There can be a large number of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. In addition, several types of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. The papilloma virus on the penis generally affects the mucous membranes and skin of the male body, localizing itself to the external genitalia.
A papilloma is a benign neoplasm, usually small in size, that resembles a cauliflower. This oncological process develops from flat epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and may be both flesh-colored and some other (white, dark brown, etc. ). The causative agent of all variants of oncology is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a virus that contains DNA and has a tropism for epithelial tissues, therefore it affects only the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogen does not have a shell, but it is very resistant to environmental conditions. HPV constitutes a large group of viruses, which are subdivided into:
- Types with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Types with a medium risk of malignancy (special conditions are required);
- The type with high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the glans penis are considered a precancerous condition, that is, they belong to the last group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of the appearance of pathology, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment. If the malignancy process has already begun, therapy becomes very difficult.
Reasons for the appearance
For the appearance of papilloma on the penis in men, direct contact with an infected person is required. Microscopic or obvious skin damage is considered a particularly important predisposing factor. The main route of transmission of the disease is sexual. Furthermore, not only people with papillomas with a clear clinical picture are infected, but also latent carriers of the virus. During traditional sex, the head of the penis is affected, during oral-genital contacts, the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx, during the anal, anus and rectum.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, during shaving and other manipulations associated with lesions, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis. The domestic route of infection is also possible, which is associated with the high resistance of the virus to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are especially dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- Decrease in the body's immune forces;
- Prolonged stress;
- The presence of chronic diseases;
- Excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking certain medications.
Clinical picture
The incubation period of papilloma on the skin of the penis is about 8-12 weeks, but it can vary significantly, since the clinical picture depends mainly on the degree of protection of the body.
Despite the fact that HPV most often causes harmless pathologies that do not cause discomfort to patients, the types of viruses that cause the appearance of papillomas in the penile region are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms can be considered the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas on the penis appear as small, single or multiple flesh-colored neoplasms, unaccompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they can look like cauliflower, sometimes they are a swelling on the stem. In the absence of proper treatment, the disease progresses and the following stages are distinguished:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the sheets of the foreskin, making it impossible to remove the glans penis);
- The accumulation of smegma and, as a consequence, the development of the infectious process (due to narrowing, it is difficult to clean the space between the head and the leaves of the foreskin);
- Inflammation of the head of the penis and both sheets of the foreskin (local signs are expressed in the form of edema, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosive defects on the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of papillomas on the penis must be immediate and radical to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to a significant interruption of life and even death.
Diagnostics
Removal of papillomas on the penis can be planned only after the diagnosis has finally been established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Evaluation of complaints, medical history and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected intercourse is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of flesh-colored growths that resemble cauliflower. It is also possible to detect such formations on the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus, and on other external genitalia, except for the penis.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement, but more than 95% effective, which is why it is considered the gold standard. With the help of PCR, it is possible to detect the DNA of the virus in the human body, as well as accurately determine its type.
- Cytological studies. Antibodies against HPV are detected using different techniques, which makes it possible to judge the presence of an infection.
Treatment of penile papillomas is carried out immediately after the exact determination of the HPV type and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papillomas on the penis?
There are no effective types of conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible action is the radical removal of papillomas on the penis. Several techniques are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radio wave method (the most optimal option, without cosmetic defects, painless);
- Open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemical agents are used).
Medications can be used in addition to radical therapy. Basically, preference is given to cytostatic drugs. In addition, antiviral medications are prescribed to reduce the risk of relapse.
During the treatment period, sexual intercourse should be avoided to prevent the spread of the infection. It is also recommended that all of the patient's sexual partners be tested for the presence of HPV.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures mainly consist of the introduction of a protected sex life with a proven partner. Great care must be taken when visiting public baths and saunas, as well as avoiding contact with a person's neoplasms, especially in the presence of microtraumas.
To prevent the development of complications, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Curing the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee the full recovery of the patient (that is, if the papilloma on the penis is removed, it will still not work to eliminate the virus from the body), so a man should be careful monitor their condition, noting the slightest changes and referring to a doctor. The HPV carrier must maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not reoccur.