Papillomas are called benign skin and mucous membranes. However, certain strains are capable of causing tissue degeneration. Therefore, experts recommend timely removal of papillomas. This will prevent the appearance of malignant tumors, including the development of cervical cancer in women.
Papillomatous growths occur on the skin and mucous membranes due to ingestion of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which may not manifest for a long time. With a weakening of immunity, tissue damage, chronic transport leads to cell 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;
- household contact with people who have warts, condyloma or papillomas;
- damage to skin and mucous membranes;
- weakening of immunity.
In 80% of the people who have reached puberty, HPV is present in inactive form. The virus does not cause 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
Papillomavirus is fraught with a serious health threat. Strains with high oncogenic risk are particularly dangerous: 16, 18, 30, 31-35, 56-59, 67-68. When papillomatous growths occur, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist or venereologist. The doctor will perform an external examination and prescribe PCR diagnostics, which identify the DNA of the virus and determine the degree of oncogenicity of a particular strain.
The specialist will also select the most effective surgical techniques. Only a doctor who has the test results at hand can accurately tell 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, soft, cause benign or malignant tissue hyperplasia.
Important!It is imperative to remove papillomas in intimate places - this is where neoplasms with high oncogenic risk most often occur.
If there are papillomatous growths 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, the purpose of which 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 of papillomas:
- the use of special local remedies 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 radio waves from papillomas;
- cutting out formations with a scalpel.
Any of the methods listed 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.
Main indications for papilloma removal:
- the desire to get rid of a cosmetic defect in the form of single or multiple papillomatous growths on skin and mucous membranes;
- frequent damage to neoplasms below the armpits, on the neck, in the groin folds, bleeding and becoming 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 location of papillomas is the genitals and internal genitals.
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 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 in the face, it is better to postpone the operation to the cool season, when the probability of a secondary infection and the formation of pigmentation is lower (the activity of UV rays in 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 papillomavirus. Surgical methods are necessarily combined with therapeutic methods.
It is impossible to get rid of HPV completely - a small amount of the virus will still remain in the body. However, in combination with antiviral agents, surgical methods provide the highest treatment outcomes.
Laser papilloma removal
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 and defects left on the skin. The high cost of laser removal of papillomas corresponds to the efficiency of the method. The final price depends on the size and number of the 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 say exactly how much it costs to remove papillomas and give detailed recommendations. In addition, antiviral therapy 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 tissues, seals blood vessels and prevents bleeding. Papillomas most often occur 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 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;
- aggravation of any infectious processes
- herpes.
During laser removal of papillomas, semiconductor lasers are used, which vaporize viral neoplasms while coagulating blood vessels. After the destruction of the papillomamatic outgrowth, a protective crust (crust) 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 site where the papillomas were will not be different from the adjacent tissues.
Skin care
The scab that forms after laser removal of the papilloma must be protected from sunlight, water and cosmetics. It is forbidden to try to tear the crust by force - this can lead to wound infection, gross scarring and an increase in the healing time of the tissue.
After the scab is removed, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with sunscreen before going outside. This prevents 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 some papillomatous growths on the skin. A major disadvantage of cryodestruction is the inability to control the depth of tissue freezing. That is why it is so important to take a responsible approach to the choice of a clinic where papillomas need to be removed. The physician must be licensed to perform surgical activities.
Ultra-low temperatures stop metabolic processes in neoplasm cells and cause 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, removal of radio waves 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 grow rapidly in size, change their hue and shape, become inflamed and become damaged during hygiene procedures.
Cryodestruction features
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 neoplasm;
- pregnancy period.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen is performed 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 that may occur a burning sensation. 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 within 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 the use of liquid nitrogen.
Skin care
In the first weeks after removal of papillomas by cryodestruction, it is recommended to protect the skin from moisture, sunlight and other negative factors. If severe inflammation occurs, consult your doctor. Normally, the tissues heal on their own, but at a low rate of epithelialization, the doctor may recommend cosmetics that speed up the regeneration of damaged skin.
Removal of papillomas by electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation of papillomas involves removal of growths on the skin with an electric current. The method is quite traumatic, but it has an affordable price. High frequency current coagulates the proteins in 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 character of papillomas;
- excessive skin sensitivity, allergic reaction to electric current;
- exacerbation of serious somatic diseases, especially those in the decompensation stage.
Skin care
Electrocoagulation of papillomas requires no complex skin care. It is necessary to avoid the effect of predisposing factors that can cause inflammation and the addition of a secondary infection. During the first weeks, the crust formed 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. Your doctor may recommend treating the wound with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Removal of radio waves from papillomas
Removal of papillomas by the radiowave method is accompanied by an atraumatic incision and coagulation of the neoplasm tissue. Radio waves provide an extremely accurate effect, while not damaging healthy tissue and inhibiting the spread of HPV through the bloodstream. Radiosurgical devices used in modern clinics are characterized by their safety and make it possible 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 identifies possible contraindications:
- pregnancy, menstruation;
- exacerbation of 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 tissue. In this case, the electrode does not have direct contact with the tissues, avoiding 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. Instead of the treated tissue sites, point scabs remain, which in a week are rejected alone and do not leave coarse 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 classic operation is used quite rarely, especially when signs of malignancy are detected in a neoplasm. In this case, the surgeon excludes papillomatous outgrowths with capture of healthy skin.
The method is traumatic, leaving scars and spots. If desired, they can be removed using a laser and other cosmetic procedures, including acidic peels. Specialists do not try to use surgical excision of papillomas on open areas of the body and on the face.
Papilloma removal agents
Medicines for the removal of papillomas and warts work in the same way: they contain substances that cause 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 a secondary infection, acute inflammatory reaction, spots and scars. It is also possible to use creep preparations that can replace standard cryodestruction.
Removing papillomas at home is quite dangerous, especially with large neoplasms. It is better to contact specialists who choose 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 doing. Preparations for topical application to skin growths are used for some small neoplasms.
As it is not always possible to remove papillomas using only pharmacy products, it is still advisable to consult a dermatologist. For small neoplasms, your doctor may recommend proven drugs that destroy papillomatous growths. In addition, it is recommended to use antiviral drugs. An integrated approach increases the efficiency of the entire treatment process. Antiviral agents can only be dispensed with if papillomas are solitary and not prone to spread and malignancy.
Removal of papillomas by folk methods
Removal of papillomas with folk remedies at home is popular. Society does not take papillomavirus seriously enough. Many people do not even know that papillomas can become malignant. As 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 physician will be able to assess the nature of the neoplasm and select an effective treatment regimen.
Common methods of removing papillomas at home
You can remove papillomas at home using the following tools:
- celandine juice;
- garlic;
- juice of green walnuts;
- salicylic acid.
Important!The methods listed destroy the outgrowths on the skin. The use of such agents on 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. 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 tissue. 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. However, this method is not suitable for people who have 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 papillomavirus. This remedy is often included in ready-made preparations to get rid of papillomas and warts. Salicylic acid is applied periodically several times a day until the neoplasm dies completely.
The juice of green walnuts strongly stains the skin. The tool must be used for a long time to achieve the appearance of papilloma. The processed fabrics get a dark brown hue, the appearance of peeling and dryness of the skin is possible.