Genital warts, commonly known popularly as “genital warts,” are a manifestation of infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). In total, there are about 170 types of such viruses; types 6 and 11 are usually “to blame” for the occurrence of genital warts, less often - 16 and 18.
Infection most often occurs during direct contact, for example, sexual contact. The virus can lie dormant in the body for weeks or years. Once it is activated, wart-like growths appear on the skin. Most often they are found in intimate places, in the genital area and anus:
- In women: on the labia majora and minora, clitoris, in the area of the vaginal opening.
- In men: on the head and neck of the penis, near the external opening of the urethra, on the scrotum.
However, genital warts do not always justify their second name “genital warts”: sometimes they are located on the lips and in the corners of the mouth, on the eyelids, and conjunctiva. Treatment of genital warts can be conservative or surgical. The doctor removes the growths and prescribes medications that help destroy the pathogen and boost immunity.
What consequences can condylomas lead to if they are not removed?
Condyloma is by no means a harmless neoplasm. The virus causes changes in cells that resemble those that occur in malignant tumors. Currently, the connection between human papillomavirus infection and cancer can be considered proven.
Genital warts often cause a host of other problems: they can become injured and bleed, ulcerate, and interfere with sexual intercourse and childbirth. In general, if growths in the form of warts are found in intimate places, it is better to immediately consult a doctor and have them removed.
Condylomas: concept and types
Medicine knows many types of skin tumors, among which are condylomas.
Cutaneous condyloma acuminata is a warty formation, the appearance of which is caused by the human papillomavirus. Most often, condylomas are located in the genital area and anus, on the skin and mucous membranes around the mouth.
The disease is chronic and manifests itself with relapses from time to time. The disease affects both men and women.
There are no symptoms of the initial stage of HPV infection. In an inactive (latent) form, which can last from several months to several years, a person’s skin remains clean, no discomfort is felt, and the virus in the body awaits favorable conditions in the form of a decrease in the immunity and defenses of the human body - that’s when its activation occurs. As the disease enters the open stage, subcutaneous deformations of the stratum spinosum are formed. The deep skin layer grows, due to the keratinizing layer, a subcutaneous compaction is formed. The growth process is uneven, so the seals under the skin take on the appearance of balls.
Among the varieties of condylomas there are:
- exophytic;
- endophytic;
- giant or Buschke-Loewenstein tumor.
Genital condylomas are fibroepithelial formations that look like small cones and cylinders of flesh-colored or pink color, rising above the surface of the skin or mucous membrane. Structurally, condyloma is represented by a stalk and a base.
Endophytic condylomas grow inside the epithelium and are not always noticeable on the surface of the mucosa, where they form. They can be:
- flat;
- atypical;
- inverted.
Giant condyloma, or Buschke-Loewenstein tumor, is quite rare and is localized mainly in the anogenital area. Initially, the disease begins with the appearance of many closely spaced genital warts or papillomas, which then merge with each other, turning into a single exophytic formation.
Advantages of radio wave surgery using the Surgitron device
Doctors at the ProfMedLab clinic remove genital warts using the modern Surgitron radio wave surgery device. The principle of the method is that the device generates high frequency radio waves. Coming into contact with tissues, they evaporate liquid from cells, that is, they actually destroy them. Radio wave surgery has some advantages:
- Purposeful action. Only affected tissues are destroyed, while surrounding healthy tissues remain untouched. In this regard, radio wave surgery is a more gentle method compared to laser.
- Good cosmetic effect. After removal of tumors using the Surgitron apparatus, barely noticeable scars remain.
- Full control over the process. The surgeon can precisely control the area and depth of tissue removed.
- Bloodless intervention. There is no bleeding during genital wart removal.
- Fast recovery. The wound heals completely within a few days. There is virtually no pain or swelling.
Advantages of laser coagulation of condylomas
- efficiency is more than 95% with minimal risk of relapse;
- there is virtually no likelihood of complications such as infection, bleeding, scarring, skin hyperpigmentation;
- selectivity of exposure, the laser cauterizes only diseased tissue;
- no pain, since the procedure is carried out with mandatory anesthesia;
- rapid recovery and recovery (up to 3-4 weeks);
- the ability to evaluate the visual effect of treatment after just a few days;
- minimum contraindications.
Removing condylomas with liquid nitrogen
If a laser destroys condyloma by heating, then liquid nitrogen does this using low temperature. In the language of doctors, this is called cryosurgery. Compared to laser and radio wave surgery, it has a number of disadvantages:
- Usually a bubble remains at the intervention site, then it is opened, after which it takes about 2 more weeks to heal.
- It is more difficult to control the area of influence. Cold damages healthy tissue 1–2 cm around the condyloma.
- For 1–2 days after surgery, you experience quite severe pain.
The essence and mechanisms of tissue coagulation
Coagulation, both laser and electrical, is a medical procedure, however, it is often used in cosmetology.
In the process of exposure of a certain nature, the cells of the skin or mucous membranes lose moisture, their internal structures are destroyed, as a result of which they die.
The term “coagulation” itself is borrowed from physics and chemistry, and is of Latin origin. Literally, coagulation is translated as “coagulation” or “thickening”, and refers to the process of particle gluing that occurs during their Brownian or thermal motion. Due to this bonding, the particles are collected into so-called aggregates - secondary particles. Simpler particles interact and are held together by intermolecular forces.
Content:
- The essence and mechanisms of tissue coagulation
- Differences between laser and electrocoagulation methods
- Condylomas: concept and types
- Indications and contraindications for the procedure: when is electrocoagulation prescribed?
- Features of the procedure
- Wounds after the procedure: how to treat
- Rehabilitation period after electrocoagulation
In order to catalyze the coagulation process in a certain system, it is necessary to increase its temperature - this leads to a violation of aggregate stability.
Coagulation of condylomas provokes cell death, after which these skin formations undergo necrosis. Most often, electric current or laser treatment is used to get rid of condylomas.
Is it possible to remove condylomas with celandine?
Celandine juice contains substances that can destroy tissues affected by the papilloma virus. In principle, this traditional method of treatment works, but it is low in effectiveness (it will take several days to remove the wart) and is useless for large, numerous condylomas. Modern medicine offers more effective treatment methods, one of them is radio wave surgery.
What happens after removal of condylomas using radio waves?
A small wound remains at the site of the intervention. As a rule, it heals completely within 5–7 days, and new pink skin appears in its place.
How to properly care for the wound after surgery?
After removing condyloma using radio wave surgery, potassium permanganate and other aggressive agents should not be used, and the wound should not be allowed to dry out and form a crust on it: the best cosmetic effect is achieved with moist healing.
What can and should be done:
- In the first days, carefully monitor the condition of the wound.
- Treat it with warm soapy water.
- Take a bath and shower.
- Drink enough fluids.
- Consult a doctor immediately if pain begins to bother you, lumps appear, or skin color changes.
What not to do:
- Tear off the crust if it still appears. This can cause a noticeable scar to form.
- Apply cosmetics to the wound.
- Visit swimming pools, baths and saunas until the wound has healed completely.
- Keep the wound in the sun and visit solariums.
- Press on the wound, injure it.
You will receive more detailed recommendations from your doctor at the clinic. Feel free to ask questions.
Is additional treatment necessary after genital wart removal?
Genital warts are a viral disease, so removing them alone is not enough. If the virus remains in the body, it can cause a relapse. The risks increase if you have a weakened immune system, have chronic diseases, or if you often change sexual partners. In order to cope with the pathogen, the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs and agents that strengthen the immune system.
Is it possible to remove condylomas during pregnancy?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications to the use of radio wave surgery. It is better to get rid of genital warts at the planning stage. Other contraindications to the use of the Surgitron device: severe diseases of the heart, lungs and other organs, acute infections, the presence of a pacemaker, exacerbations of chronic diseases, epilepsy, cancer, infectious and inflammatory processes on the skin. If a woman is having her period, she will have to wait until it ends.
To find out if there are any contraindications in your case, visit a doctor at the ProfMedLab clinic.
How can one reliably diagnose human papillomavirus infection in genital warts?
Genital condyloma is easily recognized during an external examination by any dermatovenerologist. The doctor may order additional tests:
- A Papanicolaou smear (PAP test) helps detect abnormal cells.
- PCR detects the genetic material of the pathogen in smears and scrapings.
- The Digene test helps detect high cancer risk viruses and assess the risk of a malignant tumor.
Removal of genital warts using radio waves using the Surgitron device is a quick, low-traumatic and painless procedure. You can take it at the ProfMedLab clinic. To make an appointment with a doctor, call: +7 (495) 120-08-07.
Reasons for development
As with all warts, condylomas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is transmitted by contact: household - through the use of personal hygiene items, or through sexual contact. In addition, the virus can be transmitted from mother to fetus during childbirth, when the fetus passes through an infected birth canal.
In total, more than a hundred types of HPV are known, about 40 of them are sexually transmitted and can cause various diseases, including dysplasia (precancerous process) and cancer. Depending on the propensity to cause cancer, HPVs of high, moderate and low oncogenic risk, as well as non-oncogenic ones, are distinguished. Condylomas are caused by types 6 and 11 of HPV, the presence of which in the body is associated with a low oncogenic risk.
In general, HPV is a highly contagious virus. The lifetime chance of infection is about 80%. However, the disease does not always manifest itself clinically. Most often, a person is an asymptomatic carrier. Manifestations occur when the general and local resistance of the body decreases (i.e., general reduced immunity).
The following conditions increase the likelihood of developing condylomas:
- presence of sexually transmitted infections;
- a large number of sexual contacts;
- pregnancy;
- vaginosis and violation of vaginal microflora;
- disorders of the immune system and dysbiosis;
- chronic stress.
Indications and contraindications for the procedure: when is electrocoagulation prescribed?
Usually, the appearance of pointed warty growths on the skin is not immediately apparent to a person, and, moreover, does not always become a reason to visit a doctor. Firstly, at first they do not cause noticeable discomfort or pain, and secondly, condylomas can be localized in hard-to-reach places where it is extremely difficult for a person to notice them on their own.
If formations of any nature are detected on the skin, the best decision would be to visit a doctor. In this case, you should contact a dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist or virologist. It should be understood that condylomas themselves are only an external manifestation of the presence of disorders in the body. Removal of condylomas is only one of the stages of treatment, which must also necessarily include determining the genotype and titers of existing viruses, and, in addition, prescribing special antiviral therapy when certain strains are identified. As the viral load on the body decreases, the attending physician will prescribe an electrocoagulation procedure.
In some cases, the patient, noticing the appearance of tumors on the skin, turns to a cosmetologist to get rid of them. This approach is not correct, since a cosmetologist cannot independently treat condylomas and their viral root cause.
Direct indications for electrocoagulation are the presence of genital warts on the skin or mucous membranes.
Among the contraindications to the procedure:
- exacerbation of herpes viruses;
- acute infectious diseases;
- blood clotting disorders;
- somatic diseases in the acute stage;
- the presence of allergic reactions to anesthetics and electrical effects;
- malignant nature of the neoplasm;
- leukemia and other systemic blood diseases;
- installed pacemaker;
- mental disorders;
- severe endocrine disorders.
What is the cause of relapses during coagulation
Relapse after coagulation of condylomas may occur after some time.
No one is immune from this.
To reduce the frequency of relapses, the doctor usually prescribes antiviral treatment.
Its duration is determined individually.
Promotes relapse:
- dysfunction of the immune system
- reinfection
- poor nutrition
- disturbance of sleep and rest patterns
If the formations reappear after a while, repeated removal is possible; coagulation of condylomas is performed.
In this case, a long course of anti-HPV drugs must be prescribed.
This is necessary to prevent the progression of the disease.
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- Fedotova Marina Andreevna
Surgeon, dermatocosmetologist, laser medicine specialist
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- Matsueva (Nikiforova) Tatyana Nikolaevna
Dermatocosmetologist, laser medicine specialist
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- Stepanova Inna Igorevna
Candidate of Medical Sciences, maxillofacial surgeon, specialist in laser medicine.
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What is the healing rate after coagulation?
If you are planning to remove condylomas, the main question will be: “How quickly does healing occur after coagulation?”
Before the procedure, the doctor will carefully examine the formation and make an accurate conclusion.
The timing of skin restoration will depend on the volume of the removed lesion.
You should take into account the number of condylomas removed and your state of health.
The average time frame is 1.5 – 3 weeks.
Usually this time is enough for complete regeneration.
Pros and cons of electrocoagulation of external genital warts
The procedure is quite traumatic and can lead to the formation of scars, so it is recommended to be used to remove small single condylomas. In this case, it will give the desired result and eliminate any negative consequences. As for its positive aspects, they are as follows:
- affordable cost and simplicity;
- efficiency from 90% to 95%;
- versatility, allowing it to be used to remove tumors on the genital mucosa;
- possibility of elimination in one session;
- allows you to eliminate not only the tumor, but also the affected cells of the epidermis.
It is important to understand that removing condylomas exclusively without appropriate therapy does not eliminate the risk of relapses, so it must be carried out in combination with other treatment methods.
You can make an appointment with Doctor Nearby specialists by calling the 24-hour line: +7 (495) 153-01-77.
How does radio wave removal work?
Removal of condylomas using the radio wave method is carried out using a device. Our clinic uses the Fotek device.
The procedure is performed as follows:
Be sure to remove hair in the groin and pubic area. The area that is being manipulated is treated with antiseptics, and the patient is injected with local anesthetics into this area. Each formation is treated with a radio wave nozzle, cutting it off. The radioknife coagulates the vessels, so there is no bleeding. After completion of the procedure, re-treatment with antiseptics is carried out. Then a bandage is applied. After 20-30 minutes the patient is sent home.
Features of the procedure
Removing genital warts on the skin does not require any special preparation. If the patient has an allergy to anesthetics and electrical stimulation, or chronic diseases of any nature, they should be reported to the doctor before the procedure. In some cases, the doctor may pre-direct the person to undergo certain tests.
During the manipulation process, the doctor uses a special device - an electrocoagulator. The tip of the device looks like a metal loop, which is heated by electric current.
The surface of the skin with condylomas is treated with an antiseptic solution or ointment, and an antiseptic is applied to it.
The metal loop, upon contact with the changed skin, heats up the tissue, which leads to its death. As a result, a crust forms at the site of the condyloma, which disappears after a while.
The whole procedure takes from 5 minutes to half an hour - its duration depends on the number of condylomas.
Large tumors cut off in this way should be sent for histological examination.
