Diagnosis and treatment of genital papilloma in women

Introduction

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most widespread virus on the planet. Neoplasms arising during the course of the disease make the patient worry not only because of their appearance: after all, it is unpleasant to find another wart on the skin.

The danger also lies in the fact that warts are easily reborn and a person has to cope not with a banal skin growth, but with an oncological disease that has arisen.

HPV on the genitals. What it is?

Papillomas, as manifestations of papillomatosis, can pop up on the genitals and mucous membranes at any time, regardless of the age of the woman.

They are mostly benign, but some of them are very dangerous . The affected area: perineum, labia, anus, less often – the bladder, cervix, vaginal mucosa.

Existing species

More than 100 types of papillomas are known to medicine, of which 40 primarily affect the urogenital organs, and almost all of them (35) have a high oncogenic risk. In the genital area, they are located in groups, single ones are rare.

• Genital warts – tubercles in the form of a cone of flesh or light pink color.
• In the form of tiny papules (up to 1 cm in diameter).
• In the form of spots on the mucous. Color: pink, red, brown, brown, grayish.
• With bowenoid papulosis, gray and brown spots come out on the labia or clitoris. The risk of developing cancer is high.
• Giant warts, consisting of many nodules and papules, flowing one into another.

What does education look like in intimate places?

Papillomas are divided into two groups:

• Exophytic (formed above the skin).
• Endophytic (formed inside the epithelial layer and grow deeper over the years).

The shape and color of papillomas can be different: nodular or cone-shaped; resembling cabbage heads or flat, smooth moles, columns and bumps. Formations on the labia smell unpleasant.

Causes of health problems

The main reason is the penetration and activation of the human papillomavirus in the body. The factors provoking its appearance are:

Sexual infections that weaken the human immune system and destroy the microflora of the vagina.
Frequent change of sexual partners, refusal of a condom during sexual intercourse.

• Non-observance of personal hygiene rules, use of someone else’s towel, underwear, etc.
• Hormonal disruptions in the body, pregnancy.
• Hypovitaminosis.
• Chronic stress, overwork.
• Chemotherapy.
• Lack of essential trace elements and vitamins in the body.
• Taking antibiotics for a long time.
• Failure to comply with hygiene rules during childbirth, which is why the virus is transmitted from mother to baby.

Symptoms of HPV in the intimate area

The incubation period of the disease is long – several weeks, and the onset of the disease is asymptomatic.

Later, the woman already begins to pay attention to the growths that have appeared: on the labia they are found the fastest – during the shower; in the vagina and on the cervix – during intercourse, pain is felt and blood may be released. Discomfort can also occur during urination.

Diagnosis of pathology

Suspecting something was wrong, the patient goes to the doctor, who conducts:

• visual examination of the genitals;
• takes a tissue sample and a smear  from the cervix (for cytological examination);
• issues a direction for PCR analysis (which allows you to determine the type of virus);
• in case of detection of formations inside the vagina, a Pap test is performed.

Treatment of papillomatosis on the female genital organs

Medical

Briefly about the most popular and effective drugs.

Kondilin

A solution for external topical use that cauterizes papillomas. Contraindicated in girls under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women.

Solcoderm

A solution based on concentrated acids, used to remove benign formations. It is used only under the supervision of a physician in a hospital setting.

Fluorouracil

It is used to treat precancerous conditions and small neoplasms. During pregnancy, with colitis, gastric ulcer and kidney ailments, it is not used.

Imiquimod

Immunomodulator that helps improve the body’s resistance to HPV. The drug is applied externally and removes papillomas of any size and shape without leaving scars. The course of treatment, depending on the severity of the course of the disease, can be 16 weeks.

Hardware

Briefly about the most popular and effective methods of treatment and removal.

Cryodestruction

The technique is based on cooling tissues to extremely low temperatures and their subsequent destruction. Gradually destroyed tissues are replaced by healthy ones.

This is a widespread and fast procedure, after which the skin does not leave scars, recurrences are excluded and postoperative care is not required. However, healing takes a long time (up to 4 weeks), and the method is not suitable in all cases.

Radio wave

Papilloma is removed using a high frequency radio wave stream. At the same time, healthy tissues are not affected, bleeding is excluded, not one, but several formations can be removed at a time, there are no scars and scars. Disadvantages of the procedure: the need for anesthesia and high cost.

Electrocoagulation

Papillomas are removed by exposing them to electrical discharges using a special apparatus (loop or knife). The procedure is fast, it can be carried out by girls from the age of 12. Large formations are removed at one time.

However, this procedure also has disadvantages. Firstly, there is a risk of scarring and even tissue necrosis. Secondly, the skin in the future requires special care and heals for several weeks. And thirdly, the procedure is performed without anesthesia.

laser removal

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes little time (no more than 10 minutes). The laser beam causes the destruction of the vessels that feed the papilloma, and after a while it dries up and falls off.

The tissues heal quickly and there is no scarring on the skin. Secondary infection is excluded. This method is considered the most suitable for removing formations from the labia, vaginal mucosa and the cervical region.

Surgical intervention

Required in the following cases:

• If the formation is more than 10 mm in diameter.
• The risk of developing cancer is high.
• The papilloma is inconveniently located.

Surgical excision is performed under local anesthesia. Together with the papilloma, part of the healthy tissue is also captured, cosmetic sutures are applied to the wound.

Therapy with folk methods

Often, the doctors themselves advise the patient this or that folk remedy, however, there should not be independence here. Be sure to undergo an examination and make sure that there is no danger to health.

Castor oil

Linoleic and ricinic acids, which are part of castor oil, have antimicrobial properties, enhance the protective functions of the skin, and accelerate cell regeneration. Under the influence of castor oil, papillomas become inflamed, dry out and fall off, moles change color and become inconspicuous.

1. Lubricate the papilloma with oil using a cotton swab and massage the affected area for 10-15 minutes. You can put a piece of garlic on top and cover the area with a band-aid for 4-5 hours.
2. The following method helps to lighten birthmarks and freckles: mix a drop of liquid honey with oil, soak a gauze cloth in the mixture and apply to the skin for 2-3 minutes. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day.

To speed up the appearance of the result, before each procedure, hold the papilloma in hot water for 15-20 minutes or apply a warm compress to it – this will soften the top layer of the skin.

Celandine juice

Biologically active substances of celandine accelerate regeneration and stimulate metabolic processes in cells, soothe inflamed skin, restore blood vessels and activate the immune functions of the body.

1. Lubricate the area around the papilloma with any greasy cream (it will protect healthy skin from burns) and apply a few drops of fresh juice to the formation. Do this 2-3 times a day and after 3 weeks the papilloma will dry up and fall off.
2. Pour the crushed leaves of the plant with boiling water (a glass for 1 large spoon), keep it on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, let it cool and strain. Drink 3 times a day, 15 ml before meals.
3. The following recipe is suitable for sensitive, delicate skin: mix some of the crushed leaves with warmed oil (almond, olive or peach), put first in a warm and then in a cool place for 12 hours. Shake the bottle periodically. After a week, the agent can lubricate the formations.
4. If it is not possible to get a fresh plant, you can purchase celandine-based products at the pharmacy. These are Plantazan B ointment (which includes powder from leaves and stems, petroleum jelly and carbolic acid), alcohol tincture (it can be used for lotions, and also taken orally) and Mountain celandine balm (with Altai herbs).

Iodine

The skin is susceptible to the drying effect of iodine, so you should be extremely careful: pre-treat the nearest areas with a baby cream and, if allergic reactions (swelling, redness, local fever) appear, immediately stop using the drug. Only single formations of a small size should be processed. Mucous membranes cannot be smeared with iodine.

Possible complications

If you miss the time, the disease can go to the stage of dysplasia, when the cells begin to degenerate into harmful ones. This threatens with cancer in the future. In addition, grown papillomas cause discomfort, pain, problems with urination and defecation.

Prevention of HPV on the pubis

• Examine your genitals regularly.
• Observe the rules of personal hygiene.
• Always protect yourself, and avoid casual relationships.
• Maintain your immune system, monitor your diet, rest and hardening.

Conclusion

Do not wait for papillomas from the genitals to go away on their own – this happens very rarely. You need to get rid of them as soon as possible – education tends to gradually increase in size, turning into erosion, or even worse – cancer. This is not just a cosmetic defect, but a serious threat that, fortunately, can be dealt with.