Papilloma in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through contact and/or sex. HPV has been known for more than 70 years. In 1935, the ability of this group of viruses to cause the formation of papillomas and skin cancer in rabbits was demonstrated. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been in doubt, but for some reason it is only now that they are starting to scare us about this disease and its consequences. In the human body, different types of HPV appear in different ways. But the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various sizes.

Papillomas develop at the site of initial contact in approximately 1-3% of those infected with HPV. Papilloma is considered by doctors as a benign tumor and does not pose a significant threat. Although 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 appears only as a skin disease through household contact. HPV can also occur as a sexually transmitted disease, causing genital papillomas through sexual transmission. Since cancer cases are extremely rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to genital HPV, where cancer occurs much more often. Genital HPV is caused by about 40 of the 130 known types of the virus. It is estimated that up to 70% of the sexually active adult population will be infected with genital HPV at some point in their lives.

Of course, sexual activity does not mean "obsolete" monogamous relationships. In fact, provided that both partners have never had other sexual relations, the possibility of having genital HPV is almost nil. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. Moreoverinfection is possible with several types of HPV at once, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main source of transmission is bodily fluids, contact with skin and mucous membranes is enough to contract HPV. And if condom use is relativelya reliable remedy in the case of typical sexually transmitted diseases, its effectiveness is rather questionable in relation to HPV, such as, for example, genital herpes.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of human papillomavirus infection in a patient. It should be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to stay in the human body for a long time, almost not appearing outside. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, which leads to the formation of various tumors in the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by cancer-causing activity, so all tumors of the skin and mucous membranes should be treated with great care, under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of cases

The reason for 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, including because a person can be a carrier 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 membrane is damaged (there are cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ). Due to the prevalence of this cause of infection, it is understandable that papillomas (condylomas) often appear in men and women in the intimate area, in places of contact, from where the risk of infection in men is usually higher, due to them having more sex, while women's mucous membranes are less protected.
• Through household contact: It has now been proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through normal contact (even a handshake), especially in public places (baths, 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 manifests itself if:

• the patient's immunity is weak;
• there was a lot of physical or mental stress, stress, fatigue;
• There are various types of STDs.

Characteristics of human papillomavirus infection in men

Under natural conditions, most viruses are of low pathogenicity due to low infectivity and host immunity to infection. After penetrating a human cell, viral DNA is usually not incorporated into the cell's genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus reproduces synchronously with the cell without harming it, an infection occurs by non-productiveness, otherwise this process is called persistent or asymptomatic transmission.

If the virus replicates rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic migration or 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 cell's genome without hijacking cellular genes. This phenomenon is called "insertion mutation" and the gene thus changed is inherited to all the descendants of a given cell. As a result, cancer genes are activated and a tumor appears. These cells are thus inherited to all descendants from the moment the fetus is formed, during the woman's pregnancy. and the birth of the child.

Main factors of infection

• many roommates;
• use of oral contraceptives;
• smoking;
• insufficient cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of chronic sulfur coccal infection - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
• artificial restriction of diet, weight loss.

With a good immune system, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is cleared from a woman's body within one year, and in 85% of cases - within 4 years. As a result, the number of women infected with HPV decreases with age. The development of cancer in men and women is closely related to human papillomavirus infection. As a result of the study of men and women infected with human papillomavirus infection, genital warts, papillomas of the body, warts and flat warts were found.

HPV in men: implications

The virus can cause chain warts, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are located in the groin, as well as on the head of the penis and the foreskin. Such conjunctivitis 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 head 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 indication of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet manifested themselves (for example, syphilis). Another risk of HPV is that the carrier of the virus can pass it on to their partner, putting them at risk of developing cancer as well. It is also possible to transmit the virus to a fetus 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 of the time, HPV can be present in the human body for a long time without showing any symptoms. 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 in the groin or pubic area, cancerous tumors and papillomas - warts, nodules and irregularities in the skin , the color of which does not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a genital type of papilloma, which looks like a small growth attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "feet". The size of conjunctivitis can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters - in the latter case, we are talking about the accumulation of conjunctivitis. Suchpapillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin and also around the anus (then there is a high probability that the papilloma can also be in the anus). Most of the time they are painless, but in some cases men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease describessees itself as:

• pain during urination, defecation or sex;
• conjunctivitis bleeding: sometimes ulcers may form instead of those that do not heal for a long time;
• also sometimes lung cancer can itch.

The symptoms listed usually indicate damage to the conjunctiva.

Treatment of HPV in men

First inspection

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 the signs of the disease are first detected, you should contact a specialist. The sooner you start treating the human papillomavirus, the more likely a man is to avoid the serious health consequences of cancerous tumors. (All of the above also applies to women. )

Initial employment

The first appointment with a specialist includes a detailed visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as questioning him and prescribing tests. Although most often papillomas have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to accurately determine 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 chemistry, also analysis of discharge from the urethra): 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): done to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in the tumors.

Further treatment plan

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is largely determined by the presence or absence of genital warts. Like the herpes virus, HPV is nearly impossible to completely get rid of, so treatment and surgery are usually aimed at eliminating its symptoms and increasing remission. Removal of papillomas due to HPV is not recommended in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not bother the patient, then it cannot be removed at his request, but then he must undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for male genital warts, due to their specific location.

Methods of disposal are different and are chosen individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to removing the tumor, treatment for genital warts in men involves the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight and suppress the virus, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the chosen method to get rid of condylomas, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, not a single technique can completely rid a person of an infection: the disease is only "attenuated". The treatment is combined and includes the removal of growths from the skin and the use of drugs. Its length depends on the area concerned.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 procedure etc. s. etc.

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

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

Interferonis a substance produced by the human immune system to protect itself against viruses. Thanks to modern scientific advances in the field of genetic engineering, drugs based on interferon are obtained by synthesis. This allows you to get cleaner medicine (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 where treatment with interferon causes allergic reactions. In this regard, the use of these drugs is stopped and the doctor develops another drug therapy.

Dietary supplements(dietary supplement) with food containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance present in broccoli - the latest scientific discovery. This compound has a strong anticarcinogenic effect (prevents malignant formation in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). Interestingly, indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. It has been confirmed that the use of indinol increases the effectiveness of interferon therapy. However, this drug is still being tested and its effect on the body is subject to careful study. The doctor may prescribe non-specific immunosuppressive drugs.

It is important to remember that the function of the immune system is not fully understood, as its state changes after any intervention: whether therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunosuppressive drugs should not be prescribed randomly. It should be kept in mind that antiviral drugs such as the antiviral drug, which is particularly effective against herpes simplex, herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella viruses, have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is inefficient.

During treatment, the patient may also be counseled:

• avoid sex, especially unprotected sex, to prevent the virus from entering the partner's body;
• Strengthen your immune system yourself with diet and moderate exercise.

Result of treatment:It must be borne in mind that the process of HPV treatment, its timing and success largely depends on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, as well as the development of possible complications of this disease (oncological in the first place).

Complications

The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. Growth of the genitals has a negative effect on a man's mental and sexual health and leads to difficulties in communication with the opposite sex. In addition, such a person is a source of infection for his roommates. With reduced immunity, chain cancer can grow quickly and occupy a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, there is a feeling of a foreign object in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems can arise. The spread of growth to the urethral area leads to the development of urological diseases. When the formations are injured, bleeding occurs. When infection occurs, inflammation and swelling begin, which are accompanied by pain, fever, weakness, and impaired general condition.

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 intercourse with a trusted partner and used 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;
• strengthen the immune system: diet, take vitamins, etc. ;
• use of a specific vaccine: the treatment for taking a drug against 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 in people who are not infected with HPV);
• preventive visits to a urologist to check for sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems in the genitals, take tests to identify the virus.

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 will prevent complications and other unwanted consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is strongly not recommended to treat yourself, as only a specialist can diagnose and prescribe the correct treatment for cancerous tumors in men.

Frequently asked questions

What symptoms can 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 slight 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 genitals. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, as well as through direct contact with the affected area.

How can papilloma infection be prevented in men?

To prevent papilloma infection in men, it is recommended to use a condom during intercourse. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to the doctor and tests will also help to identify the infection in the early stages and prevent its spread.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatologist for professional advice and diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine whether a papilloma is dangerous and whether it needs to be removed.

Tip #2

Avoid damaging 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 using a soft bandage or tape to prevent damage.

Tip #3

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