There can be a huge number of diseases caused by the human papilloma virus. In addition, several species of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. The papilloma virus on the penis usually affects the mucous membranes and skin in the male body, localizing on the external genitalia.
A papilloma is a benign neoplasm, usually small in size, resembling a cauliflower. This oncological process develops from flat epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and may have flesh color and some others (white, dark brown, etc. ). The cause of all variants of oncology is the human papilloma virus.
HPV is a virus that contains DNA and has tropism for epithelial tissues, so it only affects the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogenic agent does not have a shell, but is very resistant to environmental conditions. HPV makes up a huge group of viruses, which are divided into:
- Species with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Species with an average risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- A type with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the voice of the penis are considered a precancerous condition, ie they belong to the last group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of pathology, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment. If the process of malignancy has already begun, then the therapy becomes very difficult.
Reasons for occurrence
The appearance of papillomas on the penis in men requires direct contact with an infected person. Microscopic or obvious skin damage is considered a particularly important predisposing factor. The main route of transmission of the disease is sexual. Moreover, not only people with papilloma 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 membranes of the mouth and throat, during anal - the anus and rectum.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis during shaving and other injury-related manipulations. A mode of infection in the household is also possible, which is associated with high resistance of the virus to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are especially dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the occurrence of the disease:
- Decreased immune strength of the body;
- Prolonged stress;
- Presence of chronic diseases;
- Excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking certain medications.
Clinical picture
The incubation period of papillomas on the skin of the penis is approximately 8-12 weeks, but can vary significantly, as the clinical picture mainly depends 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 penis area are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms can be considered the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas on the penis look like small neoplasms of body color, single or multiple, which are not accompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they can look like cauliflower, sometimes they are swollen on the stem. In the absence of appropriate treatment, the disease progresses, and the following stages are distinguished:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the leaves of the foreskin, which makes it impossible to remove the head of the penis);
- Accumulation of smegma and, as a consequence, the development of an 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 leaves 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 penile papillomas should be immediate and radical to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to significant disruptions of life and even death.
Diagnosis
Removal of papillomas on the penis can be planned only after the diagnosis is finally established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Evaluation of complaints, anamnesis and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected sexual intercourse is determined, the affected area is examined for the presence of cauliflower-like flesh-colored growths. It is also possible to detect such formations on the mucous membrane of the mouth, around the anus, and on other external genitalia except the penis.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement, but is 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 to precisely determine its type.
- Cytological studies. Using various techniques, antibodies to HPV are detected, allowing the presence of infection to be assessed.
Treatment of penile papillomas is carried out immediately after the exact determination of the type of HPV 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 the papilloma on the penis. Different techniques are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radiowave method (the most optimal option, without cosmetic defects, painless);
- Open operation;
- Cauterization (chemical agents are used).
Medications can be used in conjunction with radical therapy. Basically, cytostatic drugs are preferred. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided during the treatment period to prevent the spread of infection. It is also recommended that all sexual partners of the patient be tested for the presence of HPV.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures mainly consist of introducing a protected sex life with one proven partner. You must be very careful when visiting public baths and saunas, as well as avoid contact with any neoplasm of a person, especially in the presence of microtrauma.
To prevent the development of complications, you must consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his examinations and recommendations.
Treatment of the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee complete recovery of the patient (that is, if the papilloma on the penis is removed, he will still fail to remove the virus from the body), so the man should carefully monitor his condition, noticing the slightest changes and consult a doctor. The carrier of HPV must maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not recur.