There may be some diseases caused by the human papillomavirus. In addition, several types of these pathogens can cause the same pathology. The virus that causes penile papillomavirus usually affects the mucous membranes and skin of the male body, and is localized on the external genitalia.
A papilloma is a benign tumor, usually small in size, like a cauliflower. This oncological process develops from flat epithelial cells. The tumor is raised above the skin and may be flesh-colored and some other mass (white, dark brown, etc. ). The causative agent of all variants of oncology is the human papillomavirus.
HPV is a virus that contains DNA and is nutritive to epithelial tissues, so it affects only the skin and mucous membranes of the human body. The pathogen has no shell but is highly resistant to environmental conditions. HPV makes up a huge group of viruses, they are divided into:
- Type with minimal risk of malignancy;
- Moderate malignancy (requires special conditions);
- The type has a high risk of malignant transformation.
Papillomas on the glans penis are considered a precancerous condition, meaning they belong to the following group of viruses. Therefore, at the first signs of the appearance of pathology, you should consult a doctor and begin treatment. If the malignancy has already begun, then treatment becomes very difficult.
The reason for appearing
For genital warts on the penis in men, it is necessary to have direct contact with the infected person. Visible or microscopic lesions of the skin are considered to be particularly important causative factors. The main route of transmission of the disease is sexual intercourse. Furthermore, it is not only people with papillomas with a clear clinical picture that are infected, but also latent carriers of the virus. In traditional sex, the tip of the penis is affected, in oral-genital contact-the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx, while the anus-anus and rectum.
If a man is infected with HPV elsewhere, then during shaving and other manipulations associated with trauma, papillomas may appear on the skin of the penis. Family routes of infection are also possible, which is related to the virus's high resistance to environmental conditions. Bathtubs and saunas are especially dangerous.
Prognostic factors for the manifestation of the disease:
- Reduce the body's immune force;
- Prolonged stress;
- The presence of chronic diseases;
- Excessive UV radiation;
- Are taking certain medications.
Clinical picture
The incubation period of papilloma on the skin of the penis is about 8-12 weeks, but it can vary considerably, since the clinical picture mainly depends on the degree of protection of the body.
Despite the fact that the HPV virus usually causes harmless pathologies that are not inconvenient for the patient, the viruses that cause papillomas in the penile region are highly cancerous. That is, the appearance of the tumor can be considered as the first stage of the cancer process.
Papillomas on the penis look like small flesh-colored lumps, singly or as many nodules, without subjective symptoms. Sometimes they can resemble cauliflower, sometimes they are a bump on the stem. In the absence of adequate treatment, the disease progresses, and in it the following stages are distinguished:
- Foreskin stenosis (narrowing of the foreskin that makes it impossible to retract the glans);
- The accumulation of smegma and the consequent development of the infectious process (due to narrowing, it is difficult to clean the space between the glans and the leaves of the foreskin);
- Inflammation of the foreskin of the penis and both foreskin (local signs manifest in the form of edema, redness, purulent discharge);
- Erosion of defects on the head of the penis and foreskin (this condition is defined as the early stage of cancer).
Treatment of genital warts on the penis needs to be immediate and thorough to avoid dangerous complications that can lead to significant disruption of life, even death.
Diagnose
Removal of papillomas on the penis can only be planned after the final diagnosis has been established. The main diagnostic measures for this disease:
- Review of complaints, history, and clinical picture. The presence of unprotected sex is clarified, the affected area is examined for the presence of cauliflower-like flesh-colored growths. It is also possible to detect such formations on the mucous membranes of the mouth, around the anus and on other external genital organs, with the exception of the penis.
- Polymerase chain reaction. This is a difficult technique to perform, but is more than 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, as well as to accurately determine its type of virus.
- Cytological study. By using different techniques, antibodies to HPV are detected, which can assess the presence of infection.
Treatment of genital warts on the penis is carried out immediately after accurately determining the type of HPV virus and the stage of disease development.
How to get rid of papillomas on the penis?
There is no effective conservative treatment for this infection. The only possible action is to completely remove the papilloma on the penis. Various techniques are used for therapy:
- Laser removal;
- Cryosurgery;
- Radio wave method (the most optimal choice, leaving no cosmetic defects, no pain);
- Open surgery;
- Cauterization (chemical agents used).
The drug can be used in addition to radical therapy. Basically, preference is given to cytostatics. In addition, antiviral drugs are prescribed to reduce the risk of relapse.
During the treatment period, it is necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse to avoid infection. It is also recommended that all sexual partners of the patient be tested for the presence of HPV.
Preventive
Precautionary measures mainly include the introduction of a protected sex life with a proven partner. You should take extreme care when visiting public baths and saunas, and avoid contact with any human tumours, especially when bacteria are present.
To prevent the development of complications, you need to consult a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his appointments and recommendations.
Unfortunately, curing the symptoms of the disease does not guarantee complete recovery (ie, removing the papilloma on the penis will still not remove the virus from the body), so menworld should be careful. monitor his condition, note the slightest changes and refer him to a doctor. HPV carriers must maintain a high level of immunity so that clinical manifestations (relapses) do not occur again.