Papillomas are called benign skin and mucous membranes. But some strains can cause tissue degeneration. Therefore, experts recommend timely removal of papillomas. This will prevent the development of malignancies, including the development of cervical cancer in women.
Ingestion of human papillomavirus (HPV) causes papillomatosis on the skin and mucous membranes, which may persist for a long time. With the weakening of immunity, tissue damage, chronic transport, cell hyperplasia occurs. HPV begins to multiply actively, causing papillomas or warts to form on the skin or genital warts (on the lining of the genitals).
Predictive factors
The following factors contribute to the growth of active papillomas:
- frequent change of sexual partners, infection with sexually transmitted diseases;
- household contact with people who have warts, warts or papillomas;
- skin and mucous membrane damage;
- impairment of immunity.
80% of people who reach puberty have an inactive form of HPV. The virus does not cause tumors to grow until 6-8 months after exposure to the virus carrier. The exceptions are genital warts and papillomas - they appear in the first weeks after intimate contact with an infected person.
Why remove papillomas
Papilloma virus is a serious health threat. Strains with a high risk of oncogenes are particularly dangerous: 16, 18, 30, 31-35, 56-59, 67-68. When papillomatous growths appear, a dermatologist or venereologist should be consulted. The doctor will perform an external test and prescribe a PCR diagnosis, which will determine the viral DNA and determine the degree of oncogenicity of the particular strain.
The specialist will also choose the most effective surgical methods. Only a doctor who has test results can tell you exactly how to remove papillomas with minimal health risk. It is not recommended to leave such neoplasms. Due to unfavorable factors, they can become inflamed, bleed, cause benign or malignant tissue hyperplasia.
Important!It is imperative to remove papillomas in intimate places - this is where tumors with a high risk of oncogenes most often appear.
If papillomatous growths are found on the external genitalia (vulva, perineum, foreskin), it is necessary to consult a venereologist. In addition, it is worth passing doctor-prescribed tests, which aim 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:
- using special local remedies to remove papillomas at home;
- cryodestruction (removal of papillomas with liquid nitrogen);
- laser coagulation (laser papilloma removal);
- removal of radio wave papillomas;
- sculpting.
Any of these methods can remove papillomas. A specialist will help you choose the right option, taking into account the location of the neoplasm, the number of papillomatous growths and diagnostic data. Before removing papillomas, your doctor should make sure that there is no malignancy. Experts with a high oncogenic risk prefer the classic method of papilloma removal - excision of neoplasms with a scalpel.
The main indications for papilloma removal:
- desire to get rid of a cosmetic defect in the form of one or more papillomatous growths on the skin and mucous membranes;
- frequent lesions of the neoplasms below the armpits, neck, groin folds, bleeding and inflammation, leading to an increased risk of tissue malignancies;
- detection of moderate and high oncogenic risk papillomas;
- the presence of people with malignant tumors among relatives;
- the location of papillomas is the genitals and internal genitals.
The perfect time to remove papillomas
Before removing papillomas from 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 the summer. If the formations are located in open areas of the body or on the face, it is better to postpone the operation to the cool season, when the possibility of secondary infection and the formation of pigmentation is lower (UV activity in autumn-winter is reduced).
Important!It is not enough to remove the neoplasm - it will not be possible to stop the growth of the papilloma virus. Surgical methods must be combined with therapeutic ones.
It is not possible to get rid of HPV completely - a small amount of the virus will still remain in the body. But in combination with antiviral drugs, surgical methods give the highest treatment results.
Laser papilloma removal
Laser papilloma removal is a modern method of surgical treatment of HPV. Most professionals use carbon dioxide laser systems. No scars or defects remain on the skin after the procedure. The high cost of papillom laser removal is consistent with the efficiency of the method. The final cost depends on the size and number of damages. At the same time, the doctor can destroy up to 5-20 medium-sized formations of the laser. After the examination and consultation, the specialist will tell you exactly how much the papilloma removal costs and will provide detailed recommendations. In addition, antiviral treatment is mandatory. The medicine is also chosen by your doctor.
With the help of 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, preventing bleeding. Papillomas most often appear on the hands (warts) and on the neck - in the form of filamentous growths, which are easily damaged during hygiene procedures. Such neoplasms do not have a high risk of oncogenes, but it is better to get rid of them.
Papilloma Laser Removal Features
Consult a dermatologist 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 processes;
- herpes.
Semiconductor lasers are used during papilloma laser removal to evaporate viral formations and coagulate blood vessels. After the destruction of papilloma growth, a protective crust (scabs) forms on the skin. One week after removal, the same is rejected. 2 months after the procedure, the skin tone is completely leveled. The location of the papillomas will not be different from the adjacent tissues.
Skin care
Scabies that forms after laser papilloma removal must be protected from sunlight, water and cosmetics. Forced tearing of the crust is prohibited - it may cause wound infections, coarse scarring and increased tissue healing time.
After the scab has receded, it is recommended to lubricate the skin with sunscreen before going outside. This will prevent the formation of age spots. It is not necessary to use sunscreen during the winter months.
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen
Removal of papillomas with nitrogen involves freezing of the neoplasm (cryodestruction). The method is effective for certain papillomatous growths on the skin. A significant 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 choosing a clinic where papillomas will need to be removed. The doctor must be licensed to perform surgery.
Extremely low temperatures stop the metabolic processes in the neoplastic cells, causing their death. The removed papilloma is replaced by a necrotic area, 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 neoplasms by radio waves).
It is possible to remove papillomas both for aesthetic reasons and in the presence of special indications. Of particular concern are neoplasms that grow rapidly, change color and shape, become inflamed and injured during hygiene procedures.
Cryodestruction features
Before removing papillomas with liquid nitrogen, your doctor will carefully examine your skin, assess your general health and determine possible contraindications:
- acute infectious processes;
- decompensated stage of somatic diseases;
- exacerbation of skin diseases;
- herpes;
- tissue damage in the neoplasm localization area;
- 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 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 cryodestruction, vesicular elements with serous fluid appear on the treated area.
Tissue cryonecrosis lasts up to a month, after which the neoplasmic dead sites are discarded and replaced by invisible spots that will completely disappear 3-5 months after application 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 adverse factors. If severe inflammation occurs, you should consult a doctor. Tissues usually heal on their own, but with a low rate of epithelialization, 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 growths on the skin with an electric current. The method is quite traumatic, but it has an acceptable cost. High frequency current coagulates neoplasmic proteins, causing tissue rejection.
Features of the procedure
Prior to electrocoagulation, the specialist may prescribe dermatoscopy, PCR and other laboratory diagnostic methods. The doctor examines and determines possible contraindications:
- exacerbation of herpes infections and any inflammatory processes;
- pregnancy;
- suspected malignancy of papillomas;
- hypersensitivity of the skin, allergic reaction to electric current;
- exacerbation of severe somatic diseases, especially in the decompensation stage.
Skin care
Electrocoagulation of papillomas does not require complicated skin care. It is necessary to avoid the action of predisposing factors that may cause inflammation and the addition of secondary infection. The scabs formed in the first weeks are rejected, after which the skin is completely cleansed and replaced with new cells. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided during this period. Your doctor may advise you to treat the wound with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Removal of papillomas by radio waves
Removal of papillomas by radio wave is complemented by atraumatic incision and coagulation of neoplasmic tissue. Radio waves provide a very precise effect, while not damaging healthy tissues and preventing the spread of HPV into the bloodstream. Radiosurgery devices used in modern clinics stand out with safety and allow to reduce the risk of any complications.
Features of the procedure
The initial 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 method of treatment, the doctor 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 malignancies;
- exacerbation of herpes infection;
- skin damage at the site of exposure to radio waves.
High frequency energy cuts the skin, clots blood vessels and papilloma tissue. In this case, the electrode does not have direct contact with the tissues, which prevents painful sensations and muscle spasms. Unlike the electrocoagulation method, it is possible to reduce the thermal exposure time and reduce the necrosis of the treated areas by using radio waves.
Skin care
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Removal of papillomas takes only 15-30 minutes. Point scabs remain in place of the treated tissue, which are rejected on their own after a week, leaving no rough scars or other defects. During the recovery period, it is recommended to limit exposure to water and ultraviolet rays, do not use cosmetics and household chemicals.
Surgical excision with a scalpel
Removal of papillomas with a scalpel during classical surgery is used quite rarely, mainly when signs of tumor malignancy are found. In this case, the surgeon excises the papillomatous growths by capturing healthy skin.
The method is traumatic, leaving scars and stains. If desired, they can be removed using laser and other cosmetic procedures, including acid peels. Specialists try not to use surgical excision of papillomas in open areas of the body and on the face.
Papilloma removers
Papilloma and wart removal medicines work in the same way: they contain substances that cause the destruction of neoplastic cells, forming a small scab in the future. It is recommended to use modern medicines 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 cryopreparations which can replace standard cryodestruction.
Removing papillomas at home is quite dangerous, especially with large neoplasms. It is better to contact professionals who will choose the optimal treatment options, including antiviral therapy, which will prevent the recurrence of human papillomavirus infection in the future. A specialist 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 only with the help of pharmacy products, it is still recommended to consult a dermatologist. For small tumors, your doctor may recommend tested medicines that will kill the papillomatous growths. In addition, the use of antiviral agents is recommended. An integrated approach increases the efficiency of the whole treatment process. Antivirals can only be used if the papillomas are solitary and not prone to proliferation and malignancy.
Removal of papillomas by folk methods
Removal of papillomas by folk remedies at home is popular. The public does not take the papilloma virus seriously enough. Many are not even aware that papillomas can become malignant. As it is almost impossible to remove papillomas at home without risk to health, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist first. Using modern diagnostic methods, the doctor will be able to assess the nature of the neoplasms and choose an effective treatment regimen.
The usual methods of 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 growths on the skin. The use of such products on the mucous membranes is strictly prohibited due to the high risk of acute inflammatory reactions and chemical burns.
Most often celandine juice is used to remove papillomas. Affected skin areas are treated with this product several times a day. In this case, celandine should not be used on healthy tissues. To prevent burns, it is recommended to treat unprotected skin with vegetable oil or zinc ointment before using the juice.
Garlic has a disinfectant effect, long-term use, it helps to remove warts and papillomas. But this method is not suitable for people with sensitive skin. Garlic often causes inflammatory reactions, burning sensations and flushing.
Salicylic acid contributes to the destruction of skin growths caused by the active multiplication of the papillomavirus. This product is often included in finished products to get rid of papillomas and warts. Salicylic acid is applied several times a day until the neoplasm completely disappears.
Green walnut juice strongly stains the skin. The instrument should be used for a long time to achieve papilloma drying. The treated fabrics acquire a dark brown color, possibly the appearance of peeling and dryness of the skin.