Papillomas are called benign skin and mucous membranes. But some strains can cause 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.
Due to ingestion of the human papillomavirus (HPV), papillomatous growths appear on the skin and mucous membranes, which may not manifest for a long time. It leads to weakening of immunity, tissue damage, chronic transport cell hyperplasia. HPV begins to multiply actively, which causes the formation of papillomas or warts on the skin or genital warts (genital mucosa).
Predisposing factors
The following factors contribute to the active growth of papillomas:
- frequent changes of sexual partners, infection with sexually transmitted diseases;
- household contact with people with warts, condylomas or papillomas;
- damage to the skin and mucous membranes;
- weakening of immunity.
HPV is found in an inactive state in 80% of people who reach puberty. The virus does not cause the growth of neoplasms until 6-8 months after contact with the carrier. The exception is genital warts and papillomas - they appear in the first weeks after close contact with an infected person.
Why remove papillomas
The papilloma virus is fraught with a serious health threat. Strains with a high oncogenic risk are especially 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 conduct an external examination and prescribe 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, holding the results of the examination, can tell exactly how to remove papillomas with minimal health risks. It is not recommended to leave such neoplasms. Under the influence of adverse factors, they can become inflamed, bleed, cause benign or malignant tissue hyperplasia.
Important!It is imperative to remove papillomas in intimate places - neoplasms with a high oncogenic risk are most often observed here.
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 passing the tests prescribed by the doctor, whose purpose is not only to determine 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);
- removal of papillomas by radio wave;
- 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. Specialists with a high oncogenic risk 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, bleeding and inflammation of neoplasms located in the armpits, neck, inguinal folds leads 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 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 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 cold season, when the probability of secondary infection and the formation of pigmentation is less likely (the activity of UV rays on the body). the autumn-winter period decreases).
Important!It is not enough just to remove the neoplasm - therefore, it will not be possible to stop the growth of the papilloma virus. Surgical methods are necessarily combined with therapeutic ones.
It is impossible to completely get rid of HPV - a small amount of the virus will remain in the body. However, surgical methods in combination with antiviral agents 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, there are no scars or defects 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 one time, the doctor can perform laser destruction of up to 5-20 medium-sized formations. After the examination and consultation, the specialist will tell you exactly how much it costs to remove the papillomas and will give detailed recommendations. In addition, antiviral therapy 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, clogs blood vessels, prevents bleeding. Most often, papillomas appear on the hands (warts) and 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 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 process;
- pale.
During laser removal of papillomas, semiconductor lasers are used, which vaporize viral neoplasms, as well as coagulate blood vessels. After the destruction of the papillomatous growth, a protective crust (crust) forms on the skin. It self-rejects a week after removal. 2 months after the procedure, the skin tone is completely even. The location of the papillomas will not differ from the adjacent tissues.
Skin care
The crust formed after laser removal of the papilloma should be protected from sunlight, water and cosmetics. It is forbidden to try to forcibly tear the bark - this can lead to wound infection, extensive scarring and an increase in the healing time of tissues.
After the crusts are removed, 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 use sunscreen in winter.
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 major disadvantage of cryodestruction is the inability to control the depth of tissue freezing. Therefore, it is very important to take a responsible approach in choosing a clinic where papillomas should be removed. The doctor must have permission to perform surgical activities.
Ultra-low temperatures stop the 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 for most patients. The procedure is much cheaper than other methods (laser coagulation, removal of neoplasms by radio wave).
It is possible to remove papillomas both for aesthetic reasons and in the presence of specific indications. Of particular concern are neoplasms that sharply increase in size, change their shade and shape, become inflamed and 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 determines possible contraindications:
- acute infectious processes;
- decompensated stage of somatic diseases;
- exacerbation of skin diseases;
- pale;
- tissue damage at the site of the neoplasm;
- Pregnancy period.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen is carried out without anesthesia. The cryodestructor applicator is held over the neoplasm for 1-2 minutes. The skin turns white and cools 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 turns red, and within 24 hours after cryodestruction, vesicular elements with a serous fluid appear in the treated area.
Cryonecrosis of tissues lasts up to a month, after which the dead zones of the neoplasm are rejected, and invisible spots appear in their place, which will completely disappear after 3-5 months after using liquid nitrogen.
Skin care
In the first weeks after the destruction of papillomas by freezing, it is recommended to protect the skin from moisture, sunlight and other adverse factors. If severe inflammation occurs, you should consult your doctor. Usually the tissues heal on their own, but at a low rate of epithelization, the doctor may recommend cosmetics that accelerate the regeneration of damaged skin.
Removal of papillomas by electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation of papillomas involves removing excess growths from the skin with an electric current. The method is quite traumatic, but has an affordable cost. The high-frequency current coagulates the proteins of the neoplasm, causing tissue rejection.
Features of the procedure
Before electrocoagulation, a specialist can prescribe dermatoscopy, PCR and other laboratory diagnostic methods. 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 influence of predisposing factors that can trigger inflammation and the addition of a secondary infection. The crust formed in the first weeks is rejected, then the skin is completely cleaned and replaced with new cells. During this period, it is necessary to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. The doctor may recommend treating the wound with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Removal of papillomas by radio wave
Removal of papillomas by the radio wave method is accompanied by an atraumatic incision and coagulation of the tissues of the neoplasm. While radio waves do not damage healthy tissue and prevent the spread of HPV through the bloodstream, they provide a highly sensitive effect. Radiosurgery devices used in modern clinics are distinguished by their safety and allow to minimize the risk of any complications.
Features of the procedure
Preliminary diagnosis allows you 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 determines 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 device.
High frequency energy cuts through the skin, coagulates blood vessels and papilloma tissues. 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 thermal exposure time 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. The treated tissue areas are replaced by point crusts, which spontaneously reject within a week and leave no rough scars or 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 extremely rarely, mainly when signs of malignancy of a neoplasm are detected. In this case, the surgeon removes papillomatous growths, capturing 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 peeling. Specialists try not to use surgical excision of papillomas on open areas of the body and 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 modern types of drugs with a lower risk of complications in the form of 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 contact specialists who will select 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 doing. Preparations for topical application to skin growths are used for single small neoplasms.
It is still recommended to consult a dermatologist, since it is not always possible to remove papillomas only with the help of pharmacy products. For small neoplasms, the doctor may prescribe proven drugs that will 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 dispensed with only if the papillomas are solitary and not prone to proliferation and malignancy.
Removal of papillomas by folk methods
It is popular to remove papillomas at home with folk remedies. Society does not take the papilloma virus seriously enough. Many do not even know that papillomas can be malignant. Since it is almost impossible to remove papillomas at home without health risks, 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 choose an effective treatment regimen.
Common methods for removing papillomas at home
You can remove papillomas at home using the following tools:
- celandine juice;
- Garlic;
- green walnut juice;
- salicylic acid.
Important!The listed methods eliminate protrusions on the skin. It is strictly forbidden to use such funds on mucous membranes 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 drug several times a day. In this case, celandine should not be applied to healthy tissues. To prevent burns, it is recommended to apply vegetable oil or zinc ointment to the unaffected skin before using the juice.
Garlic has a disinfectant effect, helps to remove warts and papillomas in long-term use. However, this method is not suitable for people with sensitive skin. Garlic often causes inflammatory reactions, burning sensation and redness.
Salicylic acid contributes to the destruction of skin growths caused by the active reproduction of the papilloma virus. 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 is completely dead.
Green walnut juice strongly stains the skin. The tool should be used for a long time to make the papilloma fade. The processed fabrics acquire a dark brown color, the appearance of peeling and dryness on the skin is possible.