Not every individual knows that squamous cell papilloma is the result of a viral disease. In addition to being an aesthetic problem, the disease can seriously harm health, including death. A tumor can "grow" on any part of the body and affect the internal organs.
What is squamous cell papilloma and its structure
The answer to the question: "What is it? " is a benign neoplasm. The main localization sites are the face, neck and mucous membranes. If the pathology is not treated for a long time, it can become malignant. From the outside, flat papillomas resemble a circle-shaped mole. The color can vary from flesh to dark brown. Doctors usually call it squamous papilloma with hyperkeratosis. It mostly occurs in older people, sometimes in people aged 30-35.
Causes and sources of infection
There are many ways to get infected with squamous cell papilloma of the skin, some of them are simple and do not cause any concern:
- Sexual intercourse of any origin: vaginal, oral, anal;
- Daily contact (handshake). The presence of open wounds is important here;
- Visiting public places with high humidity: swimming pool, sauna;
- Violation of personal hygiene standards.
This type of papilloma is diagnosed in people with a low level of immunity who have many casual sexual contacts.
The penetration of the virus into a healthy body does not mean that papillomas will appear in the near future. It only happens when the immunity goes down. Main reasons:
- Presence of bad habits: alcoholism, smoking, illegal drugs, poor quality diet;
- Disturbance in the work of the digestive system;
- Skin diseases;
- Older age;
- Hereditary predisposition;
- Exposure to third-party chemicals.
Esophageal papilloma appears almost immediately after failure. It occurs on the tongue, lips, mouth, esophagus and intestines.
Why is it dangerous for humans?
The main danger is that papilloma with hyperkeratosis develops into cancer in more than 60% of cases. If the growth forms in the respiratory system, there is a risk of gradual lack of oxygen, leading to death. When a growth occurs in the intestines, it can fester due to exposure to feces. With squamous papilloma of the esophagus, there is a risk of inflammation and bleeding due to the consumption of solid food or low-quality alcohol.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms of squamous cell papilloma formation are few and unclear. First, the area with growth is examined. Most individuals mistake skin growths for warts and ignore them, hoping that they will disappear over time. The neoplasm develops and grows very slowly, and inflammation occurs very rarely.
The foci of the manifestation primarily appear on the thinnest parts of the skin. This is the area of the eyelids, neck, chest. If the eyelid is involved, damage to the conjunctiva may occur.
The neoplasm grows and develops gradually, its average size is from 0. 3 to 1. 5 centimeters. The color of the neoplasm is different and can change over time from flesh-colored to purple.
Picking, squeezing, or cutting off squamous cell papillomas is dangerous; infection can enter the open wound.
There are no specific diagnostic measures to detect the presence of the virus. First, the therapist performs a visual examination of the tumor. After that, he writes referrals to other specialists: dermatologist, gynecologist. The appointment is made depending on the location of the papilloma. If it is located on the outer part of the skin, the diagnosis can be established immediately. If the growth is inside the body, fluoroscopy is prescribed.
If the rectum is affected, the doctor palpates the neoplasm; the cervix is clearly visible using a gynecological glass.
There are a number of mandatory procedures:
- Biopsy;
- Blood analysis;
- PCR screening.
If necessary, the doctor can prescribe additional diagnostic methods.
Esophageal papillomas
The main places for the formation of esophageal squamous cell papillomas are the tongue, lips and oral mucosa. The virus can be accompanied by the formation of small ulcers and itching.
In the case of papilloma on the lips, the first symptom is swelling and discomfort when eating. If the affected area is damaged, blood appears. The growth can grow quickly and cause lip cancer.
With esophageal papilloma, the symptoms of which occur mainly in the male half of the population. The causes of the disease can be poor nutrition, poor quality food and bad habits. The main location of the tumor in the esophagus is its middle part. The size of each is from 1-2 millimeters to 3-4 centimeters, elongated shape, on the stem. The patient notices pain in the stomach, belching, excess salivation and a lump in the throat. Diagnosis is carried out using radiography and esophagoscopy.
Signs of formations in the mouth and larynx
With squamous papilloma of the larynx, the patient hurts to eat, swallow, and sometimes even breathe. Sometimes there are difficulties with speech. The size of growths is small, on stalks. If a neoplasm is detected in a child, treatment is not started immediately, it happens that it passes by itself. If you do not fight the disease in adulthood, it can degenerate into a malignant tumor.
The occurrence of squamous papilloma of the tongue does not manifest itself in any way at first. Flesh-colored white growths begin to manifest only if the patient has somehow injured them. After a few weeks, bad breath, itching, burning and ulcers appear.
Symptoms in the larynx in adults can vary, depending on the general condition of the organism and the degree of development of the disease. Sore throat, lumps in the nose, discomfort, congestion, itching may occur. If a growth forms on the septum, it gradually grows through the nasal sinuses, interfering with the normal processes of oxygen entry and exit.
Symptoms of formations in intimate places
With squamous papilloma of the cervix, there is a very high risk that the benign condition of the neoplasm will turn into cancer. Often this process is accompanied by erosion and genital warts.
In the stage of emergence, initial development, the virus does not have any symptoms. Itching and burning gradually appear in the affected area, and over time constant discomfort appears. Discharge is possible. Papilloma is detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist, and a colposcopy can also be prescribed. During pregnancy, a woman can experience a drop in immunity and, accordingly, the appearance of papillomas. In such cases, immediate removal is recommended.
If we talk about the genitourinary system, the most problematic place for women is the rectum. In the initial phase, there are no symptoms, then pain, itching, purulent discharge, blood in the stool appear. The diagnosis can be made after the palpation procedure. In 90% of cases when this type of neoplasm appears, doctors send you for tests for syphilis.
Methods of treatment and removal
In most cases, patients seek treatment when symptoms are already severe. It is forbidden to self-medicate or try to remove the papilloma. Removal is done in several ways:
- Cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen;
- Surgery;
- Removal by high-frequency current;
- Laser removal;
- Radio knife operation.
Esophageal papilloma requires an additional examination, therefore treatment may take longer.
After the removal procedure, the scar is practically invisible. But there is no 100% guarantee that the tumor will not reappear. Without proper prevention, the virus will reawaken and growths will appear. After the treatment, the patient is prescribed a course of antiviral drugs, vitamins and immunomodulators. It is important to restore the level of general immunity as successfully as possible. Even if the virus remains in the body, it will contain it, preventing the formation of papillomas. It is recommended to completely eliminate bad habits.
Treatment with folk remedies
Squamous cell papilloma, like all other types of growths, occurs mainly in older people. Surgical intervention is contraindicated for many of them. In such cases, the doctor advises you to turn to traditional medicine. The most recommended means are:
- Freshly squeezed potato juice. Course – 2 months, take 100 ml, 2 times a day;
- Celandine juice. Course - 4 weeks, the affected area is smeared with liquid several times a day;
- Fresh garlic. The cleaned slice is attached to the growth with an adhesive patch for 2-3 hours.
Currant leaves, licorice root, nettle, lemongrass, plantain, garlic, beet and carrot are actively used in the preparation of medicinal infusions. In addition to internal intake of medicinal compounds, you can prepare salads and soups from herbs and vegetables.
Prevention and prognosis
The main preventive methods are:
- Seeking medical help early;
- Proper nutrition;
- Eliminating all bad habits.
Papilloma of the esophagus, bladder and cervix "responds" well to natural traditional medicine. Their treatment is also slightly different from the traditional one, it also lasts longer.
After removal surgery, rehabilitation may proceed differently, and complications may occur. Generally, the forecasts are always favorable. The percentage of deaths is minimal. If the process of forming cancer cells has already started, the survival rate is 30-35%.
If you seek medical help in time, complete healing is 90% possible, and soft tissue damage is minimal. Cancerous tumors are also successfully removed, and the process of degeneration can be stopped.