Removal of papillomas by laser: the reasons for the appearance of papillomas and why you should not ignore them
The appearance of specific growths on the skin - papillomas, currently occupies one of the leading positions in the frequency of occurrence.
In some cases, they can cause an unaesthetic appearance, in others they can cause discomfort during dressing, permanently injure and bleed. All these factors require the search for effective, minimally invasive and safe ways to remove the formations.
The causes of papilloma
Papillomas - benign formations with infectious origin.
The causative agent of the disease is called human papillomavirus (HPV) and can penetrate into the human body in several ways:
- sexually;
- contact;
- vertical (in utero from mother to child).
The virus has many subtypes, some of which are cancerous and can cause cervical cancer. Infection is subject to the same extent, both men and women, persons of any age group. Once infected, the person remains a carrier of the virus for the rest of their lives. The infection may remain permanently asymptomatic or may manifest itself clinically in the form of papillomas.
This becomes possible in weakened people, in violation of the protective function of the immune system, some endocrine diseases (diabetes, hypothyroidism), large body mass, the presence of harmful habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs), genetic predisposition, rather long-term medication (such as hormonal contraceptives), diseases of the digestive system. Also, the tendency to develop papillomas is increased in individuals who are fond of sunburn, solarium and other thermal procedures.
Why not ignore them
The main distinguishing feature of papillomatous growths in the absence of treatment is their progressive growth and the appearance of new foci. In addition, a patient with such manifestations is more dangerous in terms of infection to others than just a carrier. Another factor explaining why it is impossible not to pay attention to them is the possibility of a malignant degeneration of education.
High oncological risk is observed more often in older people who regularly injure papillomas, exposing them to sun or other burns, having similar cases in the family history, with localization of growths on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, nose, vagina, rectum. Thus, timely self-examination, early referral to a specialist and appropriate treatment, such as removal of papillomas by a laser, will help to avoid undesirable complications.
Varieties of removal techniques
Unwanted papillomas can only be removed surgically by a qualified technician. In no case do not do it yourself, because you can achieve the opposite effect and cause the progression of the infection, or leave a noticeable scar.
There are the following methods for removing papillomas:
- Surgical excision, in which the surgeon directly removes the formation. This type of intervention is recommended for large-scale papillomas.
- Electrocoagulation. Papilloma is burned with electric current. The procedure is distinguished by minor soreness, low invasiveness. Suitable in the presence of multiple small formations.
- Cryodestruction is a method of freezing the formation (for example, liquid nitrogen at a temperature of 180-200 ° C). It takes more time, as it is necessary to wait until the papilloma itself does not fall away from the skin surface. Possible swelling at the site of exposure, which persists for several days.
- Removal of papillomas with a laser is the most gentle procedure, with advantages similar to electric coagulation. In addition, there are no scars and marks on the skin surface, the manipulation is carried out in the shortest possible time, it is not painful. The risk of complications is the smallest among all the other leading tactics.
- The radio wave method is a very rare and expensive way of getting rid of papillomas (the formation is destroyed under the influence of intense electric waves). Recommended for small growths that are in remote places (urethra, cervix). The technology is not available in all clinics, as it requires special radiosurgical equipment.
The choice of the type of operation is carried out for each patient individually, after examination and exclusion of the malignancy of the process.
Laser removal of papillomas and post-operative care
Before the intervention, dermatoscopy must be carried out, which confirms the good quality of the growth. For anesthesia, a local injection of anesthetic (lidocaine, ultracain) under the skin is used as an injection. Laser removal of papillomas is performed in medical clinics and private specialized centers by oncologists, surgeons or dermatologists. The so-called laser beam is directed into place. The doctor pre-sets the device to the desired depth of the rays, pulse duration and power.
The papilloma at the beginning of the process is literally evaporated (cellular fluid is ablated), then coagulates under the influence of a directional laser stream that does not contact with the skin. The whole procedure takes no more than
The surrounding tissues in the process of coagulation are not damaged, since the laser knife acts pointwise. In addition, there is no bleeding from the surgical wound. In its place, a crust forms, which disappears on its own after about 1 week. The only drawback of the operation is the inability to study the papilloma tissue histologically.
Postoperative care
After the manipulation requires some care. The patient can leave the hospital on the same day, constant inpatient monitoring is not required.
The place of coagulation is recommended to be treated with special creams or ointments prescribed by the doctor 2-3 times a day. If the wound is extensive, a sterile dressing may be applied to it, fixed by a medical plaster. The material should be regularly replaced with new ones in order to avoid infectious effects.
Within 2-3 weeks, it is inappropriate to visit various water establishments, namely, a swimming pool, sauna, bath. You can not swim in water and allow water to enter the wound. The same applies to direct ultraviolet radiation. If, nevertheless, water gets on the wound, it is better to wet it with a napkin, and in no case rub it, provoking even more irritation.
There should be no contact with the wound, clothing, jewelry, it is undesirable to rub in any cosmetics, shave this area. The crust should be kept intact. Otherwise, the healing process will last longer than usual and may lead to the development of complications, mainly scarring. For an anti-relapsing purpose, antiviral and fortifying agents, vitamin and mineral complexes, and drugs that stimulate the human immune system can be prescribed in the postoperative period.
Contraindications to the procedure
Laser removal of papillomas, despite all the advantages, has a number of contraindications:
- the slightest suspicion of the malignancy of the process (there is evidence that the papilloma has changed color, unevenly colored, asymmetrical, has fuzzy edges);
- oncological processes of other organs and systems;
- the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- age up to 18 years (strictly according to indications, in the presence of parents);
- frequent epileptic seizures;
- acute infectious diseases;
- stage of decompensation associated chronic diseases;
- large size papillomatous education;
- increased skin sensitivity to heat.
Remove papilloma laser alternative ways
This is the most new technique and is shown in almost 80% of cases. In addition, it has the smallest number of contraindications compared with other methods. Therefore, it is more preferable to remove the papilloma by laser than by other means.
The main advantages of the intervention are the absence of pain, damage to surrounding tissues, the effect of "sealing" of blood vessels and, as a consequence, the reduction of bleeding. Full sterility is ensured due to the lack of contact of the laser with the skin.
The session of removal of a benign lesion is one-time, it has a fast recovery period. The cosmetic effect of the intervention is also more favorable with laser removal than, for example, with surgical excision. Unlike radio wave surgery, laser coagulation is more affordable.
Possible complications
The percentage of complications after laser coagulation is very small. They can be represented by redness, itching, burning sensation of the skin. As a rule, complications are short-lived, but it is better to show such changes to the doctor.
Like any other postoperative wound, it can be complicated by infection (edema, redness, infiltration, fever appears). To avoid this, observe the rules of hygiene, wound care, follow the recommendations of the doctor. Sometimes prescribed ointment containing antibacterial agents. Another undesirable consequence of improper removal may be the formation of a coarse, noticeable scar.
Reviews
Most of the comments left on laser coagulation are positive, with no description of side effects. Below are some of them.
Marina, 38 years old: “I have a large number of papillomas on my face and neck, including around the eyes. I was afraid to get rid of them with folk remedies and would not recommend it to anyone, as there could be a scar. To remove the formations turned to the clinic. After consulting a doctor, she stopped laser coagulation. The procedure is almost painless, I am very pleased with the results. ”
Oksana, 26 years old: “I removed several papillomas on my face and body with a laser. They did not bother me much, but they significantly spoiled my appearance. The procedure itself is very fast (5 papillomas were removed in 8 minutes), the painful sensations are minimal. A few days remained small depressions on the skin, which soon healed. Now, no trace of papillomas is noted, which I am infinitely pleased. "
Elina, 30 years old: “The doctor advised me to remove the papilloma with a laser. There were concerns about the tolerability of the operation in terms of pain, but felt almost nothing. Healing was also quick, without complications. The place of removal is very neat, covered with a crust, which then disappeared by itself. Very grateful to the doctor who saved me from this defect. ”
Prices
Prices for laser interventions for papillomatous growths are considered to be quite affordable. The exact value will depend on the size of the element to be removed, their quantity, location, and stage of the process.
The smallest amount for the operation is 200 rubles, in the case when the papilloma is single, and does not exceed 3 mm. With its location on the upper eyelid or external genital organs, the price indicator significantly rises to
The more papillomas on the body and the larger their size, the more expensive the laser removal. The procedure is available in almost all major cities of the country.
