There may be a large number of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. In addition, several types of these pathogens can cause the same pathology. Papillomavirus of the penis usually affects the mucous membranes and skin on the male body, is localized on the external genitalia.
Papillomas are benign neoplasms, usually small, resembling cauliflower. This oncological process develops from squamous epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and can have a flesh color and several others (white, dark brown, and so on). The causative agent of all oncological variants is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a virus that contains DNA and has a tropism for epithelial tissue, therefore it affects only the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. Pathogenic agents do not have a shell, but are very resistant to environmental conditions. HPV forms a large group of viruses, which are further divided into:
- Types with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Types with an average risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- Types with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the head of the penis are considered a precancerous condition, that is, they belong to the latter group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of the appearance of pathology, you should consult a doctor and start treatment. If the malignancy process has started, then therapy becomes very difficult.
Reason for appearance
For the appearance of papillomas on the penis in men, direct contact with an infected person is required. Microscopic or apparent damage to the skin is considered a very important predisposing factor. The main route of transmission of this disease is sexual. In addition, not only people with papillomas with a clear clinical picture are infected, but also latent carriers of the virus. During traditional sex, the head of the penis is affected, during oral-genital contact - the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, during anal - anus and rectum.
If a man has HPV elsewhere, then during shaving and other manipulations associated with injuries, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis. Domestic routes of infection are also possible, which is associated with high viral resistance to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are very dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- Decreased immune strength;
- prolonged stress;
- Presence of chronic disease;
- Excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking certain drugs.
Clinical picture
The incubation period for papillomas on the skin of the penis is about 8-12 weeks, but it can vary significantly, since the clinical picture mainly depends on the degree of protection of the body.
Despite the fact that HPV most often causes harmless pathologies that do not cause discomfort to the patient, the types of viruses that cause the appearance of papillomas in the penile region are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of a neoplasm can be considered the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas on the penis look like small flesh-colored neoplasms, single or multiple, with no subjective symptoms. Sometimes it can resemble cauliflower, sometimes swelling of the stem. In the absence of adequate treatment, the disease progresses, and the following stages are distinguished in it:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin sheet, which makes it impossible to remove the head of the penis);
- The accumulation of smegma and, as a result, the development of the infectious process (due to its narrowing, it is difficult to clear the space between the head and the foreskin);
- Inflammation of the head of the penis and both sheets of the foreskin (local signs are expressed in the form of edema, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosive defects of the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of papillomas on the penis must be urgent and radical in order to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to significant disruption of life and even death.
Diagnostic
Removal of papillomas on the penis can be planned only after the final diagnosis is established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Evaluation of complaints, medical history and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected sexual intercourse is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of flesh-colored growths resembling cauliflower. It is also possible to detect such formations on the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus and on other external genitalia, except the penis.
- polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement, but more than 95% effective, which is why it is considered the gold standard. With the help of PCR, it is possible to detect viral DNA in the human body, as well as accurately determine its type.
- Cytological studies. Using different techniques, antibodies to HPV are detected, which makes it possible to assess the presence of infection.
Treatment of penile papilloma is carried out immediately after proper determination of the type of HPV and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papillomas on the penis?
There is no effective type of conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible course of action is the radical removal of the papilloma on the penis. Various techniques are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- Cryo Surgery;
- Radio wave method (the most optimal option, leaving no cosmetic defects, painless);
- Open operation;
- Cauterization (chemicals are used).
Drugs can be used in addition to radical therapy. Basically, preference is given to cytostatic drugs. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
During the treatment period, sexual intercourse should be avoided to prevent the spread of infection. It is also recommended that all of the patient's sexual partners be tested for the presence of HPV.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures consist mainly of introducing a protected sex life with one proven partner. You should be very careful when visiting public baths and saunas, and avoid contact with a person's neoplasm, especially in the presence of microtrauma.
To prevent the development of complications, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
The cure of the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee the patient's complete recovery (that is, if the papilloma on the penis is removed, it will still not succeed in removing the virus from the body), so a man should be careful. monitor the condition, notice the slightest changes and refer to a doctor. HPV carriers must maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not occur again.