Papilloma in men

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through contact and/or sexual contact. HPV has been known for more than 70 years. In 1935, the ability of this group of viruses to cause the development of papillomas and skin cancer 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 have they begun to scare us about this disease and its consequences. While 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) in various forms.

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of people infected with HPV. Doctors consider papilloma to be a benign tumor and do not pose a significant threat. Although 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 transmission through household contact. HPV can also present as a venereal disease, causing genital forms of papillomas with sexual transmission. Since cases of cancer are extremely rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, in which cancer occurs much more frequently. Genital forms of HPV are caused by approximately 40 of the 130 known types of viruses. 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 lives.

Naturally, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. In fact, as long as both members of the couple have never had other sexual contacts, the possibility of having genital forms of HPV is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. In addition, infection is possible with several types of HPV at once, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main transmission factor is body fluids, contact of the skin and mucous membranes is sufficient for HPV transmission. And if in the case of typical STDs the use of condoms is a relatively reliable remedy, in relation to HPV, such as genital herpes, its effectiveness is quite doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of a patient's infection with the human papillomavirus. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to remain in the human body for a long time, practically without manifesting itself externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, as a result of which various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes are formed. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasm on 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 several ways:

• Through unprotected sexual contact - the most common type of infection, including because a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time, without even knowing it, since the virus has the ability to manifest itself only under the influence of external factors. . Transmission is also possible through direct contact of the mucous membranes. In this case, the risk of infection increases if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (there are cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ). Due to the prevalence of this cause of infection, it is understandable that papillomas (condylomas) in men and women quite often appear in the intimate area, at points of contact, so the risk of infection in men is usually higher. , due to their greater sexual activity, but women's mucous membranes are less protected.
• Through household contact: It has now been shown that the HPV virus can enter the human body through regular contact (even a handshake), especially in public places (bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It is also necessary to remember that infection with this virus does not mean 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 several 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 the low infectivity and resistance of hosts to infection. Having penetrated a human cell, a DNA virus 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 damaging it, a non-productive type of infection develops; Otherwise, this process is called persistence or asymptomatic carriage.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic transport or releases thousands of active viral 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 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 moment the fetus is formed, during the woman's pregnancy and the birth of the child.

Main infection factors.

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

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

HPV in men: consequences

The virus can cause condylomas or genital warts which, as the name suggests, are found in the groin, as well as on the head of the penis and the foreskin. This type of condylomata has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condylomas on the penis can cause a narrowing of the foreskin, which can make it difficult to expose the head of the penis and cause problems in your personal life. It must also be remembered that in some cases these 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 transmit it to her partner, also putting her at risk of developing cancer. Transmission of the virus to the fetus is also possible from an infected mother, so couples who wish to have children should pay special attention to HPV and other diseases of this type.

HPV in men: symptoms

Very 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 pubic area, of condylomas and papillomas: warts, lumps and irregularities of the skin. , whose color does not differ from that of the main skin.Condyloma- This is a type of genital papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "leg". The size of the condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters; In the latter case we are talking about an accumulation of condylomas. These papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin and also around the anus (then there is a high probability that there are also condylomas in the rectum). Most often they are painless, but in some cases men may experience additional human papillomavirus symptoms if the disease manifests itself as:

• pain when urinating, defecating, or having sexual intercourse;
• bleeding from condylomas - sometimes ulcers can form in their place that do not heal for a long time;
• Sometimes condylomas can also itch.

The listed symptoms usually indicate damage to the condyloma.

HPV treatment 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, some types of papillomas, in particular condylomas on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, so when signs of the disease are first detected, a specialist should be consulted. The sooner you start treating human papillomavirus, the more chances a man will have to avoid the serious health consequences of condylomata. (All of the above also applies to women).

Initial appointment

The initial appointment with a specialist involves a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as questioning and prescribing 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 prescribed::

• blood test (for condylomas, also analysis of urethral discharge) - modern diagnostic methods make it possible to isolate the DNA of the virus from the 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 condylomas on the genitals. Like the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to completely get rid of HPV, therefore therapeutic effects and surgical intervention are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations and increasing the period of remission. Removal of HPV papillomas is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not interfere with the patient, then at his request it cannot be removed, but then he will have to undergo periodic preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for genital warts in men, due to their special location.

Removal methods are different and are selected individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to removing tumors, the treatment of condylomas in men involves the use of medications that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thus suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the chosen method of getting rid of condylomas, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications.By the way, not a single technique can completely rid a person of infection: the disease is only "muffled". 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 removed in several ways:

• through 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, several antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
• Viferon;
• cycloferon;
• reapheron;
• leukinferon, etc.

InterferonIt is a substance produced by the human immune system to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific advances in the field of genetic engineering, drugs based on interferon are obtained by synthesis. This allows us to obtain a purer drug (without impurities) and less allergenic. Interferon medications 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 sense, these medications are discontinued and the doctor develops another course of medication.

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) to foods that contain indole-3-carbinol, a natural substance present in broccoli, the latest discovery of science. This chemical compound has a strong anti-cancer effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is worth noting 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 effect on the body is subject to detailed study. The doctor may prescribe nonspecific 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 medications, such as antiviral drug, which is especially effective against herpes simplex viruses, herpes zoster (shingles), and chickenpox, have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, its use is not practical.

During treatment, the patient may also be advised:

• abstain from sexual relations, especially without protection, to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body;
• Strengthen your immune system yourself with diet and moderate physical activity.

Treatment result:It must be remembered that the HPV treatment process, 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 first of all).

Complications

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

Prevention

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

• ordered to have sexual relations with a trusted partner and use 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: the course of medication against human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the brachialis muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection should be given after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is possible only 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, performing tests to identify the virus.

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

Frequently asked questions

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

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

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

Papilloma in men is transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes of the genital organs. It can be transmitted through sexual relations, as well as by direct contact with the affected area.

How can you 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 testing will also help identify the infection in its early stages and prevent its spread.

Helpful 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 damaging the papilloma. Do not try to remove it yourself, as this can lead to infections 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

Follow 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 others to prevent the spread of infection.