Papillomas are referred to as benign skin and mucous membranes. But some strains are capable of causing tissue degeneration. That is why experts recommend the timely 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 itself for a long time. With a weakening of immunity, tissue damage, chronic transport leads to cellular hyperplasia. HPV begins to multiply actively, causing 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;
- home contact with people who have warts, warts 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 carrier of the virus. The exception is genital warts and papillomas - they appear in the first weeks after intimate contact with an infected person.
Why remove papillomas
Papillomavirus is fraught with a serious health threat. Particularly dangerous are the strains with high oncogenic risk: 16, 18, 30, 31-35, 56-59, 67-68. When papillomatous growths appear, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist or a 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.
In addition, the specialist will select the most effective surgical techniques. Only a doctor, having the results of the examination at 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 - this is where neoplasms with high oncogenic risk appear most often.
If papillomatous growths are found on the external genital organs (vulva, perineal region, foreskin), it is necessary to consult a venereologist. In addition, 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 by which it is possible to 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 growths 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 eliminate a cosmetic defect in the form of single or multiple papillomatous growths on the skin and mucous membranes;
- frequent damage to neoplasms that are located in the armpits, on the neck, in the inguinal folds, bleed and become inflamed, leading to an increased risk of tissue malignancy;
- detection of papillomas with medium and high oncogenic risk;
- the presence among relatives of people with malignant neoplasms;
- the place of localization of papillomas are 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 greatest in spring and summer. Many people are interested in whether it is possible to remove papillomas in the summer. If the formations are localized in open areas of the body or on the face, it is better to postpone the operation for the cool season, when the probability of a secondary infection and the formation of pigmentation (the activity of UV rays in the period autumn-winter is reduced).
Important!It is not enough to remove the neoplasm, so 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 maximum 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 and 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 lesions. At a time, the doctor can perform laser destruction of up to 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. Also, 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 contactless. The laser has an anti-inflammatory effect on tissues, seals blood vessels, preventing bleeding. Most often, papillomas appear on the hands (warts) and neck - in the form of filamentous growths that can be easily damaged during hygienic 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 prior to 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 growth, a protective crust (scab) forms on the skin. Refuse on its own a week after removal. 2 months after the procedure, the skin tone is completely even. The place where the papillomas were located will be no different from the adjacent tissues.
Skin care
The scab formed after laser removal of the papilloma must be protected from sunlight, water and cosmetics. It is forbidden to try to tear the scab forcibly - this can lead to wound infections, coarse scarring and an increase in the healing time of the tissues.
After the scab has receded, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with sunscreen before going out. This will prevent age spots from forming. It is not necessary to wear sunscreen during the winter months.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen results in freezing of the 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 to choosing a clinic where papillomas will need to be removed. The doctor must be allowed to perform surgical activities.
Ultra low temperatures block the metabolic processes in the cancer 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 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 interest are neoplasms, which greatly increase in size, change hue and shape, become inflamed and injured 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 performed without anesthesia. The cryodistructor applicator is held over the tumor 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 hours of the procedure, the skin swells and turns red, and within 24 hours after cryodestruction, vesicular elements appear on the treated area, inside of which there is a serous fluid.
Tissue cryonecrosis 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 the use of 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, see 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 removing the growths on the skin with an electric current. The method is quite traumatic, but it has an affordable cost. The high-frequency current coagulates the proteins of the tumor, causing tissue rejection.
Features of the procedure
Before electrocoagulation, a specialist can 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 malignant nature of papillomas;
- excessive sensitivity of the skin, allergic reaction to electric current;
- exacerbation of severe somatic diseases, especially those in 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 crust is rejected, after which the skin is completely cleaned 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 neoplastic tissues. Radio waves provide a highly accurate effect, while they do not damage healthy tissue and inhibit the spread of HPV through the bloodstream. Radiosurgical devices used in modern clinics are distinguished by their safety and make it possible to minimize 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 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 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. Contrary to the method of electrocoagulation, 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, pinpoint crusts remain, which in a week are repelled on their own, leaving no rough scars or other defects. During the recovery period, it is recommended to limit contact with water and ultraviolet rays, do not use cosmetics and household chemicals.
Surgical excision with scalpel
Removal of papillomas with a scalpel during a classic operation is used quite rarely, mainly when signs of malignancy of a neoplasm are detected. In this case, the surgeon removes papillomatous growths with the capture of healthy skin.
The method is traumatic, it leaves scars and blemishes. 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 to remove papillomas and warts act in the same way: they contain substances that cause 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 standard cryodestruction.
Removing 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 the 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 on skin growths are used for single small neoplasms.
Since it is not always possible to remove papillomas only with the help of pharmaceutical products, it is still recommended to consult a dermatologist. For small neoplasms, the doctor may recommend proven drugs that destroy papillomatous growths. In addition, it is recommended to use antiviral agents. An integrated approach increases the effectiveness of the entire treatment process. Antiviral agents can be eliminated only if the papillomas are solitary and not subject to proliferation and malignancy.
Removal of papillomas by folk methods
Removal of papillomas with folk remedies at home is popular. Society doesn't 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 health risks, it is recommended that you 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 nut 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 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 tissues. To prevent burns, it is recommended to treat healthy 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, a burning sensation and redness.
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 for getting rid of papillomas and warts. Salicylic acid is applied punctually several times a day until the complete disappearance of the neoplasm.
The juice of green walnuts strongly stains the skin. The tool must be used for a long time to achieve papilloma withering. The processed fabrics acquire a dark brown hue, the appearance of peeling and dryness of the skin is possible.