Papillomas: What they are, where they appear and how they are treated

Table of Contents What are papillomas? Symptoms of Papillomas Causes of papillomas How is papilloma diagnosed? What is the treatment for papillomas? Prevention of papillomas

What are papillomas?

The papillomas is a benign, non-cancerous proliferation of epithelial cells, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This condition is usually caused by low-risk strains of the virus, although HPV is also known to be associated with cervical cancer. Despite the fact that the HPV can cause approximately 270.000 deaths per year worldwide from cervical cancer, 85% of these deaths occur mainly in developing countries.

Symptoms of Papillomas

The symptoms of papillomas vary according to their type. For example, the commons papillomas are commonly seen in the hands or the fingers and have a hard, pustular surface, while papillomas on legs they usually develop on the sole of the foot and may cause pain when walking. Papillomas are usually asymptomatic and are especially common in people after the age of 25-30 years. If they grow in size or multiply they can cause:

• Itch
• Heartburn
• Bleeding in case of self-injury

Where do papillomas appear?

The papillomas usually appear in hot and humid areas of the body where the skin forms folds and favors the growth of HPV viruses. Such areas are:

• The legs (causes pain)
• The neck (causes hoarseness, difficulty swallowing)
• The chest (causes bleeding on scratching)
• The genitals (causes itching, burning)
• The armpits (causes itching, burning)
• The sinuses (causes pain)

The genital papillomas require special care before removal and any possibility of association with must be ruled out warts. The same applies to the vaginal papillomas and anal papillomas.

Scratching or rubbing can lead to papilloma inflammation. In this case there is swelling and pain. In many cases, inflammation after papillary injury may require the use of topical or systemic agents antibiotics.

Causes of papillomas

The papillomas are caused by the HPV virus, which transmitted through direct skin contact. The virus can enter the skin through small cuts or scratches, with papillomas often developing on the hands or feet. While the virus HPV it is very common and there are more than 100 types of it, only a few of them cause papillomas. Papillomas in general can appear on anyone. But there are some causes of papillomas which increase the chances of their occurrence which are as follows:

• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Endocrine diseases
• Smoking
• Skin damage from sun exposure

How are papillomas transmitted?

The papillomas they are not easily transported from one person to another. However, some people may be more susceptible to infection from the virus. Also, the spread of papillomas in the same person can happen through contact or injury of the area. HPV types 6 and HPV 11 are the main causes of papillomas, along with many other low-risk HPV types.

How is papilloma diagnosed?

Η diagnosis of papillomas usually done by physical examination, unless the diagnosis is uncertain. In this case the tests may include:

For breast papillomas:

• Ultrasound
• Mammography
• X-ray

For papillomas on the neck:

• Laryngoscopy

For sinus papillomas:

• Nasal endoscopy
• Tomography (CT) scan

What is the treatment for papillomas?

Most papillomas resolve on their own and are considered benign. The treatment of papillomas includes the following ways:

• Excision
• Chemical peels
• Laser treatment
• Cryotherapy (freezes warts)
• Medicinal ointments ή salicylic acid patches available without a prescription
• Scrape

Η treatment for papillomas in his duct female breast and in the sinuses it usually includes surgical removal of the papilloma.

Η papilloma treatment in the throat (larynx) includes laryngoscopy with surgical removal using the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. In severe cases a tracheotomy may be necessary.

Prevention of papillomas

For the prevention of papillomas, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with papillomas, keep your hands and feet clean and dry, and wear protective footwear in public areas such as swimming pools and changing rooms. Avoiding the spread of the virus can also be achieved by use of condoms and dental dams. At the same time, the basic prevention strategy is vaccination. The vaccine HPV has been shown to be effective in preventing the appearance of serious precancerous changes in cervix in uninfected individuals. The ideal age for her First installment of the vaccine is at 11 or 12 years for each gender. If the vaccine is given 15 years ago of age, are enough two doses. In case of immunosuppression, however, three doses are required.


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Sources: 

1. Prevention of Papillomavirus
2. Papilloma: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
3. Papillomas - What are they
4. What Causes Papillomas?
5. Papilloma - Symptoms