Papillomas are called benign skin and mucous membranes. But some strains are capable of causing tissue degeneration. That is why experts recommend the rapid removal of papillomas. This will prevent the appearance of malignant tumors, including the development of cervical cancer in women.
Papillomatous growths appear on the skin and mucous membranes due to ingestion of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which may not manifest for a long time. With weakened immunity, tissue damage, chronic carriage leads to cell hyperplasia. HPV begins to multiply actively, which causes papillomas or warts to form on the skin or genital warts (on the genital lining).
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, warts or papillomas;
- damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
- weakened immunity.
In 80% of people who have gone through puberty, HPV is present in an inactive form. The virus does not cause neoplasms to grow until 6 to 8 months after contact with the virus carrier. The exception is genital warts and papillomas - they appear within the first few weeks after intimate contact with an infected person.
Why remove papillomas
The papillomavirus represents a serious threat to health. Strains with high oncogenic risk are particularly dangerous: 16, 18, 30, 31-35, 56-59, 67-68. When papillomatous growths appear, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist or venereologist. The doctor will perform an external examination and order a PCR diagnosis, which will identify the DNA of the virus and determine the degree of oncogenicity of a particular strain.
In addition, the specialist will select the most effective surgical techniques. Only a doctor, with the results of the examination in 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 with high oncogenic risk appear most often.
If papillomatous growths are found on the external genitalia (vulva, perineal region, foreskin), it is necessary to consult a venereologist. In addition, it is worth taking 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 of 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);
- elimination of radio waves from papillomas;
- excision of formations with a scalpel.
All of the listed methods can remove papillomas. The specialist will help you choose the appropriate option, taking into account the localization of the neoplasm, the number of papillomatous growths and diagnostic data. Before removing papillomas, the doctor should 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 growths on the skin and mucous membranes;
- frequent damage to neoplasms that are in the armpits, on the neck, in the folds of the groin, bleed and become inflamed, with an increased risk of tissue malignancy;
- detection of papillomas with medium and high risk of cancer;
- the presence among relatives of people with malignant tumors;
- the place of localization of papillomas is the genitals and internal genitalia.
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 spring and summer. Many people want to know 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 until the cool season, when the risk of secondary infection and pigmentation formation is lower (the activity of raysUV in the autumn-winter period is reduced).
Important!It is not enough to remove the neoplasm - therefore it will not be possible to stop the growth of the papillomavirus. Surgical methods are necessarily associated with therapeutic methods.
It is impossible to get rid of HPV completely - a small amount of the virus will always remain in the body. But in combination with antiviral agents, surgical methods give the best treatment results.
Removal of papillomas with a laser
Laser removal of papillomas is a modern method of surgical treatment for HPV. Most often, specialists use carbon dioxide laser systems. After the procedure, no scars or blemishes 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 lesions. At a time, the doctor can perform laser destruction of 5-20 medium-sized formations. After examination and consultation, the specialist will tell exactly how much it costs to remove papillomas and give detailed recommendations. In addition, antiviral treatment is mandatory. Medicines are also selected by the attending physician.
Using 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 the tissues, seals the blood vessels and prevents bleeding. Most often, papillomas appear on the hands (warts) and on the neck - in the form of filamentous growths that are easily damaged during hygiene procedures. Such neoplasms do not have a high oncogenic risk, but it is always better to get rid of them.
Features of laser removal of papillomas
A dermatologist is consulted before the operation. The doctor examines the skin, identifies possible contraindications:
- Tissue damage;
- local inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes;
- pregnancy;
- exacerbation of any infectious process;
- herpes.
When 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 (crust) forms on the skin. He rejects on his own a week after the kidnapping. 2 months after the operation, the complexion is completely unified. The location of the papillomas will not be different from adjacent tissues.
Skin care
The crust formed after the laser removal of the papilloma should be protected from the sun, water and cosmetics. It is forbidden to try to forcefully tear off the scab - this can lead to infection of the wound, coarse scarring and an increase in the healing time of the tissues.
Once the scab is absorbed, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with sunscreen before going out. 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 of neoplasms (cryodestruction). The method is effective for single papillomatous growths on the skin. A significant drawback of cryodestruction is the inability to control the depth of tissue freezing. Therefore, it is so important to take a responsible approach in choosing a clinic where the papillomas will need to be removed. The doctor must be authorized to perform surgical activities.
Ultra-low temperatures stop metabolic processes in neoplasm cells, 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 for most patients. The procedure is much cheaper than other methods (laser coagulation, removal of neoplasms by radio waves).
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 color and shape, inflame and injure themselves during hygienic procedures.
Characteristics 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 the location of the neoplasm;
- period of pregnancy.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen is carried out without anesthesia. The cryodestructor applicator is held on the neoplasm for 1 to 2 minutes. The skin turns white and cold, and temporarily loses its sensitivity. During the procedure there is a slight tingling sensation, a burning sensation may appear. A few hours after the procedure, the skin swells and reddens, and within 24 hours of cryodestruction, vesicular elements appear on the treated area, inside which there is a serous fluid.
Cryonecrosis of tissues lasts for 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, sun and other unwanted factors. In case of severe inflammation, you should consult your doctor. Usually the 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 growths on the skin with an electric current. The method is quite traumatic, but it comes at an affordable cost. The high-frequency current coagulates the proteins in the neoplasm, causing tissue to be rejected.
Features of the procedure
Before electrocoagulation, a specialist may prescribe dermatoscopy, PCR and other laboratory diagnostic methods. The doctor examines and identifies possible contraindications:
- exacerbation of herpes infection and any inflammatory process;
- pregnancy;
- suspicion of a malignant nature of papillomas;
- excessive sensitivity of the skin, allergic reaction to electric current;
- exacerbation of serious somatic diseases, especially those in the stage of decompensation.
Skin care
Electrocoagulation of papillomas does not require complex skin care. It is necessary to avoid the action of predisposing factors that can provoke inflammation and the addition of secondary infection. In the first few weeks, the formed crust is rejected, after which the skin is completely cleansed and replaced with new cells. It is necessary to avoid direct exposure to the sun during this period. The doctor may recommend treating the wound with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Removal of radio waves from papillomas
Removal of papillomas by the radio wave method is accompanied by an atraumatic incision and coagulation of neoplastic tissue. Radio waves provide a very precise effect, while not damaging healthy tissue and inhibiting the spread of HPV in the bloodstream. Radiosurgery devices used in modern clinics are distinguished by their safety and allow to minimize the risk of complications.
Features of the procedure
The preliminary diagnosis makes it possible to determine the amount of virus in the body, the type of HPV and the degree of oncogenic risk. When choosing a method of treatment, the doctor takes into account the general state of health and identifies possible contraindications:
- pregnancy, menstruation;
- exacerbation of any infectious and inflammatory process 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 device.
High frequency energy cuts the skin, coagulates blood vessels and papilloma tissue. In this case, the electrode does not have direct contact with the tissues, which prevents painful sensations and muscle spasms. Unlike the electrocoagulation method, using radio waves, it is possible to reduce the time of thermal exposure and reduce the 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 within 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 in a conventional operation is used quite rarely, mainly when signs of malignancy of a neoplasm are detected. In this case, the surgeon excises the papillomatous growths with 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 work in the same way: they contain substances that provoke the destruction of neoplastic cells with the formation of a small crust in the future. It is recommended to use drugs of a modern type, which have a lower risk of complications in the form of secondary infection, acute inflammatory reaction, spots and scars. It is also possible to use cryopreparations which can replace conventional cryodestruction.
Removal of papillomas at home is quite dangerous, especially with large neoplasms. It is best to contact specialists who will select the optimal 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 it. Preparations for topical application to skin growths are used for single small neoplasms.
Since it is not always possible to remove papillomas only with the help of pharmaceuticals, it is still recommended to consult a dermatologist. For small tumors, the doctor may recommend medications that are proven to destroy the papillomatous growths. In addition, it is recommended to use antiviral agents. An integrated approach increases the efficiency of the entire treatment process. Antiviral agents can only be removed if the papillomas are solitary and not prone to overgrowth and malignancy.
Removal of papillomas by traditional methods
Removal of papillomas with folk remedies at home is popular. Society does not take HPV seriously enough. Many don't 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 consult a dermatologist first. 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;
- green walnut juice;
- salicylic acid.
Important!The listed methods destroy growths on the skin. The use of such funds on the 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. Affected areas of the skin are treated with this remedy several times a day. In this case, celandine should not be applied to healthy tissue. To avoid burns, it is recommended to treat the unaffected skin with vegetable oil or zinc ointment before using the juice.
Garlic has a disinfectant effect, with prolonged use it helps to remove warts and papillomas. But this method is not suitable for people with sensitive skin. Garlic often causes inflammatory reactions, a burning sensation, and flushing.
Salicylic acid contributes to the destruction of skin growths caused by the active reproduction of the papillomavirus. This remedy is often included in ready-made preparations to get rid of papillomas and warts. Salicylic acid is applied punctually several times a day until the neoplasm dies completely.
The juice of green walnuts strongly stains the skin. The tool should be used for a long time to achieve dieback of the papilloma. Treated fabrics acquire a dark brown tint, the appearance of peeling and dryness of the skin is possible.