Papillomas are referred to as benign skin and mucous membranes. But certain strains are capable of causing tissue degeneration. That's why experts recommend timely removal of papillomas. This will prevent the development of malignant tumors, including the development of cervical cancer in women.
Papillomatous outgrowths appear on the skin and mucous membranes due to ingestion of human papillomavirus (HPV), which may not manifest for a long time. With weakened immunity, tissue damage, chronic transport leads to cell hyperplasia. HPV starts to actively multiply, which causes 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, condylomas 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 virus carrier. The exception is genital warts and papillomas - they appear within the first few weeks after intimate contact with an infected person.
Why remove papillomas
Papillomavirus is a serious health threat. Strains with high oncogenic risk are especially dangerous: 16, 18, 30, 31-35, 56-59, 67-68. When papillomatous outgrowths appear, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist or venereologist. The doctor will perform an external examination and prescribe the 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, having the test results in hand, can tell you exactly how to remove papillomas with minimal health risk. It is not recommended to leave these neoplasms. Under the influence of unfavorable factors, they can inflame, bleed, cause benign or malignant tissue hyperplasia.
Important!It is imperative to remove papillomas in intimate locations - this is where high-risk oncogenic neoplasms most often appear.
If there is papillomatous growth on the external genitals (vulva, perineal region, foreskin), it is necessary to consult a venereologist. In addition, it is worth passing the exams prescribed by the doctor, whose aim 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:
- using special local means with which you can remove papillomas at home;
- cryodestruction (removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen);
- laser coagulation (laser removal of papillomas);
- removal of radio waves from papillomas;
- excision of 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 lumps and the diagnostic data. Before removing the papillomas, the doctor must make sure there is no malignant process. With a high oncogenic risk, specialists prefer the classic method of papilloma removal - 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 lumps on the skin and mucous membranes;
- frequent damage to neoplasms that lie under the armpits, neck, groin creases, bleed and become 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 are the genitals and the internal genitals.
Ideal time to remove papillomas
Before removing papillomas on the body and face, the doctor alerts the patient to 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 summer. If the formations are located in open areas of the body or face, it is better to postpone the operation until the cold season, when the probability of a secondary infection and pigmentation formation is lower (the UV rays activity in the 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 the papillomavirus. Surgical methods are necessarily combined with therapeutic ones.
It is impossible to get rid of HPV completely - a small amount of the virus will still remain in the body. But, in combination with antiviral agents, surgical methods provide the best treatment results.
Removal of papillomas with laser
Laser papilloma removal is a modern method of surgical treatment of HPV. Most of the time, experts use carbon dioxide laser systems. After the procedure, no scars and defect 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 injuries. At the same time, the doctor can perform laser destruction of up to 5-20 medium-sized formations. After examination and consultation, the specialist will tell you exactly how much it costs to remove papillomas and give detailed recommendations. Also, antiviral treatment is mandatory. Medications are also selected by the treating 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, sealing blood vessels, preventing bleeding. Most often, papillomas appear on the hands (warts) and neck - in the form of filamentous lumps that are easily damaged during hygiene procedures. These neoplasms do not present a high oncogenic risk, but it is better to get rid of them.
Features of laser papilloma removal
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 process;
- herpes.
During laser papilloma removal, semiconductor lasers are used, which vaporize the viral neoplasms and at the same time clot the blood vessels. After the papillomamatous bulge is destroyed, a protective scab (crust) forms on the skin. He rejects himself a week after removal. 2 months after the procedure, the skin tone is completely evened out. The location where the papillomas were will not be different from the adjacent tissues.
Skin care
The scab formed after laser papilloma removal should be protected from sunlight, water and cosmetics. Trying to tear the scab out forcefully is prohibited - this can lead to wound infection, thick scarring and an increase in tissue healing time.
Once the scab has receded, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with sunscreen before leaving the house. This will prevent 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 the freezing of neoplasms (cryodestruction). The method is effective for single papillomatous bumps on the skin. A significant disadvantage of cryodestruction is the inability to control the depth of tissue freezing. Therefore, it is very important to take a responsible approach when choosing a clinic where the papillomas will have to be removed. The physician must be authorized to perform surgical activities.
The ultra-low temperatures interrupt the metabolic processes in the neoplasm cells, causing their death. At the site of the removed papilloma, a necrotic area forms, 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 cancer by radio waves).
It is possible to remove papillomas both for aesthetic reasons and in the presence of specific indications. Of particular concern are neoplasms, which drastically increase in size, change color and shape, inflame and injure themselves during hygiene procedures.
Features of cryodestruction
Before removing the 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 neoplasm location area;
- period of pregnancy.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen is performed without anesthesia. The cryodestructor applicator is held over the neoplasm for 1-2 minutes. The skin turns white and cool and temporarily loses sensation. 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 of cryodestruction, vesicular elements appear in the treated area, within which there is serous fluid.
Tissue cryonecrosis lasts up to one month, after which the dead areas of the neoplasm are rejected and invisible spots appear in their place, which disappear completely 3-5 months after using liquid nitrogen.
Skin care
During the first few 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, you should consult your doctor. Normally, tissues heal on their own, but at a low epithelialization rate, your doctor may recommend cosmetics that speed up the regeneration of damaged skin.
Removal of papillomas by electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation of papillomas involves the removal of lumps in the skin with an electrical current. The method is quite traumatic, but it is affordable. The high-frequency current coagulates the neoplasm's proteins, causing tissue rejection.
Procedure characteristics
Before electrocoagulation, a specialist may prescribe dermoscopy, PCR, and other laboratory diagnostic methods. The physician examines and identifies possible contraindications:
- exacerbation of herpes infection and any inflammatory processes;
- pregnancy;
- suspected malignant nature of papillomas;
- excessive skin sensitivity, allergic reaction to electrical current;
- exacerbation of severe somatic diseases, especially those in the decompensated phase.
Skin care
Papilloma electrocoagulation does not require any complex skin care. It is necessary to avoid the action of predisposing factors that can cause inflammation and the increase of secondary infection. During the first few weeks, the formed scab 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.
Removal of radio waves from papillomas
Removal of papillomas by the radio wave method is accompanied by an atraumatic incision and coagulation of the neoplastic tissues. Radio waves provide a highly accurate effect, although they do not harm healthy tissue and inhibit the spread of HPV through the bloodstream. The radiosurgical devices used in modern clinics are distinguished by their safety and allow to minimize the risk of possible complications.
Procedure characteristics
Preliminary diagnosis makes it possible to determine the amount of virus in the body, the type of HPV and the degree of oncogenic risk. When choosing a treatment method, the physician 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;
- skin damage at the site of exposure to a radio wave apparatus.
High frequency energy cuts through the skin, coagulates blood vessels and papilloma tissue. In this case, the electrode does not have direct contact with the tissues, which avoids painful sensations and muscle spasms. Unlike the electrocoagulation method, using radio waves, it is possible to reduce the time of thermal exposure and reduce necrosis in the treated areas.
Skin care
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Removal of papillomas takes just 15-30 minutes. In place of the treated tissue sites, punctual crusts remain, which within a week are rejected by themselves, without leaving rough scars or other defects. During the recovery period, it is recommended to limit contact with water and ultraviolet rays, and do not use cosmetics and household chemicals.
Surgical excision with scalpel
Scalpel removal of papillomas during a classic operation is rarely used, especially when signs of malignancy of a neoplasm are detected. In this case, the surgeon removes papillomatous lumps by capturing healthy skin.
The method is traumatic, leaves scars and blemishes. If desired, they can be removed with lasers and other cosmetic procedures, including acid peels. Specialists try not to use surgical excision of papillomas in open areas of the body and face.
Means of 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 scab in the future. It is recommended the use of modern drugs, which present 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 override the default cryodestruction.
Removal of papillomas at home is very dangerous, especially in 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 if it is worth doing. Preparations for topical application to skin lumps are used for small, single neoplasms.
As 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 malignancies, your doctor may recommend proven medications that will destroy the papillomatous lumps. Furthermore, the use of antiviral agents is recommended. 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 popular methods
Removing papillomas with folk remedies at home is popular. Society doesn't take the papillomavirus seriously enough. Many don't even know that papillomas can become malignant. As it is almost impossible to remove papillomas at home without risk to your health, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist first. 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 Home Removal of Papillomas
You can remove papillomas at home using the following tools:
- celandine juice;
- garlic;
- green walnut juice;
- salicylic acid.
Important!The methods listed destroy the lumps on the skin. The use of such funds on mucous membranes is strictly prohibited due to the high risk of an acute inflammatory reaction and chemical burns.
Most of the time, 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 tissues. To prevent burns, it is recommended to treat unaffected skin with vegetable oil or zinc ointment before using the juice.
Garlic has a disinfectant effect, with prolonged use it helps to remove warts and papillomas. But this method is not suitable for people with sensitive skin. Garlic often causes inflammatory reactions, a burning sensation and redness.
Salicylic acid contributes to the destruction of skin lumps caused by the active reproduction of the papillomavirus. This remedy is often included in ready-made preparations for removing papillomas and warts. Salicylic acid is applied punctually several times a day until the neoplasm disappears completely.
The juice of the green walnuts heavily stains the skin. The tool must be used for a long time to achieve papilloma withering. The processed tissues acquire a dark brown tone, which may cause peeling and dryness of the skin.