Papilloma in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through contact and/or sexual contact. HPV has been known for over 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, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has been undisputed, but for some reason only now have they started to scare us about this disease and its consequences. While in the human body, different types of HPV manifest themselves in different ways. But the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause various forms of papillomas (warts).

Papillomas are formed at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of those infected with HPV. Doctors consider papilloma as a benign tumor and it 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 manifests itself only as a dermatological disease with contact transmission in the household. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease, causing forms of genital papillomas through sexual transmission. Since cancer cases in the skin forms of HPV are extremely rare, we will focus more on the 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 the virus. 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Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships.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, if both partners have never had other sexual contacts, the chance of acquiring genital forms of HPV is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. In addition, infection is possible with several types of HPV at the same time, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike most other infections, where the main transmission factor is bodily fluids, HPV is transmitted through contact with the skin and mucous membranes. And if the use of condoms is a relatively reliable remedy for typical STDs, then for HPV, such as genital herpes, its effectiveness is quite questionable.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of the patient's infection with the human papillomavirus. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to stay in the human body for a long time, practically not showing itself externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papilloma virus is activated, resulting in the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes should be treated very carefully, under the supervision of a doctor.

Papillomas in men: causes of occurrence

The appearance of papillomas on the body in men and women is caused by 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, since the virus can only manifest itself 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 (there are cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ). Due to the prevalence of this infectious agent, it is understandable that quite often papillomas (condylomas) appear in men and women in the intimate area, in places of contact, from which men are usually at a higher risk of infection due to greater sexual activity, 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 should also be remembered that infection with the specified virus does not mean its manifestation.Most often, the disease activates and makes itself felt if:

• the patient's immunity is weakened;
• there was a lot of 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. When entering a human cell, the DNA virus most often does not integrate 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 replicates synchronously with the cell without harming it, a non-productive type of infection develops, otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic transmission.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in the cell, the process is called asymptomatic transmission, or thousands of active virus particles are released. 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 "insertion mutagenesis", and the gene thus altered is inherited by all the descendants of the cell in question. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor appears. Thus, these cells are inherited by all offspring from the moment of the formation of the fetus, during the woman's pregnancy and the birth of the child.

The main infectious factors

• multiple sexual partners;
• use of birth control pills;
• smoking;
• insufficiency of cellular immunity (anemia, pathology of the thyroid gland, the presence of foci of chronic tree infection - 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 woman's body within one year, and in 85% of cases - within 4 years. Therefore, 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. The study found genital warts, body papillomas, warts and flat warts in men and women infected with human papillomavirus infection.

HPV in men: implications

The virus can cause warts, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are located in the groin, as well as on the head and foreskin of the penis. This type of condyloma has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Warts on the penis can cause the foreskin to narrow, which can make it difficult to expose the head of the penis and cause problems in your personal life. It should also be remembered that in some cases such formations are not HPV, but an indicator of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet manifested (for example, syphilis). Another risk of HPV is that a carrier can pass it on to their partner, putting 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 give birth to children should pay special attention to HPV and other diseases of this type.

HPV in men: symptoms

Most often, HPV can be in the human body for a long time without showing itself. However, the most important sign (symptom) of the possible presence of HPV in men and women is the appearance of condylomas and papillomas on the skin and mucous membranes, including in the groin or pubic area - warts, lumps and skin irregularities. , the color of which does not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a type of genital papilloma that looks like a small formation attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "leg". The size of the condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters - in the latter case, we are talking about the accumulation of condylomas. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin and 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 experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests itself as:

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

The listed symptoms usually indicate condyloma lesions.

HPV treatment for men

Initial 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 of the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, so you should consult a specialist when you first notice signs of the disease. The sooner you start treating the human papilloma virus, the more likely a man is to avoid serious health consequences of condyloma. (All of the above also applies to women. )

Initial meeting

The initial meeting with a specialist includes a thorough visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as his questioning and prescribing examinations. 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 men suspect HPV infection, the following tests are usually prescribed::

• blood tests (condylomata, also analysis of urethral secretions): modern diagnostic methods make it possible to isolate viral DNA from the available material and thus confirm its presence in the patient's body;
• papilloma (condyloma) biopsy: performed to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Further treatment scheme

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 preventing its manifestations and prolonging the remission period. Removal of papillomas in case of HPV is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not bother the patient, then at his request it may not be removed, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for genital warts in men due to their specific location.

Destruction methods are different and are chosen individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to the removal of tumors, the treatment of condylomas in men includes 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 method chosen to get rid of the condyloma, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, no technique can completely rid a person of infection: the disease is only "silenced". The therapy is combined and includes the removal of growths from the skin and the use of medication. 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 interferon preparations are:

• In addition to 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 the advances of modern science in the field of genetic engineering, drugs based on interferon are obtained by synthesis. This makes it possible to obtain a purer medicine (without impurities) and fewer allergens. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect on the whole body. However, there are cases when interferon therapy causes allergic reactions. In this regard, this drug is discontinued, and the doctor develops another course of drugs.

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) for food containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance found in broccoli - the latest scientific discovery. This chemical compound has a strong anti-carcinogenic effect (prevents the formation of malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It should be noted that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. The use of indinol has been found to improve the effectiveness of interferon therapy. However, this drug is still being tested and its effects on the body are being studied in detail. The doctor can prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.

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

During the treatment, the patient can also be given suggestions:

• refrain from sexual intercourse, especially unprotected, 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 HPV treatment process, its time and effectiveness largely depend on the general condition of the patient's body, co-morbidities, as well as the development of possible complications of this disease (first of all, oncological ones).

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 cause difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With reduced immunity, condylomas can grow rapidly, occupying a significant area. When the rectum is involved in the process, the sensation of a foreign body in the rectum appears, 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 develops. When infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and general deterioration.

Prevention

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

• having ordered sexual intercourse with a reliable partner and using barrier contraceptives. At the same time, modern research shows that only high-quality protection can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection for both partners;
• strengthening the immune system: diet, vitamin intake, etc. ;
• the use of a special vaccine: the course of the human papillomavirus drug for men is three injections in the muscle of the shoulder, and this can reduce the risk of this disease. The injection should be performed after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is only possible for people who are not infected with HPV);
• preventive visits to a urologist to check the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems of the urogenital system by performing tests to identify the virus.

If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area, as well as in other parts of the body, on the skin and mucous membranes, the help of a specialist should be sought as soon as possible. This will avoid complications and other unwanted consequences for men's health. In such cases, self-treatment is categorically not recommended, as only a specialist can diagnose and correctly prescribe the treatment of condyloma in men.

FAQ

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

Papillomas in men can appear as small warts or flat warts on or near the genital skin, anus. You may also experience itching, discomfort, or minor pain in the affected area.

How is papilloma transmitted to men?

Papilloma in men is transmitted through contact with infected skin or genital mucosa. It can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, as well as 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 intercourse. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to the doctor and check-ups will also help to identify the infection in its early stages and prevent it from spreading.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatovenerologist for professional 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 injury. 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.