There can be a huge number of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. In addition, different types of this pathogen can cause the same pathology. The papilloma virus on the penis usually affects the mucous membranes and skin of the male body, localizing on the external genitals.
A papilloma is a benign, usually small, cauliflower-like neoplasm. This oncological process develops from flat epithelial cells. The tumor rises above the skin and can have both one flesh color and others (white, dark brown, and so on). The causative agent of all variants of oncology is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a DNA-containing virus and has a tropism for epithelial tissues, so it affects only the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogen does not have a shell, but is highly resistant to environmental conditions. HPV constitutes a large group of viruses, which are divided into:
- Types with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Types with an average risk of malignancy (special conditions required);
- The type with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the glans 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, it is necessary to consult a doctor and begin treatment. If the malignancy process has already begun, therapy becomes very difficult.
Reasons for the appearance
For the appearance of papilloma on the penis in men, direct contact with an infected person is necessary. Microscopic or obvious damage to the skin is considered a particularly important predisposing factor. The main route of transmission of the 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 contacts - the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx, during anal - the 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. The home route of infection is also possible, which is associated with the high resistance of the virus to environmental conditions. Baths and saunas are particularly dangerous.
Predisposing factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- Decreased immune forces of the body;
- prolonged stress;
- The presence of chronic diseases;
- Excessive ultraviolet radiation;
- Taking certain medications.
Clinical picture
The incubation period of the papilloma 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 inconvenience to patients, the types of viruses that cause the appearance of papillomas in the penile region are highly oncogenic. That is, the appearance of neoplasms can be considered the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas on the penis present as small flesh-colored neoplasms, single or multiple, not accompanied by subjective symptoms. Sometimes they can look like cauliflower, sometimes they are a swelling on the stem. In the absence of adequate treatment, the disease progresses, and the following stages are distinguished in it:
- Phimosis (narrowing of the sheets of the foreskin, which makes it impossible to remove the glans penis);
- The accumulation of smegma and, consequently, the development of the infectious process (due to the narrowing, it is difficult to clean the space between the head and the leaves of 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 on the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is referred to as the first stage of cancer).
Treatment of papillomas on the penis should be immediate and radical in order to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to a significant disruption of life and even death.
Diagnostics
Removal of papillomas on the penis can only be planned after the diagnosis is finally established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Evaluation of complaints, anamnesis and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected sexual intercourse is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of flesh-colored growths that resemble cauliflower. It is also possible to detect such formations on the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus and on other external genitalia, with the exception of the penis.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This technique is difficult to implement, but over 95% effective, which is why it is considered the gold standard. With the help of PCR, it is possible to detect the DNA of the virus in the human body and accurately determine its type.
- Cytological studies. Using different techniques, antibodies to HPV are detected, which makes it possible to judge the presence of an infection.
Treatment of penile papillomas is carried out immediately after the exact determination of the type of HPV and the stage of development of the disease.
How to get rid of papillomas on the penis?
There are no effective types of conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible action is the radical removal of papillomas on the penis. Various techniques are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- cryosurgery;
- Radio wave method (the most optimal option, without cosmetic defects, painless);
- Open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemical agents 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 relapse.
During the treatment period, sexual intercourse should be avoided to prevent the spread of the infection. It is also recommended that all of the patient's sexual partners be tested for the presence of HPV.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures mainly consist in introducing a protected sex life with a proven partner. You should be very careful when visiting public baths and saunas, as well as avoiding contact with any cancer in a person, especially in the presence of microtrauma.
To prevent the development of complications, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all appointments and recommendations from her.
Treatment of the symptoms of the disease, unfortunately, does not guarantee the complete recovery of the patient (that is, if the papilloma on the penis is removed, it will still not work to remove the virus from the body), so a man should carefully monitor his condition, noting the minimal changes and referring to a doctor. The HPV carrier must maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not recur.