Faced with the formation of neoplasms in the genital area, patients often prefer to keep silent about this circumstance, embarrassed to contact a specialist with such a delicate problem.
This is especially dangerous from the point of view that genital papillomas often turn into malignant tumors, provoking the development of an oncological process. Consider the main places of localization, causes and methods of treatment of papillomas on the genitals.
What causes papillomas in intimate places
Genital papillomas are exclusively of viral origin and are associated with human papillomavirus infection. Absolutely anyone can become a carrier of this viral agent, even by carefully monitoring their hygiene. The fact is that the infection occurs directly - by contact, with a simple touch on the skin of the virus carrier, as well as in the process of using common household items.
The sexual transmission mechanism of the virus is the most active and ensures 100% infection through unprotected sexual contact. Against the background of the fact that, on average, about 85% of the world's population suffers from the papillomavirus, infection becomes almost inevitable.
Despite this, not all carriers face the problem of the formation of neoplasms. The virus can lie dormant for a long time without showing up. In this case, its active reproduction occurs in the basal layer of the epidermis, which ultimately causes 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 failure or chronic diseases associated with endocrine disorders;
- the presence of bad habits;
- Stress, overwork, neuro-emotional stress;
- Strong infectious or inflammatory process.
Types and risk of papillomas in the genital organs
Most papillomas in the intimate area look like pointed papillae that may coalesce to form lobed structures resembling cauliflower. The color of such neoplasms varies 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:
- Papilloma on the head of the penis;
- Papilloma in the hollow part (directly in the body of the organ);
- Papilloma on the surface of the scrotum;
- Papilloma in the anus.
Papillomas in an intimate place in women:
- Papilloma on the labia;
- Papilloma in the vagina;
- Cervical papillomas;
- Papilloma in the uterus;
- Papilloma in the anus.
The formation of genital warts in the intimate area carries several risks, the main of which is malignant degeneration. The fact is that some types of the virus are oncogenic, integrating into the carrier's genome. Such a process can lead to a precancerous state or progressive oncology. This is especially true for cervical papillomas, which in 50% of cases provoke cancer.
In many countries, a vaccination system has been introduced for the fair sex, which helps to significantly reduce the risks, however, preventing such a phenomenon is difficult because the symptoms of papilloma in women in the internal genital organs may not appearfor a long time. As a result, a neoplasm is usually discovered during a gynecological examination.
Vaginal papillomas are felt with slight bleeding and discomfort during intercourse, which reduces the quality of the patient's sexual life. In addition, this phenomenon can be characterized by a burning sensation and pain during urination, as well as abundant vaginal discharge.
Papilloma on the labia often causes complexes and self-doubt, which is 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 risk of mechanical damage to genital papillomas lies in the likelihood of bleeding and severe infection. In addition, 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 perform a complete physical examination, but confirmation is carried out using PCR diagnostics, which allows the detection of the papilloma virus in the patient's blood. In addition, 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
The treatment of genital warts involves the use of a number of measures aimed at strengthening immunity and weakening the viral agent. Medicines and procedures should be prescribed only by a specialist. Also, a mandatory step in the treatment of papillomas is the removal of neoplasms, which can be done in the following ways:
- cryodestruction;
- Excision of radio waves;
- laser correction;
- Electrocoagulation;
- Surgical excision.
The best method for eliminating genital papillomas is laser therapy, which is performed by vaporizing the neoplasm with a directed laser beam. The procedure takes only a few minutes and does not cause significant discomfort to the patient, as it involves the use of local anesthesia. In the process of manipulation, the specialist gets the opportunity to control the depth of exposure, which guarantees 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. Bleeding during laser therapy is excluded, as 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 performed using the latest laser equipment.