In the imagination of most of us, the word tumor is associated with cancer. However, it is a misconception, as there are many non-cancerous tumors, or as they are known as benign tumors, the most famous of which is papilloma, which although benign, in some cases may cause discomfort or inconvenience in some areas of the body. In addition, it may be associated with some complications, but they are not life-threatening. If this is the first time you hear about human papilloma, here is the most important information about it.

What is human papillomavirus

A papilloma is a tumor that arises from tissues covering all surfaces of the body, such as: skin and mucous membranes.

Papillomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths, meaning they do not spread or grow aggressively. They are usually localized to one area. However, they can cause problems if they occur in certain areas of the body.

Although papillomas are not cancerous, they may be associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially in women who have papillomas in the breast or uterus.

Usually, papillomas do not need treatment except for cosmetic purposes or because they are painful or appear in a sensitive area and cause discomfort.

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What are the symptoms of HPV?

In most cases, papillomas do not cause symptoms, but they may cause local irritation. If symptoms appear, they depend on the location of the tumor, which may appear in the following areas:

• Skin: A papilloma on the skin looks like a rough bump (wart) that can be moved when touched.
• Feet: Papillomas in the feet cause pain.
• Genital areas: Genital warts cause itching, burning, and pain.
• Breast ducts: Papillomas in the breast duct may cause clear or bloody discharge from the nipple, and may also cause pain.
• Larynx: Laryngeal papillomas are associated with hoarseness, wheezing, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases difficulty breathing due to airway obstruction.
• Sinuses: Sinus papillomas cause pressure on organs near the nose, such as the eyes.

Papillomas may seem simple, but sometimes they require specialist intervention. Oncology center

Symptoms of papillomavirus in women

To complete the answer to the question: What is a papilloma?

• Changes in the cells of the cervix that appear clearly when a smear is done.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after intercourse.
• Warts appear in the reproductive system, especially the labia and vagina, causing itching.
• Severe pelvic pain during intercourse with abnormal vaginal discharge.

 Causes of human papilloma

The main cause of papillomas is infection with the HPV virus  or as it is known as the human papilloma virus, which is actually not a single virus, but a group of viruses that includes more than 100 strains, most of which do not cause tumors, but some do.

Although the virus is the cause of papillomas, some factors may trigger infection, including:

• Immunodeficiency.
• Lack of personal hygiene.
• Repeated trauma in certain places.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Smoking.
• Exposure to sunlight for long periods without protection.
• Genetic factors.

It is worth noting that papillomas may be transmitted by close contact, as is the case with sexual intercourse, and are transmitted as a result of friction with infected genital areas. Likewise, scratching skin warts may cause infection in them.

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 How is papilloma diagnosed?

Papillomas on the skin, feet, or genital areas are initially diagnosed through a physical examination. If the diagnosis is uncertain, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as:

• Skin swab.
• Biopsy (sample of warts).

If the papilloma is not a skin tumor, the diagnostic methods differ depending on the region as follows:

Methods for diagnosing papillomas in the mammary ducts:

• X-ray of the breast ducts.
• Ultrasound (sonar).
• Biopsy.

Methods of diagnosing papillomas in the larynx:

• Laryngoscopy.
• Biopsy.

Methods for diagnosing papillomas in the sinuses:

• Rhinoscopy.
• Biopsy.
• CT scan.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

In addition to all previous tests, the doctor may recommend a PCR test to confirm infection with HPV.

What are the methods of treating papilloma?

Treatment for a papilloma depends on its location and whether or not it is causing any problems.

Treatment of cutaneous papillomas 

• Topical preparations: Such as creams, gels, and ointments that contain salicylic acid.
• Cryotherapy: This technique aims to freeze the wart, then remove it.
• Surgical resection.
• Cauterization, in which the warts are burned with heat and then scraped off.
• Laser treatment: In it, the doctor uses high-energy laser beams to destroy warts.
• Liquid nitrogen treatment: It is done by applying liquid nitrogen to the warts or injecting it into the papilloma.
• Chemical peeling.
• Immunotherapy.

Topical medications applied to papilloma tissue on the skin to destroy warts are also used, including:

• 5-Fluorouracil.
• Cantharidin.

Your doctor will likely only discover internal papillomas while examining another problem.

 How can HPV be prevented?

HPV, which causes papillomas, can be prevented by:

• Get vaccinated against HPV. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting the HPV vaccine for children ages 11 or 12 and for everyone up to age 26, if they haven't already been vaccinated.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse.
• Maintain personal hygiene habits.

What are the complications of papilloma?

HPV may increase the chances of developing some types of cancer, such as: cervical, vaginal, pharyngeal, penile and anal cancer.

Although several studies have linked papillomas to cancer, researchers believe that it takes between 10 and 30 years for HPV to develop into a malignant state. 

Is HPV dangerous?

No, in most cases the papilloma virus is not dangerous and warts can disappear without causing a bigger health problem, but in some cases it may cause complications such as changes in cells, which increases the risk of developing some types of cancer, so we always advise the need to follow up with a specialist doctor, and perform the necessary tests periodically to be reassured.

Does wart cause cancer? 

We get this question constantly: Does warts cause cancer?

In conclusion, papillomas are not a serious medical problem, but it is important if any strange bump appears on the skin to consult a doctor to find out whether it is a benign tumor or not, and if the diagnosis is confirmed, there is no need to worry, as it is a simple condition and can be treated in more than one way without causing permanent complications or problems in the future except in very rare cases.

Frequently asked questions

Where does papilloma come from?

Papillomas usually come from infection with the human papilloma virus, which is transmitted by contact with the skin of a patient infected with the virus, or touching contaminated surfaces, and can also come from excessive cell division due to hormonal changes or recurring infections.

Can papillomas be cured?

Yes, papilloma can be cured because it is a benign type, and recovery from the disease depends on the type of tumor and its causes, as well as on the type of treatment and its effectiveness.. 

Is it possible to live with papilloma?

Yes, in some cases it is possible to live with a benign papilloma, but it must be noted that the final decision to live with the disease or complete treatment rests with the doctor only after evaluating the condition.

Is the papilloma vaccine recommended?

Yes, the human papilloma vaccine is recommended to prevent diseases associated with the virus, most notably uterine cancer, but you must go to a trusted doctor and ask him about the appropriate time to be vaccinated with the papilloma vaccine and the most important instructions and prohibitions before vaccination.