Skincell Pro Official website
Share this

Papilloma in men

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 proven. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been questioned, but for some reason only now have we started to fear this disease and its consequences. While in the human body, different types of HPV manifest in different ways. But the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various forms.

penile papilloma

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of those infected with HPV. Papilloma is considered by doctors to be a benign tumor and does not pose a significant threat. Although any change in normal cell growth in the form of tumors or spots should alert both the patient and the doctor. In some cases, HPV manifests itself exclusively as a dermatological disease with household contact. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease, causing genital forms of papilloma with sexual transmission. Since cases of cancer in cutaneous forms of HPV are extremely rare, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, where cancer occurs much more often. Genital forms of HPV are caused by about 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.

Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. Indeed, provided that both partners 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. Moreover, infection with several types of HPV is possible at once, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where body fluids are the main transmission factor, skin and mucous membrane contact is sufficient for HPV transmission. And if in the case of typical sexually transmitted diseases, the use of condoms 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 men is a clinical manifestation of the patient's infection with human papillomavirus. It should be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to remain in the human body for a long time, practically not manifesting itself from the outside. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papilloma virus is activated, which results in the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so all neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes are treated with great caution, under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: the causes of their occurrence

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, including because a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time without even knowing it, because the virus has the ability to manifest itself only under the influence of external factors. Transmission is also possible through direct contact with the mucous membrane. 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 often appear in the intimate area, in places of contact, of which the risk of infection in men is usually higher, due to their greater sexual activity, but the mucous membranes of women areless protected.
  • Through household contact: it is now proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through simple contact (even shaking hands), especially in public places (bathrooms, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It is also necessary to remember that infection with the mentioned virus does not mean its manifestation.Most often, the disease becomes active and is 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 low pathogenic due to low infectivity and host resistance to infection. After penetrating a human cell, the DNA virus is usually not integrated into the cell genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus multiplies 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 the cell, the process is called asymptomatic transmission, or it 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 changed is inherited by all descendants of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor appears. Therefore, these cells are inherited by all descendants from the moment of the formation of the fetus, during the pregnancy of the woman and the birth of the child.

Main factors of infection

  • multiple sexual partners;
  • use of contraceptive pills;
  • smoking;
  • lack of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, presence of chronic foci of coccal infections - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
  • artificial dietary restriction, weight loss.

With a good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is removed from the female 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 related to infection with the human papillomavirus. As a result of the study of men and women infected with the human papillomavirus, genital warts, papillomas on the body, 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 foreskin. This type of condyloma has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condylomas on the penis can lead to a narrowing of the foreskin, which can make it difficult to reveal the head of the penis and lead to problems in your private life. It should also be borne in mind that in some cases such formations are not an indicator of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet manifested (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that the carrier of the virus can transmit it to his partner, which also puts him at risk of developing cancer. Transmission of the virus to the fetus is also possible from an infected mother, so couples who want to have children should 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 the groin or pubic areas, condylomas and papillomas - warts, lumps and irregularities on the skin. , whose color does not differ from the main skin.Condylomas- This is a genital type of 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 a few centimeters - in the latter case, we are talking about condyloma accumulation. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, but also around the anus (then there is a high probability that condylomas can also be in the rectum). Most often they are painless, but in some cases men may have additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests itself as:

  • pain during urination, defecation or sex;
  • bleeding condylomas: sometimes ulcers can form in their place that do not heal for a long time;
  • also sometimes warts can itch.

The above symptoms usually indicate condyloma damage.

Treatment of HPV in men

Initial review

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, especially condylomas on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, so when signs of the disease are detected for the first time, you should contact a specialist. The sooner you start treating the human papilloma virus, the greater the chances that a man will avoid serious health consequences of condyloma. (All of the above applies to women as well. )

Initial term

The initial examination by a specialist includes a detailed visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as his examination and prescription of tests. Although most often papillomas have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics allow absolutely accurate determination of 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: done to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Further treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is largely determined by the presence or absence of genital warts. Like the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to completely get rid of HPV, so therapeutic effects and surgical intervention are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations and increasing the period of remission. Papilloma removal for HPV is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not disturb the patient, then it may not be removed at his request, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment of genital warts in men, due to their special location.

Treatment methods are different and are selected individually, including depending on the location of the tumor. In addition to removing the tumor, 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 chosen method of condyloma removal, the patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no technique can completely free a person from infection: the disease is only "suppressed". The therapy is combined and involves the removal of growths from the skin and the use of drugs. The duration depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are removed in several ways:

  • using 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 preparations of interferon are:

  • Along with local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
  • Viferon;
  • cycloferon;
  • reaferon;
  • leukinferon etc.

Interferonis a substance that the human immune system produces to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific achievements in the field of genetic engineering, drugs based on interferon are obtained by synthesis. This allows you to get a cleaner drug (without impurities) and less allergenic. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect on the whole body. However, there are cases when interferon treatment causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these drugs are discontinued, and the doctor develops another therapy.

Food supplement(dietary supplement) food containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance found 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 important to note that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. The use of indinol has been found to increase the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still in the testing phase and its effect on the body is the subject of detailed study. The doctor can prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not fully understood, because its state changes depending on any intervention: therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed randomly. It should be noted that antiviral drugs such as antiviral drugs, which are particularly effective against herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella,  have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is impractical.

During treatment, the patient can also be counseled:

  • refrain from sexual relations, especially unprotected, in order to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body;
  • Strengthen your immune system yourself with diet and moderate physical activity.

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

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 lead to difficulties in communication with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With reduced immunity, condylomas can grow quickly, occupying a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, there is a feeling of a foreign body in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may develop. The spread of growths in the area of the urethra leads to the development of urological pathology. When formations are injured, bleeding occurs. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, which are accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and worsening of the 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 that include:

  • ordered sexual intercourse with a trusted partner and used 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;
  • strengthening the immune system: diet, taking vitamins, etc. ;
  • the use of a special vaccine: the course of taking the drug for human papillomavirus in men is three injections in the brachial muscle and can reduce the risk of this disease. The injection must be given after a preliminary consultation with a specialist (this prevention is only possible for people who are not infected with HPV);
  • preventive visits to the urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems with the genitourinary system, taking tests to identify viruses.

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 the help of a specialist as soon as possible. This way you will avoid complications and other undesirable consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strictly not recommended to treat yourself, because only a specialist can diagnose and properly prescribe the treatment of condyloma in men.

FAQ

What symptoms can a papilloma cause in men?

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

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

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

How to prevent papilloma infection in men?

In order 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 the doctor and testing will also help identify the infection in its early stages and prevent it from spreading.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatovenerologist for expert advice and diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine whether a papilloma is dangerous and whether it should be removed.

Tip #2

Avoid papilloma injuries. Do not try to remove it yourself, as this can 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

Follow the rules of hygiene. 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 the infection.