Faced with the formation of neoplasms in the genital area, patients usually prefer to keep quiet about this circumstance, embarrassed to go to a specialist with such a delicate problem.
This is especially dangerous from the point of view that genital papillomas often transform into malignant tumors, which provokes the development of an oncological process. Consider the main sites of localization, causes and methods of treating papillomas on the genitals.
What causes papillomas in intimate places?
Papillomas on the genitals are exclusively of viral origin and are associated with human infection by the "papilloma virus". Absolutely anyone can become a carrier of this viral agent, even carefully monitoring their own hygiene. The fact is that the infection occurs directly: by contact, with a simple touch on the skin of the carrier of the virus, as well as in the process of using ordinary household items.
The sexual mechanism of transmission of the virus is the most active and provides 100% infection through unprotected sexual contact. Against the background of the fact that, on average, about 85% of the world's population suffers from papillomavirus, infection becomes almost inevitable.
Despite this, not all carriers face the problem of the formation of neoplasms. The virus can remain dormant for a long time without appearing. In this case, their active reproduction occurs in the basal layer of the epidermis, which ends up causing hyperplasia. For the development of skin manifestations of genital papillomas, the creation of certain conditions is required:
- Weakened immunity;
- Injuries and damage to the mucous membrane of the genital organs;
- hormonal insufficiency or chronic diseases associated with endocrine disorders;
- The presence of bad habits;
- Stress, overwork, neuroemotional stress;
- Strong infectious or inflammatory process.
Types and danger of papillomas on the genitals
Most papillomas in the intimate area look like spiky papillae that can coalesce to form lobed structures that resemble cauliflower. The color of such neoplasms varies from light pink to bright red. In medicine, these epithelial growths are also called genital warts. The localization of warts in representatives of different sexes is somewhat different.
Papillomas in an intimate place in men:
- Papillomas on the head of the penis;
- Papillomas on the hollow member (directly on the body of the organ);
- Papillomas on the surface of the scrotum;
- Papillomas in the anus.
Papillomas in an intimate place in women:
- Papillomas on the lips;
- papillomas in the vagina;
- cervical papillomas;
- papillomas in the uterus;
- Papillomas in the anus.
The formation of genital warts in the intimate zone carries several dangers, the main of which is malignant degeneration. The fact is that some types of the virus are oncogenic and integrate into the carrier's genome. Such a process can lead to a precancerous condition or progressive oncology. This is especially true for cervical papillomas, which in 50% of cases lead to cancer.
In many countries, a vaccination system for the fair sex has been introduced, which helps to significantly reduce risks; however, preventing such a phenomenon is difficult, because the symptoms of papilloma in women on the internal genital organs may not appear for a long time. As a result, a neoplasm is usually detected during a gynecological examination.
Vaginal papillomas make themselves felt with minor bleeding and discomfort during sexual intercourse, which reduces the patient's quality of sexual life. Also, this phenomenon can be characterized by a burning sensation and pain when urinating, as well as copious vaginal discharge.
Papilloma on the lips often gives rise to complexes and doubts, which are associated with the aesthetic component of the genitals. It should also be understood that even benign neoplasms in intimate places can be injured during sexual contact, urination or active movement. The danger of mechanical damage to genital papillomas lies in the probability of serious bleeding and infection. Additionally, a moist environment creates conditions that prevent rapid healing of the wound surface.
Diagnosis of genital papillomas
Often, to make a final diagnosis, it is enough for a specialist to conduct a complete physical examination, but confirmation is carried out by PCR diagnostics, which make it possible to detect the papillomavirus in the patient's blood. Also, depending on the localization of the neoplasm, additional diagnostic measures can be performed:
- anoscopy;
- ureteroscopy;
- histological examination;
- Colposcopy.
How to treat papillomas in intimate places
Treatment of genital warts involves the use of a set of measures aimed at strengthening immunity and weakening the viral agent. Medications and procedures should be prescribed only by a specialist. Also, an obligatory step in the treatment of papillomas is the removal of neoplasms, which can be done in the following ways:
- cryodestruction;
- Radio wave cleavage;
- laser correction;
- electrocoagulation;
- surgical excision.
The best method of removing genital papillomas is laser therapy, which is carried out by evaporating the neoplasm with a directed laser beam. The procedure lasts only a few minutes and does not cause significant discomfort to the patient, since it involves the use of local anesthesia. In the process of manipulation, the specialist has the opportunity to control the depth of exposure, which ensures the effectiveness of the method and reduces the likelihood of relapse.
The indisputable advantage of laser destruction is the antiseptic properties of the beam, as well as the stimulation of regenerative processes in tissues. The opening of bleeding during laser therapy is excluded, since the vessels undergo thermal coagulation.
Modern clinics offer their clients the removal of papillomas in intimate places with subsequent histological analysis. Experienced specialists of the medical center guarantee the effectiveness and painlessness of the procedure, which is carried out using state-of-the-art laser equipment.