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, HPV's ability to cause cancer in mammals (including humans) has not been doubted, but for some reason it is only now that people have 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 property of these viruses is the ability to cause the appearance of papillomas (warts) of various shapes.

Papillomas develop at the site of primary contact in approximately 1-3% of people 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 a tumor or spot should alert both the patient and the doctor. In some cases, HPV manifests itself exclusively as a dermatological disease transmitted through household contact. HPV can also occur as a venereal disease, causing genital forms of papillomas with sexual transmission. As cases of cancer are extremely rare in cutaneous forms of HPV, we will pay more attention to genital forms of HPV, in which cancer occurs much more frequently. 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Of course, sexual activity does not mean "outdated" monogamous relationships. In fact, as long as both partners have never had other sexual contact, the possibility of having 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, skin and mucous membrane contact is sufficient for the transmission of HPV. And if in the case of typical STDs, the use of a condom is a relatively reliable remedy, then in relation to HPV, such as, for example, genital herpes, its effectiveness is quite doubtful.

Papillomas in men

Papilloma in men is a clinical manifestation of a patient's infection with the human papilloma virus. It must 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 externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, resulting in the formation of various neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, therefore, any neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes must be treated with extreme caution under the supervision of a doctor.

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 several ways:

• Through 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 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 (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, at points of contact, where the risk of infection in men is usually greater, due to their greater sexual activity, but women's mucous membranes are less protected.
• Through household contact: it has already been proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through common 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 makes itself felt:

• the patient's immunity is weakened;
• there was great physical or mental stress, stress, exhaustion;
• There are several 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 resistance of hosts to infection. Having penetrated a human cell, a DNA virus usually does not integrate into the cell genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome quickly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus replicates synchronously with the cell without damaging it, a non-productive type infection develops", otherwise this process is called persistence or asymptomatic carriage.

If the virus multiplies rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic transport or releases thousands of active viral 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 sequestering cellular genes. This phenomenon is called "insertional mutagenesis", and the gene thus altered is inherited by all descendants of a given cell. As a result, oncogenes are activated and a tumor appears. Thus, these cells are inherited by all descendants from the moment the fetus is formed, during the woman's pregnancy and the birth of the child.

Main infection factors

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

With a good immune status, in 50% of cases of HPV infection, the virus is eliminated from the woman's 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 human papillomavirus infection. 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 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 cause narrowing of the foreskin, which can make it difficult to expose the head of the penis and cause problems in personal life. It is also necessary to remember 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, also putting them at risk of developing cancer. Transmission of the virus to the fetus from an infected mother is also possible, which is why couples who wish 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 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 in the groin or pubic area, of condylomas and papillomas - warts, lumps and skin irregularities, the color of which does not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a type of genital papilloma, which looks like a small lump 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 an accumulation of condylomas. These papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, and also around the anus (so there is a high probability that condylomas can also be in the rectum). Most of the time they are painless, but in some cases men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease manifests itself as:

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

The listed symptoms often indicate damage to the condyloma.

HPV treatment in men

Initial exam

The appearance of papillomas, in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body, also indicates exhaustion of the immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas, in particular condylomas on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, therefore, when signs of the disease are detected for the first time, you should consult a specialist. The sooner you start treating human papillomavirus, the greater the man's chances of avoiding serious health consequences caused by condylomas. (All of the above also apply to women. )

Initial consultation

The initial consultation with a specialist involves a complete visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, as well as questioning and prescribing tests. Although most often papillomas have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to absolutely 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 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;
• biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): done to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.

Additional treatment regimen

Treatment of human papillomavirus in men is largely determined by the presence or absence of condylomas on the genitals. Just like the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate HPV, which is why therapeutic effects and surgical intervention are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations and increasing the period of remission. Removal of HPV papillomas is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not interfere with the patient, then at his request it cannot be removed, but he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for genital warts in men due to their special location.

Disposal methods are different and are selected individually, including depending on the location of the tumors. In addition to removing tumors, the treatment of condylomas in men involves the use of medications that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight the virus and suppress it, thus suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the method chosen to get rid of condylomas, the patient may also be prescribed anti-inflammatories.In fact, no technique can completely rid a person of the infection: the disease is only "smothered". Therapy is combined and includes removing skin growths and taking medications. 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;
• leucinferon, 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 by synthesis. This allows you to obtain a purer medicine (without impurities) and less allergenic. Interferon medications are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect throughout the body. However, there are cases where interferon treatment causes allergic reactions. In this regard, these medications are discontinued and the doctor develops another course of medication.

Dietary supplement(dietary supplement) to foods containing indole-3-carbinol - a natural substance present in broccoli - the most recent discovery in science. This chemical compound has a strong anti-cancer effect (prevents malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It is worth noting that indole-3-carbinol is found in most cabbage varieties. It has been established that the use of indinol increases the effectiveness of interferon treatment. However, this medicine is still being tested and its effect on the body is subject to detailed studies. The doctor may prescribe nonspecific immunomodulators.

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

During treatment, the patient may also be advised:

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

Treatment result:It should 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 (oncological in the first place).

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 communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, this 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, a sensation of a foreign body appears in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems may occur. The spread of growths to the urethral area leads to the development of urological pathology. When formations are injured, bleeding occurs. When an infection occurs, inflammation and suppuration begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness and impaired 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, which include:

• order sexual intercourse with a trusted partner and use 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. ;
• use of special vaccine: the course of medication for human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the brachialis muscle and can minimize the risk of this disease. The injection must be administered after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is only possible in people not infected with HPV);
• preventive visits to the urologist to check for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems of the genitourinary system, carrying out 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 help from a specialist as soon as possible. This will avoid complications and other undesirable consequences for men's health. In these cases, it is highly not recommended to treat yourself, as only a specialist can correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment for condyloma in men.

Common questions

What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?

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

How is papilloma transmitted in men?

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

How can you prevent papilloma infection in men?

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 your doctor and testing will also help identify the infection in its early stages and prevent its spread.

Useful Tips

Tip #1

Contact a dermatovenereologist for professional advice and diagnosis. Only an experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine whether the papilloma is dangerous and requires removal.

Tip #2

Avoid injuring the papilloma. Do not try to remove it yourself as this can cause infections 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. Regularly wash and dry the area around the papilloma to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Avoid sharing hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with others to prevent the spread of infections.