Most women and men of reproductive age have a human papillomavirus infection in their bodies - a disease that is transmitted sexually, domestically, from mother to child during childbirth. It manifests itself as warts of various types, including flat and genital warts.
Condylomas are most often located on the mucous membranes and skin of the external and internal genital organs, in the anal area. Condylomas acuminata look like single, papillary, flesh-colored growths on a thin stalk, which can merge, grow and resemble cauliflower in appearance. Flat condylomas are not visible to the naked eye; their presence is determined through examination by a doctor.
What is the danger
The human papillomavirus is present in the body of almost all people, but it is in remission and enters the active phase only when immunity decreases. It is during the active phase that condylomas appear. Condylomas are just a clinical manifestation of HPV; their removal does not lead to recovery from human papillomavirus infection.
There is no cure in the world for a complete cure for HPV. Treatment of the virus is aimed at stopping activity and is based on increasing immunity. But if the disease is not treated and condylomas are not removed, neglected warts can grow to enormous sizes and cause a lot of inconvenience.
In addition, condylomas are dangerous for humans because:
- May cause skin cancer. Located on the cervix - cause various diseases (cervical dysplasia, leukoplakia), which, in turn, lead to cervical cancer.
- They can fester and ulcerate if hygiene rules are not followed or due to mechanical impact (for example, friction with clothing or sexual intercourse) and are a gateway to infection.
- Pointed growths obstruct the passage of feces, causing constipation and microcracks in the anus if they are located in the anus.
- Constantly irritated by discharge from the bladder. They interfere with the flow of urine if located near the urethra or on the head of the penis.
- Can lead to severe nervous disorders, because bring emotional disturbance.
- In men, it can lead to narrowing of the foreskin if left untreated.
It follows from this that each outbreak of the disease, in order to avoid consequences, must be dealt with by a radical method - removal.
Causes
The cause of the development of genital warts is considered to be human papillomavirus. It belongs to DNA-containing viruses; in total there are about two hundred of its species. Its favorite localization is the epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes. Under its influence, squamous epithelial cells begin to multiply intensively. The virus enters the human body through microcracks in the epithelium.
There are several factors that contribute to infection:
- immunodeficiency; early sexual contacts; frequent change of partners; abortions; unprotected sexual contact; HIV; diabetes; use of immunosuppressive therapy; long-term use of contraceptives.
People most often become infected with the virus from their sexual partner, less often through household contact. Vertical transmission from an infected mother to a child during childbirth is possible.
Features of the operation
Medical institutions offer several methods for removing condylomas. One of the traditional methods is the removal of condylomas with liquid nitrogen - cryodestruction. At a temperature of -196 degrees, the gas is cooled and it turns into a liquid state. After this, ultra-low temperature nitrogen is applied to the condylomas.
When liquid nitrogen is applied to the affected area, the water located in the intercellular space and inside the cell instantly freezes (freezing duration is on average 3 seconds), expands and ruptures the cell. Those. As a result of the treatment procedure, tissue necrosis occurs. Pathological tissues are subject to destruction, death, rejection, and regeneration of a new cover occurs under the destroyed tissue.
The pain during the procedure is so insensible that anesthesia is not required. The only exceptions are people with a very low pain threshold. In this case, local anesthesia with novocaine or lidocaine is used. Another advantage of this method is the absence of bleeding, because... During low temperatures, damaged blood vessels are blocked.
Important! Removal of condylomas with nitrogen can massively destroy a large number of single condylomas, as well as neoplasms that have grown up to 10 mm - up to 20 pieces in 1 session. But the disadvantage of cryotherapy is that it is difficult to regulate the depth of exposure, which is why the wart may not be completely removed and another one will be required.
The destruction procedure is effective and has its advantages:
- No pain;
- Does not leave scars or scars;
- Short duration of surgery on an outpatient basis;
- High efficiency;
- Low probability of relapse;
- Fast recovery after surgery.
What is cryodestruction
There are a number of methods for removing tumors, one of which is cryodestruction. What is this procedure, what are its pros and cons?
Genital warts, papillomas and warts are removed to achieve an aesthetic appearance of the skin or mucous membrane, and to quantitatively reduce the virus in the body of an infected person.
This procedure is prescribed to patients who have a low pain threshold, since “freezing” genital warts is considered a painless method of removing manifestations of HPV.
Doctors have not yet found any medicine or vaccine against the virus. Treatment of condylomas should always be carried out in combination with antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs.
Any method of excision of neoplasms on the skin or mucous membrane, caused by human papillomavirus infection, does not guarantee the complete exclusion of relapse. After chemical mechanical or physical therapy, the patient may again develop warts in the intimate areas, in men and women. The course of treatment and its final result depend on the body’s ability to fight and resist the effects of HPV.
Mechanism of operation
You can perform cryosurgery in the office of a gynecologist, urologist or dermatovenerologist, spending a few minutes on it. Having laid or seated the patient in a comfortable position, the doctor applies liquid nitrogen to the tumor using a cotton swab or a special device - a cryoprobe.
When processing manually, a cotton swab is dipped into a vessel with liquid nitrogen and, pressing slightly on the wart, the swab is held for 3 to 30 seconds (depending on the size of the wart). Then the tampon is removed, and the skin begins to turn white. After 1-2 minutes it thaws and the doctor can see how effective cauterization was in this case. If necessary, repeat the procedure. After the final freezing of the condyloma, the skin becomes pale pink with a whitish tint. This means that the cells are destroyed.
Next, at the site of the treated lesion, a bubble appears filled with a colorless or cloudy liquid. He appears after about 5 hours. New skin grows inside the bubble under a layer of fluid. It can be seen after 5-6 days when the bubble bursts. Another 5-7 days are needed to strengthen the new cover - during this time the skin becomes denser and the crust peels off from its surface.
Destruction of formations by radio waves
The use of radio waves makes it possible to stop the reproduction and development of the virus. This method of removing condylomas has a number of advantages:
- a targeted effect on the affected tissue, which avoids contact of radio wave radiation with healthy areas of the skin;
- absence of sharp pain when excision of growths in the sensitive area (due to the use of an anesthetic);
- small size of the wound surface;
- minimal relapse rate after removal.
Another important advantage of radio wave treatment is the absence of swelling after the procedure. Rapid healing is also noted.
However, radio wave irradiation is contraindicated in case of diabetes, epilepsy, chronic hepatitis, or wearing a pacemaker. It is not recommended to perform it in case of fever, cardiac dysfunction, or severe hypertension.
What to do after removing condylomas with liquid nitrogen
The features of care after cryotherapy are not complicated and consist of the following rules:
- It is forbidden to puncture the bladder.
- You cannot be sexually active until the wound has completely healed.
- After each bowel movement, hygiene procedures must be carried out.
- If the bladder is damaged, the area should be treated with Miramistin or Chlorhexidine and a sterile napkin should be applied.
- In case of severe pain arising due to mechanical irritation of the bladder, you need to apply a sterile gauze pad to it and seal it with a band-aid.
- Also, if the pain is unbearable, you can take painkillers.
- If discharge or itching appears after surgery, you should contact your doctor again. This may indicate inflammation or incomplete death of pathological tissue.
Important! To successfully get rid of all condylomas and to avoid the appearance of new ones, it is necessary to carry out parallel treatment of HPV with the help of antiviral drugs and immunostimulating drugs.
Surgical excision of condylomas
Due to possible complications and a long rehabilitation period, traditional excision of genital warts using a scalpel is rarely used. But this method is effective with large condylomas. Also, the method of surgical removal of genital papillomas is indicated in cases where other methods of treating condylomas have not given the desired effect or cannot be used for certain reasons.
Surgical removal of condylomas involves excision of the pathological neoplasm using a scalpel, followed by suturing. During surgery, damage to healthy surrounding tissue occurs, which can lead to infection of the postoperative wound, as well as bleeding during and after the intervention. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Removing large condylomas using a scalpel is a simple method that does not require highly qualified specialists. The disadvantage of the technique is the painful recovery period. There is a risk of bacterial infection, inflammation of the postoperative wound, scar formation. To relieve pain and prevent complications, the patient may be prescribed painkillers and antibacterial drugs.
Patient reviews
Anna, 43 years old, Perm
She treated condylomas first with electrocoagulation - cauterization. During the procedure, there is a strong smell of burning and it is very painful. Then I removed them using cryodestruction of condylomas. Compared to cauterization, it’s heaven and earth. It didn't hurt, it was just cold and a little tingling. They haven't bothered me for 15 years now.
Elena, 35 years old, Moscow
More than once in my life I have had to struggle with condylomas. The last time I removed them was with liquid nitrogen surgery. This method is quite effective and painless. I completed 2 courses of cryotherapy and have been living peacefully for 6 years now, but I constantly support my immunity. I'm afraid that if immunity decreases, HPV and condylomas will make themselves felt again.
How effective is the method compared to others?
Cryotherapy, like all other removal methods, is effective only with an integrated approach to the problem .
It must be remembered that the cause of condylomas is the HPV virus, which, once it enters the body, will remain in it forever. There is no need to be afraid of this.
According to statistics, this infection is observed in almost 50-60% of the young female population, and only 10-15% of them develop growths during life and with a decrease in immunity. The infection is activated only when the immune system fails .
Therefore, when condyloma appears in men or women, first of all, you need to pay attention to the state of the immune system . In case of reduced immunity, it is necessary to carry out timely immunomodulatory and antiviral general and local therapy.
Cosmetic removal of condylomas does not eliminate the root cause of condylomas, which is a virus.
To ensure maximum results, it is necessary, first of all, to increase immunity - general and local.
You will learn how to treat genital warts in men and women by reading our publications.
Compared to traditional surgical removal, cryotherapy is distinguished by its traumatic nature. Treatment of the affected area is targeted, is not accompanied by bleeding, and also does not spread to nearby areas, unlike surgical removal with a scalpel.
The advantage of the liquid nitrogen method is that it is painless . In this regard, cryodestruction does not require the use of local anesthesia, unlike the laser method of removing growths, which is one of the most advanced in cosmetic surgery.
, there are no scars or scars left at the treatment site , which is observed, for example, with electrocoagulation. Healing after manipulation is fast , which cannot be said about the electrocoagulation method. Also, unlike the latter, the cosmetic effect of cryotherapy is best expressed. Cryotherapy has practically no contraindications .
Excellent cosmetic effect, painlessness, as well as other advantages are also observed with the radio wave method. However, its definite disadvantage is its high cost . The price for removing growths with liquid nitrogen is more affordable.
The presence of HPV in the body in normal quantities does not require treatment. The need for treatment of condylomas arises only when the virus begins to produce specific symptoms or when a control examination reveals a large deviation from the norm.
Laser Application
Laser removal has a number of advantages: minimal risk of scarring after vaporization of the tumor; for complete destruction of condyloma, one session is enough; rapid healing of the skin after surgery and the safety of the technique.
- 1Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia is administered.
- 2Laser radiation leads to vaporization (evaporation) of formation cells. The blood in the vascular capillaries coagulates under the influence of radiation, and a crust forms at the site of removal. The crust falls off after 2 weeks, exposing the healing epithelium.
Electrocoagulation
An electric knife is also used to eliminate formations: electricity, using a thin metal nozzle, is passed through the condyloma and leads to its charring.
If there is a long pedicle, it can be excised. The duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes.
The healing period depends on the size of the condyloma and is usually 7-14 days. The method is often used for condylomas of the labia, perineum, and penis.
Rice. 1 – Electrocoagulation scheme.
Contraindications:
- 1If you have a pacemaker or pacemaker (in patients with arrhythmia), you must inform your doctor about this. Electrocoagulation can lead to a malfunction of the pacemaker.
- 2 Severe inflammatory process at the site of condyloma.
- 2 Suspicion of a malignant process.
Symptoms of the disease
In the early stages of infection, the disease is asymptomatic. The presence of condylomas can be noticed as a result of injury to them by mechanical friction (for example, during intimate intimacy, wearing tight underwear, performing hygiene procedures). The following symptoms should alert you to such actions: itching, burning and pain in the vulva, clitoris, labia minora, in the vagina or near the anus. In the advanced stage of the disease, the body temperature rises, and a liquid with an unpleasant odor is released from such warts.
