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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, there has been no doubt about the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans), but for some reason only now are they beginning to fear us about this disease and its consequences. In the human body, different types of HPV manifest themselves in different ways. However, the common property of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various shapes.

Papillomas on the penis

Papillomas develop at the primary site of 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. However, 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 household contact transmission. HPV can also occur as a sexually transmitted disease and cause genital forms of papillomas when sexually transmitted. Since cancers from cutaneous forms of HPV are extremely rare, we will pay more attention to the genital forms of HPV, where cancer is significantly more common. Genital forms of HPV are caused by about 40 of the 130 known virus types. 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Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. Provided that both partners have never had other sexual contacts, the probability of contracting genital forms of HPV is practically nil. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. In addition, infection with several types of HPV at the same time is possible, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, in which the main transmission factor is body fluids, contact of skin and mucous membranes is sufficient for transmissionHPV. And while the use of a condom is a relatively reliable tool for typical sexually transmitted diseases, its effectiveness for HPV, such as genital herpes, is rather doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of infection in a patient 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 and practically not manifest itself externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papilloma virus is activated, which leads to the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, therefore all neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes should be treated with extreme caution under medical supervision.

Papillomas in men: causes of occurrence

The cause of the appearance of papillomas on the body in men and women is a virus that can enter the body in various ways:

  • Due to unprotected sexual contact: the most common type of infection, also 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 with mucous membranes. In this case, the risk of infection increases if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (tears, 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 contact points, from which the risk of infection is usually higher in men due to greater sexual activity, but the mucous membranes of women are less protected.
  • Through household contact: It is now proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through normal contact (even a handshake), especially in public places (spas, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).

It is also necessary to remember that infection with the specified virus does not mean its manifestation.Most often the disease becomes active and becomes noticeable when:

  • the patient's immunity is weakened;
  • there was great physical or mental strain, 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 not very pathogenic due to the low infectivity and resistance of the hosts to infection. After penetrating a human cell, a DNA virus usually does not integrate into the cellular genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome quickly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus reproduces synchronously with the cell without damaging it, an infection of the "unproductive type" occurs, otherwise it is referred to as persistence or asymptomatic transmission.

When the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, it is called asymptomatic transmission, or the release of 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 cell genome without hijacking cellular genes. This phenomenon is called "insertion mutagenesis" and the modified gene is passed on to all offspring of a particular cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor is formed. Thus, these cells from the moment the fetus is formed, during the woman's pregnancy and theThe birth of the child is passed on to all descendants.

Main infection factors

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

With a good immune status, the virus is excreted from a woman's body within a year in 50% of cases of HPV infection and within 4 years in 85% of cases. For this reason, 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 papilloma virus. 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 located in the groin as well as on the glans 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 expose the tip of the penis and lead to problems in your personal life. It must also be remembered that in some cases such 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 their partner, which also puts them 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 particular attention to HPV and other diseases of this type.

HPV in men: symptoms

In most cases, HPV can exist 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 of condylomas and papillomas - warts, nodules and irregularities of the skin - on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the groin or pubic area, the color of whichdoes not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a genital papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "leg". The size of a condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters - in the latter case it isa collection of condylomas. Such papillomas can occur on the glans, on the foreskin and also around the anus (then there is a high probability that condylomas are also located in the rectum). Most often they are painless, but in some cases they can occur in menadditional symptoms of human papillomavirus appear when the disease manifests itself as follows:

  • pain when urinating, defecating, or having sex;
  • Bleeding from condylomas: sometimes ulcers can form in their place, which do not heal for a long time;
  • Sometimes condylomas can also itch.

The symptoms listed usually indicate damage to the condyloma.

Treatment of HPV 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, especially condylomas on the glans, have high oncological potential, so a specialist should be consulted at the first signs of the disease. The earlier treatment for human papillomavirus is started, the greater a man's chances of avoiding serious health consequences of condylomas. (All of the above applies to women too. )

First appointment

An initial appointment with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as an interview and the prescription of tests. Although papillomas most often have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics allow an 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, thereby confirming its presence in the patient's body;
  • Biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): is performed 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 condyloma on the genitals. As with the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to completely get rid of HPV, so therapeutic measures and surgical interventions are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations and prolonging the period of remission. Removal of HPV papillomas is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a danger and does not affect the patient, it may not be removed at his request, but he must then undergo regular preventive examinations. Due to their special location, removal of genital warts in men is a mandatory treatment.

The disposal methods are different and are selected individually, also depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to removing tumors, the treatment of condyloma in men includes the use of drugs that strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight and suppress the virus, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the method chosen to eliminate condyloma, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no single technique can completely rid a person of an infection: the disease is only "dampened".. 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 different ways:

  • using cryodestruction (liquid nitrogen);
  • diathermocoagulation (high-frequency current);
  • Electrocoagulation (cautery with electric current);
  • Laser;
  • chemical or surgical method etc.

In addition to local treatment, various antiviral medications are used.The main interferon preparations are:

  • In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
  • Viferon;
  • Cycloferone;
  • Reaferon;
  • leukinferon etc.

interferonis a substance that the human immune system produces to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific advances in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained through synthesis. This gives you a cleaner medicine (without impurities) and less allergenic. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect throughout the body. However, there are cases when treatment with interferon causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these medications are discontinued and the doctor develops another course of medications.

Dietary supplements(Dietary supplements) to foods containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance found in broccoli - the latest discovery of science. This chemical compound has a strong anticarcinogenic effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is noteworthy that indole-3-carbinol is found in most types of cabbage. The use of indinol has been found to increase the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this drug is still being tested and its effect on the body is being studied in detail. The doctor may prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not fully understood, as its state changes depending on the intervention, be it therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be prescribed indiscriminately. It should be borne in mind that antiviral drugs such as the antiviral drug, which is particularly effective against the viruses herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox, have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is impractical.

The patient may also receive counseling during treatment:

  • Avoid sexual intercourse, especially unprotected sex, to prevent the virus from entering your partner's body.
  • Strengthen your immune system yourself with a diet and moderate physical activity.

Treatment result:It must be remembered that the process of HPV treatment, 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 (primarily oncological).

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. Growths 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 and occupy a significant area. If the rectum is involved in the process, a feeling of a foreign body appears in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may develop. The spread of growths in the urethral area leads to the development of urological pathology. If the formations are injured, bleeding occurs. An infection causes inflammation and suppuration, which is accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and an impairment of general well-being.

prevention

The complexity of treating HPV, as well as the serious health problems this virus can cause, determine the importance of preventive measures, which include:

  • ordered sexual intercourse with a trusted partner and use of barrier contraception. 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. ;
  • Use of a special vaccine: Taking medicine against human papillomavirus in men involves three injections into the upper arm muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection must be done after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is possible only in people who are 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 and to conduct tests to identify the virus.

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

FAQ

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

In men, papillomas can appear as small warts or flat warts on the skin of the genitals, anus or near them. You may also experience itching, discomfort or mild pain in the affected area.

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

In men, papilloma is transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes of the genital organs. Transmission can occur both through sexual intercourse and through direct contact with the affected area.

How to prevent papilloma infection in men?

To prevent papilloma infection in men, it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse. A vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular doctor visits and tests also help detect the infection in its early stages and prevent it from spreading.

Helpful advice

Tip #1

For professional advice and diagnosis, contact a dermatovenereologist. Only an experienced specialist can accurately determine whether the papilloma is dangerous and whether it needs to be removed.

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilloma. 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 applying a soft bandage or tape to prevent damage.

Tip #3

Follow the hygiene rules. Wash and dry the area around the papilloma regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Avoid sharing hygiene items (like towels or razors) with other people to avoid spreading infections.