Not every person knows that squamous cell papillomas are the result of a viral disease. The disease not only represents an aesthetic problem, but can also cause serious health problems and even death. The tumor can "grow" on any part of the body and affect internal organs.
What is squamous cell papilloma and its structure?
The answer to the question: "What is it? "" is a benign neoplasm. The main sites of localization include the face, neck and mucous membranes. If the pathology is not treated for a long time, it can become malignant. Externally, a flat papilloma resembles a birthmark in the shape of a circle. The color can vary from flesh to dark brownMost often, doctors call squamous papillomas with hyperkeratosis. It occurs mainly in older people, sometimes in people aged 30-35.
Causes and sources of infection
There are many ways to become infected with squamous papillomas of the skin, some of them are simple and do not cause concern:
- Sexual intercourse of any origin: vaginal, oral, anal;
- Everyday contact (handshake). What is fundamental here is the presence of open wounds;
- Visiting public places with high humidity: swimming pool, sauna;
- Violation of personal hygiene standards.
This type of papillomas is diagnosed in people with low immunity who often have casual sexual contacts.
The penetration of a virus into a healthy body does not mean that papillomas will appear in the near future. This only happens when immunity wanes. Main reasons:
- Presence of bad habits: alcoholism, smoking, illegal drugs, poor diet;
- malfunction of the digestive system;
- skin diseases;
- Older age;
- hereditary predisposition;
- Exposure to chemicals from third parties.
Esophageal papillomas appear almost immediately after failure. It forms on the tongue, lips, mouth, esophagus and intestines.
Why is it dangerous for humans?
The main danger is that a papilloma with hyperkeratosis develops into cancer in more than 60% of cases. If there is a growth in the respiratory system, there is a risk of a gradual lack of oxygen, which can lead to death. If a growth forms in the intestines, it can fester due to exposure to feces. With squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus, there is a risk of inflammation and bleeding from eating solid food or low-quality alcohol.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms of the formation of squamous papillomas are rare and vague. First, the area with the growth is examined. Most people confuse skin growths with warts and pay them no attention, hoping they will disappear over time. The neoplasm develops and grows very slowly and inflammation occurs very rarely.
Foci of manifestation occur primarily in the thinnest areas of skin. This is the eyelid area, neck and chest. If the eyelid is affected, damage to the conjunctiva may occur.
The neoplasm grows and develops gradually, its average size is 0. 3-1. 5 centimeters. The color of the neoplasm is variable and can change from flesh-colored to purple over time.
Picking, squeezing, or cutting off a squamous papilloma is dangerous; an infection can get into an open wound.
There are no specific diagnostic measures to determine the presence of the virus. First, a visual examination of the tumor is carried out by a therapist. He then writes out referrals to other specialists: a dermatologist, a gynecologist. The appointment is made depending on the location of the papilloma. If it is located in the external part of the skin, the diagnosis can be made 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 with a gynecological glass.
There are a number of mandatory procedures:
- Biopsy;
- blood analysis;
- PCR examination.
If necessary, the attending physician can prescribe further diagnostic procedures.
Papillomas of the esophagus
The main foci of the formation of squamous papillomas of the esophagus are the tongue, lips and oral mucosa. The virus can be accompanied by the formation of small ulcers and itching.
With papillomas on the lips, swelling and discomfort when eating initially occur. If the affected area is damaged, blood will appear. The growth can grow rapidly and cause lip cancer.
With papilloma of the esophagus, the symptoms of which occur primarily 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 is 1-2 millimeters to 3-4 centimeters, the shape is elongated and sits on a stem. The patient notes pain in the stomach, belching, excessive salivation and a lump in the throat. Diagnosis is made using x-rays and esophagoscopy.
Signs of formations in the mouth and larynx
With squamous papilloma of the larynx, it hurts the patient to eat, swallow and sometimes even breathe. Sometimes there are difficulties speaking. The growth size is small, stalked. If a neoplasm is discovered in a child, treatment is not started immediately, but it happens that it disappears on its own. If you do not fight the disease in adulthood, it can develop into a malignant tumor.
The appearance of a squamous cell papilloma of the tongue is not initially noticeable at all. White, flesh-colored growths only appear when the patient has injured them in some way. After a few weeks, bad breath, itching, burning and ulcers develop.
Symptoms in the larynx in adults may vary depending on the general condition of the body and the degree of development of the disease. There may be a sore throat, a lump in the nose, discomfort, congestion and itching. If a growth has formed on the nasal septum, it gradually spreads throughout the paranasal sinuses, disrupting the normal processes of oxygen entry and exit.
Symptoms of formations in intimate places
With squamous cell papilloma of the cervix, there is a very high risk of the benign state of the neoplasm turning into cancer. This process is often accompanied by erosion and genital warts.
In the initial development stage, the virus does not show any symptoms. Itching and burning gradually appear in the affected area, and persistent discomfort sets in over time. Dismissal is possible. During a routine examination by a gynecologist, a papilloma will be detected and a colposcopy may be prescribed. During pregnancy, a woman may experience a decrease in her immunity and, accordingly, the appearance of papillomas. In such cases, immediate removal is recommended.
If we talk about the genitourinary system, the rectum is the most problematic place for women. In the initial stage there are no symptoms, then pain, itching, purulent discharge and blood in the stool appear. The diagnosis can be made after a palpation procedure. In 90% of cases when this type of neoplasm occurs, doctors send you for tests for syphilis.
Treatment and removal methods
In most cases, patients seek treatment when symptoms are already severe. It is forbidden to prescribe treatment for yourself or try to remove the papilloma. Removal is done in different ways:
- liquid nitrogen cryotherapy;
- Surgery;
- Removal by high frequency current;
- laser removal;
- Operation with a radio knife.
Esophageal papilloma requires additional examination and treatment may therefore take longer.
Once removed, the scar is virtually invisible. However, there is no 100% guarantee that the tumor will not recur. Without proper prevention, the virus will resurface and growths will occur. After 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 is contained, thereby preventing the formation of papillomas. It is recommended to completely eliminate bad habits.
Treatment with folk remedies
Like all other types of growths, squamous cell papillomas occur primarily in older people. For many of them, surgical intervention is contraindicated. In such cases, the treating doctor recommends resorting to conventional medicine. The most recommended remedies are:
- Freshly squeezed potato juice. Cure – 2 months, take 100 ml twice a day;
- Celandine juice. Course – 4 weeks, the affected area is lubricated with liquid several times a day;
- Fresh garlic. The cleaned disc is attached to the growth with an adhesive plaster for 2-3 hours.
Currant leaves, licorice root, nettle, lemongrass, plantain, garlic, beets and carrots are actively used in the preparation of medicinal infusions. In addition to taking medicine internally, you can prepare salads and soups from medicinal plants and vegetables.
Prevention and prognosis
The main preventive methods are:
- Seeking medical help early;
- Right nutrition;
- Elimination of all bad habits.
Papilloma of the esophagus, bladder and cervix "responds" well to natural traditional medicine. Their treatment is also slightly different from traditional and also takes longer.
After removal surgery, rehabilitation may be different and complications may arise. Basically, the forecasts are always favorable. The percentage of deaths is minimal. If the process of cancer cell formation has already begun, the survival rate is 30-35%.
If you seek medical help in a timely manner, complete healing is 90% possible and damage to soft tissue is minimal. Cancerous tumors are also successfully removed and the degeneration process can be stopped.