Papillomas are referred to as benign skin and mucous membranes. But certain strains are capable of causing tissue degeneration. That is why experts recommend timely removal of papillomas. This will prevent the appearance of malignant tumors, including the development of cervical cancer in women.
Papillomatous outgrowths appear on the skin and mucous membranes due to the ingestion of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which may not manifest itself for a long time. With a weakening of immunity, damage to tissues, chronic carriage leads to cell hyperplasia. HPV begins to multiply actively, which causes the formation of papillomas or warts on the skin or genital warts (on the genital mucosa).
Predisposing factors
The following factors contribute to the active growth of papillomas:
- frequent change of sexual partners, infection with sexually transmitted diseases;
- household contact with people who have warts, condylomas or papillomas;
- damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
- weakening of immunity.
In 80% of people who have reached puberty, HPV is present in an inactive form. The virus does not cause the growth of neoplasms until 6-8 months after contact with the virus carrier. The exception is genital warts and papillomas - they appear in the first weeks after intimate contact with an infected person.
Why remove papillomas
The papillomavirus is fraught with a serious threat to health. Strains with a high oncogenic risk are especially dangerous: 16, 18, 30, 31-35, 56-59, 67-68. When papillomatous outgrowths appear, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist or venereologist. The doctor will conduct an external examination and prescribe PCR diagnostics, which will identify the DNA of the virus and determine the degree of oncogenicity of a particular strain.
Also, the specialist will select the most effective surgical techniques. Only a doctor, having the examination results on hand, can tell exactly how to remove papillomas with minimal health risks. It is not recommended to leave such neoplasms. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, they can become inflamed, bleed, cause benign or malignant tissue hyperplasia.
Important!It is imperative to remove papillomas in intimate places - it is here that neoplasms of high oncogenic risk most often appear.
If papillomatous outgrowths are found on the external genital organs (vulva, perineal region, foreskin), it is necessary to consult a venereologist. Additionally, it is worth passing the tests prescribed by the doctor, the purpose of which is not only to establish the type of HPV, but also to detect concomitant urogenital infections.
Surgical treatment of papillomas
The main methods of surgical treatment for papillomas:
- the use of special local means with which you can remove papillomas at home;
- cryodestruction (removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen);
- laser coagulation (removal of papillomas with a laser);
- radio wave removal of papillomas;
- excision of formations with a scalpel.
Any of the listed methods can remove papillomas. The specialist will help you choose the appropriate option, taking into account the location of the neoplasm, the number of papillomatous outgrowths and diagnostic data. Before removing papillomas, the doctor must make sure that there is no malignant process. With a high oncogenic risk, experts prefer the classic method of removing papillomas - excision of neoplasms with a scalpel.
The main indications for the removal of papillomas:
- the desire to get rid of a cosmetic defect in the form of single or multiple papillomatous outgrowths on the skin and mucous membranes;
- frequent damage to neoplasms that are under the armpits, on the neck, in the groin folds, bleed and become inflamed, leading to an increased risk of tissue malignancy;
- detection of papillomas of medium and high oncogenic risk;
- the presence among relatives of people with malignant neoplasms;
- the place of localization of papillomas is the genitals and internal genital organs.
Ideal time to remove papillomas
Before removing papillomas on the body and face, the doctor warns the patient about possible complications, including the formation of age spots. The risk of pigmentation is higher in the spring and summer. Many people are interested in whether it is possible to remove papillomas in the summer. If the formations are located in open areas of the body or on the face, it is better to postpone the operation for the cool season, when the likelihood of a secondary infection and the formation of pigmentation is lower (the activity of UV rays in the autumn-winter period is reduced).
Important!It is not enough just to remove the neoplasm - thus it will not be possible to stop the growth of the papillomavirus. Surgical methods are necessarily combined with therapeutic ones.
It is impossible to completely get rid of HPV - a small amount of the virus will still remain in the body. But in combination with antiviral agents, surgical methods give the highest treatment results.
Removal of papillomas with a laser
Laser removal of papillomas is a modern method of surgical treatment of HPV. Most often, specialists use carbon dioxide laser systems. After the procedure, no scars or defects remain on the skin. The high cost of laser removal of papillomas corresponds to the effectiveness of the method. The final cost depends on the size and number of the lesions. At a time, the doctor can carry out laser destruction of up to 5-20 medium-sized formations. After examination and consultation, the specialist will say exactly how much it costs to remove papillomas and give detailed recommendations. Additionally, antiviral treatment is mandatory. Medicines are also selected by the attending physician.
With the help of a laser, papillomas can be removed from any part of the body, including the genitals. This method is bloodless and non-contact. The laser has an anti-inflammatory effect on tissues, seals blood vessels, preventing bleeding. Most often, papillomas appear on the hands (warts) and on the neck - in the form of filamentous outgrowths that are easily damaged during hygiene procedures. Such neoplasms do not have a high oncogenic risk, but it is still better to get rid of them.
Features of laser removal of papillomas
A dermatologist is consulted before the procedure. The doctor examines the skin, identifies possible contraindications:
- tissue damage;
- local inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes;
- pregnancy;
- exacerbation of any infectious processes;
- herpes.
During laser removal of papillomas, semiconductor lasers are used, which vaporize viral neoplasms and at the same time coagulate blood vessels. After the destruction of the papillomamatous outgrowth, a protective crust (scab) forms on the skin. It rejects on its own a week after removal. 2 months after the procedure, the skin tone is completely evened out. The place where the papillomas were will be no different from the adjacent tissues.
Skin care
The scab formed after laser removal of papilloma must be protected from sunlight, water and cosmetics. It is forbidden to try to tear off the crust forcibly - this can lead to wound infection, gross scarring and an increase in the healing time of tissues.
After the scab has passed, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with sunscreen before going outside. This will prevent the formation of age spots. It is not necessary to wear sunscreen during the winter months.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen involves freezing neoplasms (cryodestruction). The method is effective for single papillomatous outgrowths on the skin. A significant disadvantage of cryodestruction is the inability to control the depth of tissue freezing. Therefore, it is so important to take a responsible approach to the choice of a clinic where papillomas will have to be removed. The doctor must have permission to carry out surgical activities.
Ultra-low temperatures stop metabolic processes in the cells of the neoplasm, causing their death. At the site of the removed papilloma, a necrotic area is formed, which is gradually replaced by healthy tissue. Cryodestruction is available to most patients. The procedure is much cheaper than other methods (laser coagulation, radio wave removal of neoplasms).
It is possible to remove papillomas both for aesthetic reasons and in the presence of specific indications. Of particular concern are neoplasms, which sharply increase in size, change their shade and shape, become inflamed, injured during hygiene procedures.
Features of cryodestruction
Before removing papillomas with liquid nitrogen, the doctor carefully examines the skin, assesses the general state of health, and identifies possible contraindications:
- acute infectious processes;
- decompensated stage of somatic diseases;
- exacerbation of skin diseases;
- herpes;
- tissue damage in the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe location of the neoplasm;
- period of pregnancy.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen is carried out without anesthesia. The cryodestructor applicator is held over the neoplasm for 1-2 minutes. The skin becomes white and cold, and temporarily loses its sensitivity. During the procedure, there is a slight tingling sensation, a burning sensation may appear. Within a few hours after the procedure, the skin swells and turns red, and within 24 hours after cryodestruction, vesicular elements appear on the treated area, inside which there is a serous fluid.
Cryonecrosis of tissues lasts up to a month, after which the dead areas of the neoplasm are rejected, and invisible spots appear in their place, which will completely disappear 3-5 months after using liquid nitrogen.
Skin care
During the first weeks after removal of papillomas by cryodestruction, it is recommended to protect the skin from moisture, sunlight and other adverse factors. If severe inflammation occurs, you should consult your doctor. Usually, tissues heal on their own, but at a low rate of epithelialization, the doctor may recommend cosmetics that accelerate the regeneration of damaged skin.
Removal of papillomas by electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation of papillomas involves the removal of outgrowths on the skin with an electric current. The method is quite traumatic, but it has an affordable cost. High-frequency current coagulates the proteins of the neoplasm, causing tissue rejection.
Features of the procedure
Before electrocoagulation, a specialist may prescribe dermatoscopy, PCR and other methods of laboratory diagnostics. The doctor examines and identifies possible contraindications:
- exacerbation of herpes infection and any inflammatory processes;
- pregnancy;
- suspicion of a malignant nature of papillomas;
- excessive skin sensitivity, allergic reaction to electric current;
- exacerbation of severe somatic diseases, especially those in the stage of decompensation.
Skin care
Electrocoagulation of papillomas does not require any complex skin care. It is necessary to avoid the action of predisposing factors that can provoke inflammation and the addition of a secondary infection. During the first weeks, the formed scab is rejected, after which the skin is completely cleansed and replaced with new cells. It is necessary to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during this period. The doctor may recommend treating the wound with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Radio wave removal of papillomas
Removal of papillomas by the radio wave method is accompanied by an atraumatic incision and coagulation of the neoplasm tissues. Radio waves provide a highly accurate effect, while they do not injure healthy tissue and inhibit the spread of HPV through the bloodstream. Radiosurgical devices used in modern clinics are distinguished by their safety and allow minimizing the risks of any complications.
Features of the procedure
Preliminary diagnosis allows you to determine the amount of the virus in the body, the type of HPV and the degree of oncogenic risk. When choosing a treatment method, the doctor takes into account the general state of health and identifies possible contraindications:
- pregnancy, menstruation;
- exacerbation of any infectious and inflammatory processes and somatic diseases;
- the presence of malignant tumors;
- exacerbation of herpes infection;
- damage to the skin at the site of exposure to a radio wave apparatus.
High-frequency energy cuts the skin, coagulates blood vessels and papilloma tissues. In this case, the electrode does not have direct contact with the tissues, which avoids painful sensations and muscle spasms. In contrast to the method of electrocoagulation, using radio waves, it is possible to reduce the time of thermal exposure and reduce necrosis of the treated areas.
Skin care
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Removal of papillomas takes only 15-30 minutes. In place of the treated tissue sites, point scabs remain, which in a week are rejected on their own, without leaving rough scars and other defects. During the recovery period, it is recommended to limit contact with water and ultraviolet rays; you should not use cosmetics and household chemicals.
Surgical excision with a scalpel
Removal of papillomas with a scalpel during a classical operation is used quite rarely, mainly when signs of malignancy of a neoplasm are detected. In this case, the surgeon excises papillomatous outgrowths with the capture of healthy skin.
The method is traumatic, leaves scars and stains. If desired, they can be removed using a laser and other cosmetic procedures, including acid peels. Specialists try not to use surgical excision of papillomas on open areas of the body and on the face.
Means for removing papillomas
Medicines for removing papillomas and warts act in the same way: they contain substances that cause the destruction of neoplastic cells with the formation of a small scab in the future. It is recommended to use drugs of a modern type, which have a lower risk of complications in the form of a secondary infection, acute inflammatory reaction, spots and scars. It is also possible to use cryopreparations that can replace standard cryodestruction.
Removing papillomas at home is quite dangerous, especially with large neoplasms. It is better to consult a specialist who will select the best treatment options, including antiviral therapy, which prevents recurrence of human papillomavirus infection in the future. A professional will tell you exactly how to remove papillomas at home and whether it is worth doing. Preparations for topical application to skin outgrowths are used for single small neoplasms.
Since it is not always possible to remove papillomas only with the help of pharmacy products, it is still recommended to consult a dermatologist. For small neoplasms, the doctor may recommend proven drugs that destroy papillomatous outgrowths. Additionally, it is recommended to use antiviral agents. An integrated approach increases the effectiveness of the entire treatment process. Antiviral agents can be dispensed with only if papillomas are solitary and not prone to overgrowth and malignancy.
Removal of papillomas by folk methods
Removing papillomas with folk remedies at home is popular. The society does not take papillomavirus seriously enough. Many do not even know that papillomas can become malignant. Since it is almost impossible to remove papillomas at home without risk to health, it is recommended to first consult a dermatologist. Using modern diagnostic methods, the doctor will be able to assess the nature of the neoplasm and select an effective treatment regimen.
Common methods of home removal of papillomas
You can remove papillomas at home using the following tools:
- celandine juice;
- garlic;
- juice of green walnuts;
- salicylic acid.
Important!The listed methods destroy the outgrowths on the skin. The use of such funds on mucous membranes is strictly prohibited due to the high risk of an acute inflammatory reaction and chemical burns.
Most often, celandine juice is used to remove papillomas. The affected areas of the skin are treated with this remedy several times a day. In this case, celandine should not be applied to healthy tissues. To prevent burns, it is recommended to treat unaffected skin with vegetable oil or zinc ointment before using the juice.
Garlic has a disinfecting effect, with prolonged use it helps to remove warts and papillomas. But this method is not suitable for people who have sensitive skin. Garlic often causes inflammatory reactions, burning sensation and flushing.
Salicylic acid contributes to the destruction of skin outgrowths provoked by the active reproduction of the papillomavirus. This remedy is often included in ready-made preparations for getting rid of papillomas and warts. Salicylic acid is applied pointwise several times a day until the neoplasm completely dies off.
The juice of green walnuts strongly stains the skin. The tool must be used for a long time to achieve the withering away of the papilloma. The processed fabrics acquire a dark brown hue, the appearance of peeling and dryness of the skin is possible.