylomas andpapillomas - warts, bumps and irregularities on the skin. , the color of which does not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a genital type papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane by a sort of "leg". The size of warts can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters – in the latter case we speak of an accumulation of warts. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin and also around the anus (then there is a high probability that condylomas can also be found in the rectum). Most often they are painless, but in some cases, men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests itself as follows:

• pain when urinating, defecating, or having sex;
• bleeding from condyloma: sometimes, in their place, ulcers can form that do not heal for a long time;
• sometimes also, condyloma can itch.

The listed symptoms usually indicate damage to the condyloma.

Treatment of HPV in Men

Initial examination

The appearance of papillomas, in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body, also indicates a weakened immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, certain types of papillomas, in particular condyloma of the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential. Therefore, when the first signs of the disease are detected, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating the human papillomavirus, the more likely a man will be to avoid the serious consequences of condyloma on his health. (All of the above also applies to women. )

First date

A first appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as an interview and the prescription of tests. Although most often papillomas have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to determine with absolute accuracy the presence of HPV in the patient's body.If HPV infection is suspected in men, the following tests are usually ordered::

• blood test (for condyloma, also analysis of urethral discharge): modern diagnostic methods make it possible to isolate the DNA of the virus from available material and thus confirm its presence in the patient's body;
• papilloma (condyloma) biopsy: performed to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Additional treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is largely determined by the presence or absence of condyloma on the genitals. As with the herpes virus, getting rid of HPV completely is almost impossible. Therapeutic effects and surgical interventions are therefore 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 cause discomfort to the patient, it cannot be removed at his request, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for genital warts in men, due to their particular location.

Removal methods are different and are selected individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to eliminating tumors, the treatment of condyloma in men involves the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the method chosen to get rid of warts, anti-inflammatories may also be prescribed to the patient.Moreover, no technique can completely rid a person of the infection: the disease is only "smothered". Therapy is combined and includes the removal of skin growths and the use of medications. The duration depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are eliminated in several ways:

• by 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 preparations are:

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

Interferonis a substance that the human immune system produces to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific progress in the field of genetic engineering, drugs based on interferon are obtained synthetically. This makes it possible to obtain a purer (without impurities) and less allergenic medicine. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect throughout the body. However, there are cases where interferon treatment causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are stopped and the doctor develops another drug treatment.

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) to foods containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance found in broccoli - the latest discovery of science. This chemical compound has a strong anti-carcinogenic effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It should be noted that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. It has been established that the use of indinol improves 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 may prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not fully understood, since its state changes depending on any intervention: whether therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs such as antiviral drug, which is particularly effective against herpes simplex, shingles (shingles) and chickenpox viruses,  have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Their use is therefore not practical.

During treatment, the patient may also be informed:

• abstain from sexual intercourse, especially unprotected, to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body;
• Strengthen your immune system yourself through diet and moderate physical activity.

Treatment result:It should be remembered that the process of HPV treatment, its timing and effectiveness largely depend on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, as well as the development of possible complications of this disease (oncological infirst place).

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is an aesthetic defect. Growths located in the genital area negatively affect a man's mental and sexual health and lead to difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With reduced immunity, warts can grow quickly and occupy a large area. When the rectum is involved in the process, a sensation of a foreign body in the rectum appears, anal fissures and other proctological problems may develop. The spread of growths in the urethral zone leads to the development of urological pathology. When the formations are injured, bleeding develops. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and deterioration in general condition.

Prevention

The complexity of HPV treatment, as well as the serious health problems this virus can cause, determine the importance of preventive measures, including:

• ordered sex with a trusted partner and using barrier contraceptive measures. At the same time, modern research shows that only high-quality protective equipment can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection for both partners;
• strengthen the immune system: diet, taking vitamins, etc. ;
• use of a special vaccine: taking drugs against the human papilloma virus in humans consists of three injections into the brachialis muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection must be carried out after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is only possible in people not infected with HPV);
• preventive visits to the urologist to check for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the genitourinary system, passing tests to identify the virus.

If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area, as well as on other parts of the body, skin and mucous membranes, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist as quickly as possible. This will avoid complications and other undesirable consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strongly not recommended to self-medicate, since only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment for condyloma in men.

FAQs

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

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

How is papilloma transmitted in humans?

Papilloma in men is transmitted by contact with infected skin or mucous membrane of the genitals. It can be transmitted during sexual intercourse as well as by direct contact with the affected area.

How to prevent papilloma infection in men?

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 your doctor and tests will also help identify the infection in its early stages and prevent its spread.

Useful 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 and whether it needs to be removed.

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilloma. Do not try to remove it yourself, as this could lead to infection and complications. If the papilloma is in an area of friction or injury (such as the neck or armpit), try using a soft bandage or tape to prevent damage.

Tip #3

Respect hygiene rules. Wash and dry the area around the papilloma regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Avoid sharing hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with other people to avoid spreading infection.