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What are papillomas

A fairly large part of neoplasms on human skin is caused by the activity of the human papilloma virus (HPV). At the same time, papillomas are one of the most common of them. The virus not only provokes the appearance of this neoplasm, but also gave it a name. But not all patients today know what papilloma is. If you are one of those people or just want to know more about this tumor, this article is for you. In it we will talk about papillomas: what it is, what symptoms it has, for what reasons it is formed and how it is treated

laser papilloma removal

Papillomas: what is it

Papillomas are small neoplasms that are either the same color as healthy skin or slightly different from it. Neoplasms can appear both singly and in several rashes. Depending on the species, they can be flat, pedunculated, in the form of elongated papillae. These neoplasms can be located almost anywhere: genitals, face, neck, armpits, limbs, etc.

It should also be noted that papillomas are benign neoplasms. That is, they do not belong to oncological tumors. However, doctors do not recommend leaving them as they are.

Usually the papillomas do not hurt, but in some cases they may itch, peel off, cause mild tingling and/or redness. If the papilloma is located in the intimate area, it can cause discomfort when moving.

Types of papillomas

The five most common types of papillomas are:

  1. Simple. It either looks like a cockscomb or a cauliflower.
  2. Apartment. Such a neoplasm is a flat nodule located on the surface of the skin. It can also form in the cervix.
  3. Filiform. Most often located on thin skin and are elongated nodules. It is usually found in people over the age of 50.
  4. Sharp. Or warts. Sexually transmitted, and therefore most often formed in the genital area. They can appear one by one or several at a time. In this case, they can merge into a large papilloma. They also differ in that they not only form on the surface of the genitals, but can also grow inside the urethra or cervix.
papillomas on the head

Why does the papilloma appear

As we wrote above, the main reason for the appearance of papilloma is the activity of the human papillomavirus. It should be noted that according to the WHO, today about four out of five people (or even more) are infected with the papillomavirus. This is due to several reasons:

  1. The virus is very resistant. Once infected, it is almost impossible to get rid of.
  2. The virus is easily transmitted. Sometimes even one use of a toilet seat or towel is enough to get infected. And unprotected sex has almost a hundred percent chance of infection.
  3. The virus is congenital. Very often the virus is transmitted from mother to newborn, so many people are born with an already acquired papillomavirus.

In general, although our immunity does not destroy the virus, it can suppress it. That is why neoplasms do not appear in all infected people. But if the immune system weakens, a papilloma (or other neoplasm caused by HPV) may appear. There are other factors that can promote papilloma formation:

  1. Stress and emotional stress.
  2. Aged age.
  3. Alcohol abuse, smoking.
  4. Excessive physical activity.
  5. Lack of vitamins in the body.
  6. certain other diseases. For example, endocrine diseases.
  7. Taking certain medications (oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants).
  8. Promiscuous sex life.

After the virus has entered the body, the external manifestations of the papilloma do not appear immediately. What does it depend on? From the state of immunity and the duration of the incubation period (from several weeks to several years). Therefore, with a good state of immune protection, the first manifestations may appear even after a year. In this case, a person can be infected with several strains of HPV at once (there are about 170 of them).

papilloma treatment

Of course, not everyone knows what papillomas are and how to treat them. And some even believe that it is not necessary to treat them, since these neoplasms are benign. Doctors have a different opinion on this: papillomas need to be treated, and it is desirable not to postpone treatment. So why should this benign tumor be treated? First, the papilloma can turn into a malignant tumor. Especially under the influence of certain factors. For example, due to intense ultraviolet radiation, injury, inflammation. Secondly, the neoplasm negatively affects female reproductive function. If the woman is not cured and becomes pregnant, the virus is more likely to be transmitted to the newborn. Third, a papilloma located in the throat or trachea can make it difficult to breathe or even cause suffocation. Fourth, as already mentioned, the papillomavirus is transmitted quite easily, and therefore an untreated neoplasm can be very contagious. Fifth, neoplasms can cause aesthetic discomfort.

Types of papilloma treatment

It should immediately be noted that you can not resort to self-medication. Only a specialist with medical training knows exactly how to diagnose papillomas, what it is and how it is treated. At the same time, it should be remembered that when removing any neoplasms, it is recommended to send the excised tissue for histological examination.

Speaking of treatment, today you can choose several ways to get rid of the neoplasm.

  1. Surgical removal. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The neoplasm is removed with a scalpel together with adjacent healthy tissue. For this reason, the healing process can take a long time. In addition, there is a high probability of scarring at the excision site. For these reasons, this procedure is currently performed quite rarely. Mainly in cases when other methods fail or when the neoplasm is too large.
  2. Cryodestruction. It is the name of the procedure of exposing fabrics to ultra-low temperatures. Most often, the procedure is carried out using liquid nitrogen, which has a temperature of -196 ° C. As a result, the water in the cells at the site of exposure is frozen, and the neoplasms die. The disadvantages include low efficiency (about 60%), since with insufficient freezing, the neoplasm will not suffer enough damage. And with an excess - healthy tissues will be damaged.
  3. Electrocautery. This is the name for the procedure of cauterizing neoplasmic tissue with an electric current. Among the minuses they call the pain of the procedure and the likelihood of scarring of the skin at the site of exposure. But the efficiency is quite high: about 95%.
  4. Laser neoplasm removal. The essence of the procedure is the effect of a laser beam on the tissue. As a result, the neoplasm is evaporated layer by layer. Adjustable power allows you to remove the papilloma with almost 100% efficiency. And high accuracy allows you to exclude damage to healthy tissue. Today, laser removal is considered by many experts to be one of the most effective ways to remove papilloma. After the procedure, there are hardly any scars, a long recovery period is not required, and since an anesthetic application is applied before the session, the procedure is quite comfortable for the patient.

In the clinic, laser removal of papillomas is performed using modern devices. Preparation for laser removal is not necessary. But you will need to make an appointment with a laser therapist. During the appointment, the doctor will explain to you what papillomas are and how the session will take place. The patient will also be checked for contraindications.

The procedure itself takes place quite quickly: for single neoplasms, a few minutes are enough, for several - 15-20. After the procedure, the specialist will explain the proper care to you. According to general guidelines, it is impossible to sunbathe, go to public baths and sauna for the first two weeks. You will also need to take care of the treated area.

Do not forget about contraindications to the procedure. Laser removal of papillomas is not performed in the presence of ailments, damage to the central nervous system and bleeding.