Papillomas are called benign skin and mucous membranes. However, certain strains can cause tissue degeneration. For this reason, experts recommend the timely removal of papillomas. This prevents the occurrence of malignant tumors, including the development of cervical cancer in women.
Due to the ingestion of the human papillomavirus (HPV), papillomatous outgrowths appear on the skin and mucous membranes, which may not manifest for a long time. With a weakening of immunity, tissue damage, chronic transport leads to cell hyperplasia. HPV begins to actively multiply, which leads to the formation of papillomas or warts 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, condylomas, or papillomas;
- Damage to skin and mucous membranes;
- Weakened immunity.
80% of people who have reached puberty have the inactive form of HPV. 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 few weeks after intimate contact with an infected person.
Why remove papillomas?
The papillomavirus poses a serious health hazard. Strains with a high oncogenic risk are particularly dangerous: 16, 18, 30, 31-35, 56-59, 67-68. If 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.
In addition, the specialist selects the most effective surgical techniques. Only a doctor with the results of the exam on hand can tell exactly how to remove papillomas with minimal health risks. Leaving such neoplasms is not recommended. Under the influence of adverse factors, they can become inflamed, bleed, cause benign or malignant tissue hyperplasia.
Important!Papillomas must definitely be removed from intimate areas - this is where neoplasms with a high oncogenic risk occur most often.
If papillomatous outgrowths are found on the external genital organs (vulva, perineal region, foreskin), a venereologist must be consulted. In addition, it is worthwhile to pass the tests prescribed by the doctor, which not only determine the type of HPV, but also detect accompanying urogenital infections.
Surgical treatment of papillomas
The main methods of surgical treatment of papillomas:
- the use of special local means that allow you 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 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 located under the armpits, neck, inguinal folds, bleed and inflamed, which leads to an increased risk of malignant tissues;
- Detection of papillomas with medium and high oncogenic risk;
- the presence in 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 of 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 summer. If the formations are in open areas of the body or face, then it is better to postpone the operation to the cool season, when the likelihood of secondary infection and the formation of pigmentation is less (the activity of UV rays in the autumnWinter time is shortened).
Important!It is not enough just to remove the neoplasm - therefore it is not possible to stop the papillomavirus from growing. Surgical methods are necessarily combined with therapeutic ones.
It's impossible to get rid of HPV completely - a small amount of the virus still remains in the body. But when combined with antivirals, surgical methods give the highest 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. No scars or defects remain on the skin after the procedure. The high cost of laser papilloma removal corresponds to the effectiveness of the method. The final cost will depend on the size and number of the lesions. The doctor can destroy up to 5-20 medium-sized formations with laser at the same time. After examination and consultation, the specialist will tell you exactly how much it will cost to remove papillomas and give detailed recommendations. In addition, 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 the tissue, closes blood vessels and prevents bleeding. Most often, papillomas appear on the hands (warts) and neck - in the form of filamentous outgrowths that can easily be damaged during hygiene procedures. Such neoplasms do not have a high risk of oncogenic effects, but it is still better to get rid of them.
Features of laser removal of papillomas
Before the procedure, a dermatologist will be consulted. The doctor examines the skin, identifies possible contraindications:
- Tissue damage;
- local inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes;
- Pregnancy;
- exacerbation of infectious processes;
- Herpes.
Semiconductor lasers are used to remove papillomas, which vaporize viral neoplasms and coagulate blood vessels at the same time. After the papillomamatous outgrowth has been destroyed, a protective crust (scab) forms on the skin. It refuses by itself a week after removal. 2 months after the procedure, the skin tone is completely evened out. The place where the papillomas were located is no 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 forcibly tear off the crust - this can lead to wound infections, severe scars and an increase in the healing time of the tissues.
After the scab has receded, it is best to lubricate the skin with sunscreen before going outside. This will prevent age spots from forming. It is not necessary to wear sunscreen in the winter months.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen involves freezing 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 freezing of the tissue. That is why it is so important to be responsible when choosing a clinic that needs to have papillomas removed. The doctor must have permission to perform surgical activities.
Ultra-low temperatures stop metabolic processes in the cells of the neoplasm and cause their death. A necrotic area is formed at the site of the removed papilloma, which is gradually replaced with healthy tissue. Cryodestruction is available to most patients. The procedure is much cheaper than other methods (laser coagulation, removal of neoplasms using radio waves).
The removal of papillomas is possible for aesthetic reasons as well as for special indications. Of particular concern are neoplasms that rapidly increase in size, change color and shape, become inflamed and injured during hygiene measures.
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 the site 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 turns white and cold and temporarily loses its sensitivity. There is a slight tingling sensation during the procedure, a burning sensation may occur. Within a few hours after the procedure, the skin swells and turns red, and within 24 hours after the cryodestruction, vesicular elements appear on the treated area, where there is a serous fluid.
Tissue cryonecrosis lasts up to a month, after which the dead areas of the neoplasm are shed and invisible spots appear in their place, which completely disappear 3-5 months after using liquid nitrogen.
Skin care
In the first few weeks after papillomas have been removed by cryodestruction, it is recommended to protect the skin from moisture, sunlight and other adverse factors. If severe inflammation occurs, you should see your doctor. Usually the tissues heal on their own, but if the rate of epithelialization is low, the doctor may recommend cosmetics that accelerate the regeneration of damaged skin.
Removal of papillomas by electrocoagulation
With electrocoagulation of papillomas, excesses on the skin are removed with an electric current. The method is quite traumatic, but it comes at an affordable price. Radiofrequency electricity coagulates the neoplasm's proteins and causes 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 inflammatory processes;
- Pregnancy;
- Suspected malignant nature of papillomas;
- excessive skin sensitivity, allergic reaction to electric current;
- Aggravation of severe somatic diseases, especially at the stage of decompensation.
Skin care
Electrocoagulation of papillomas does not require extensive skin care. It is necessary to avoid the action of predisposing factors that can provoke inflammation and the addition of a secondary infection. In the first few weeks, the scab that has formed is sloughed off, after which the skin is completely cleansed and replaced with new cells. It is necessary to avoid direct sunlight during this time. The doctor may recommend treating the wound with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Removal of papillomas by radio waves
Removal of papillomas by the radio wave method is accompanied by an atraumatic incision and coagulation of neoplasmic tissue. Radio waves provide a very accurate action while not damaging healthy tissue and inhibiting the spread of HPV through the bloodstream. Radiosurgical devices used in modern clinics are notable for their safety and allow the risk of complications to be minimized.
Features of the procedure
The 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 infectious and inflammatory processes and somatic diseases;
- the presence of malignant tumors;
- Worsening of a herpes infection;
- Damage to the skin where it has been exposed to a radio wave device.
Radio frequency energy cuts the skin, coagulates blood vessels and papilloma tissue. In this case, the electrode does not have direct contact with the tissue, which avoids painful sensations and muscle spasms. In contrast to the method of electrocoagulation with radio waves, it is possible to shorten 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 only takes 15-30 minutes. Instead of the treated tissue areas, point scabs remain, which are shed off by themselves in a week and do not leave any 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 quite rarely, mainly when there are signs of malignancy of a neoplasm. In this case, the surgeon removes papillomatous outgrowths while trapping healthy skin.
The method is traumatic, leaves scars and stains. If desired, they can be removed with a laser and other cosmetic procedures, including acid peels. Specialists try not to surgically remove papillomas from open parts of the body and face.
Means for removing papillomas
Medicines for removing papillomas and warts work in the same way: they contain substances that in the future will cause the destruction of neoplastic cells with the formation of a small scab. It is recommended to use modern drugs that have a lower risk of complications in the form of secondary infections, acute inflammatory reactions, spots and scars. It is also possible to use cryogenic preparations that can replace conventional cryodestruction.
Removing papillomas at home is quite dangerous, especially with large neoplasms. It is better to contact specialists who will choose the optimal treatment options, including antiviral therapy that will prevent recurrence of human papillomavirus infection in the future. A professional will tell you exactly how to remove papillomas at home and whether it's worth it. Preparations for topical application on skin tags are used for individual small neoplasms.
However, 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 can recommend tried and tested drugs that destroy papillomatous outgrowths. In addition, it is recommended to use antivirals. An integrated approach increases the effectiveness of the entire treatment process. Antiviral agents can only be dispensed with if papillomas are solitary and not prone to proliferation and malignancy.
Removal of papillomas by popular methods
Removing papillomas using folk remedies at home is popular. Society does not take papillomavirus seriously enough. Many do not even know that papillomas can become cancerous. Since it is almost impossible to remove papillomas at home without a health risk, it is best to see a dermatologist first. Using modern diagnostic methods, the doctor can assess the type of 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 destroy the excesses on the skin. The use of such funds 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 agent several times a day. In this case, celandine should not be applied to healthy tissues. To prevent burns, it is recommended that the unaffected skin be treated 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 with sensitive skin. Garlic often causes inflammatory reactions, burning and flushing.
Salicylic acid contributes to the destruction of skin excesses caused by the active reproduction of the papillomavirus. This remedy is often contained in ready-made preparations for the elimination of papillomas and warts. Salicylic acid is applied selectively several times a day until the neoplasm has completely died.
The juice of green walnuts stains the skin strongly. The tool must be used for a long time to achieve the death of the papilloma. The processed fabrics acquire a dark brown shade, the appearance of peeling and dryness of the skin is possible.