Faced with the formation of neoplasms in the genital area, patients often prefer to cover up this circumstance, being embarrassed to turn to a specialist with such a delicate problem.
This is especially dangerous from the point of view that genital papillomas often turn into malignant tumors and provoke the development of an oncological process. Consider the main places 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 with the "papilloma virus". Absolutely anyone can become a carrier of this viral pathogen, even if they carefully monitor their own hygiene. The fact is that the infection occurs directly- by contact with a simple touch of the skin of the virus carrier, as well as when using common household items.
The sexual transmission mechanism of the virus is most active, offering 100% infection through unprotected sexual contact. In view of the fact that an average of around 85% of the world's population suffers from papillomaviruses, infection is 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 showing itself. In this case, its active reproduction occurs in the basal layer of the epidermis, which ultimately leads to hyperplasia. The development of skin manifestations of genital papillomas requires the creation of certain conditions:
- weakened immunity;
- injuries and damage to the mucous membrane of the genital organs;
- Hormonal failure or chronic diseases related to 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 genital papillomas look like pointed papillae that can fuse into cauliflower-like lobulated structures. The color of such neoplasms ranges from light pink to bright red. In medicine, such 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 body (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 labia;
- papillomas in the vagina;
- papillomas of the cervix;
- papillomas in the uterus;
- Papillomas in the anus.
The formation of genital warts in the intimate area 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 genome. Such a process can lead to precancerous or progressive oncology. This is especially true of cervical papillomas, which cause cancer in 50% of cases.
In many countries, a vaccination system for the fairer sex has been introduced, which helps to significantly reduce the risk. However, preventing such a phenomenon is difficult, since 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 discovered during a gynecological examination.
Vaginal papillomas are noticeable by slight bleeding and discomfort during sexual intercourse, which affects the quality of the patient's sex life. In addition, this phenomenon can be characterized by a burning sensation and pain when urinating, as well as copious vaginal discharge.
Papilloma on the labia often provokes complexes and self-doubt 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 likelihood of severe bleeding and infection. In addition, a moist environment creates conditions that prevent rapid healing of the wound surface.
Diagnosis of genital papillomas
In order to make a definitive diagnosis, it is often enough for a specialist to conduct a thorough physical examination, but confirmation is carried out using PCR diagnostics, which allows detection of the papillomavirus in the patient's blood. In addition, depending on the localization of the neoplasm, additional diagnostic measures can be carried out:
- anoscopy;
- ureteroscopy;
- histological examination;
- colposcopy.
How to treat papillomas in intimate places
Treatment of genital warts involves the use of a number of measures aimed at increasing immunity and weakening the viral causative agent. Medications and procedures should be prescribed only by a specialist. A mandatory step in the treatment of papillomas is also the removal of neoplasms, which can be done in the following ways:
- cryo destruction;
- radio wave excision;
- laser correction;
- electrocoagulation;
- surgical excision.
The best method of getting rid of genital papillomas is laser therapy, in which the neoplasm is vaporized with a directed laser beam. The procedure lasts only a few minutes and does not cause the patient any significant discomfort as it is performed under local anesthesia. During the manipulation process, the specialist gets the opportunity to control the depth of exposure, which guarantees the effectiveness of the method and reduces the likelihood of relapses.
The undeniable 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 are thermally coagulated.
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 the most modern laser devices.