Laser removal of condylomas: indications and implementation

Genital warts in women appear in the external genital area, causing psychological and physical discomfort. Despite the fact that these tumors are considered benign, they can lead to dangerous consequences for the life and health of a woman.

Condylomas in the intimate area

Modern gentle removal methods allow you to get rid of defects quickly and painlessly. Doctors at the Diana Clinic use the safest laser and radio wave techniques for this.

General information

Condylomas are benign formations that appear in the anogenital area due to activation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) .
Speaking about how condylomas are transmitted, it should be noted that this disease refers to infections that are transmitted sexually. After all, the genital formations located in the genital organs contain the human papillomavirus, which is transmitted during sexual intercourse. Due to this location of these formations, there is a high probability of injury during sexual intercourse, which is also dangerous for humans. After all, trauma increases the risk of infection, as well as the degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one. Such formations look like cauliflower inflorescences. But before they appear, the virus can live in the body for several years without causing significant symptoms. However, the infected person is the spreader of the infection.

How to recognize such formations and how to get rid of condylomas will be discussed in this article.

Treatment and removal methods

Doctors are regularly asked how to relieve itching. The first remedy in therapy is careful personal hygiene. In most cases, it is sufficient to rinse the affected areas of the skin with clean boiled water and dry thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. Many experts recommend adding calendula to water. A sequence also helps. If possible, the procedure should be repeated throughout the day.

We recommend reading:

1. Features and treatment of vesicular papules
2. Is it possible to cauterize condylomas with iodine?
3. Are suppositories effective for treating condylomas?

You should wear comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics. You need to make sure that it does not put pressure on the formations. During menstruation, tampons (pads) must be changed every 4 hours, since blood serves as a breeding ground for pathogens. External therapy in the form of ointments that have soothing and healing properties (Dexpanthenol) can help relieve discomfort.

If an infection is detected, it should be treated immediately.

All of the above methods are only temporary measures. An effective effect is obtained after complete removal of the growths, coupled with antiviral therapy using:

• special drugs (“Podophyllin”);
• cryodestruction;
• laser;
• chemicals (acetic acid, celandine).

After their use, the question of whether condylomas can cause itching no longer arises.

Pathogenesis

The causative agent of papillomavirus infection is the human papillomavirus, which is part of the group of double-stranded DNA viruses. The virus secretes nucleic acid with transforming and infectious properties. It is currently known that there are approximately 100 types of papillomaviruses, and each of them causes specific manifestations of the disease.

It was previously believed that HPV was only transmitted through sexual contact. But after the virus was discovered in children and adolescents, this position was revised. It has been proven that there is a possibility of transmission of the virus to the child from the mother during childbirth .

Genital warts are one of the clinical manifestations of human papillomavirus infection. Such formations appear in women and men and are a proliferation of connective tissue with blood vessels. They are covered by squamous epithelium with morphological signs of papillomavirus infection. They are located predominantly in the perianal region. Formations protrude above the skin or mucous membrane. Perianal or anal condylomas have legs and a wide base. Most often, multiple growths appear, but single condylomas can also appear.

In humans, human papillomavirus infection is caused by approximately 140 types 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.

Classification

There are three types of condylomas of the anogenital area:

• Genital condylomas - this group includes formations of this type that have a low level of oncogenicity. The incubation period can last from 2-3 weeks to six months. Such formations in intimate places look like warts on a thin stalk of flesh-colored or red color. Their structure is similar to cauliflower. They can be either single or multiple. If such a growth is located in a place where it is constantly injured (on the labia, in the anus, etc.), then the growth increases. In addition, secondary infection and subsequent ulceration of condylomas may occur.
• Flat condylomas - such formations mainly appear in the area of ​​the cervix and its thickness. They can also be localized in the vagina in women. From the point of view of potential malignant degeneration, flat condyloma is the most dangerous formation, since it is most often caused by papillomavirus types 16 and 18.
• Lata or papular condylomas are warty-type formations on a wide stalk, which are characterized by a tendency to macerate. This formation is a secondary manifestation of syphilis and is not associated with HPV.

In addition, there is a rare form of this disease - giant Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma . It develops in the anogenital area and is also provoked by the human papillomavirus. Buschke-Loewenstein condyloma is benign histologically, but clinically demonstrates malignant properties. The formation grows into surrounding tissues and is highly likely to recur.

Intimate life

Many women are interested in whether it is possible to have sex during the rehabilitation period. The opinions of doctors agree that in this case there is a need for complete abstinence from sexual intercourse. This ban is justified by the fact that the genital area should not be subjected to mechanical stress again.

The scab remaining after removal of the condyloma can be easily torn off by any friction. When the protective crust is lost, the wound opens and bacteria can enter. As a result, an inflammatory process begins, which can lead to serious complications.

Another reason why you should not have sex during the postoperative period is pain in the vagina. Discomfort when pressing on the wound is a normal reaction of the body, but during intimate intimacy this is an undesirable condition.

Gynecologists recommend waiting about two weeks to have sexual relations. After this period, the woman can begin sexual activity in the absence of any unwanted symptoms. If the patient has doubts about the healing of the mucous membrane in the cervical area, it is better to consult a doctor.

Important!

When resuming sexual relations, it is necessary to use contact contraceptives. In this case, there is the lowest risk of re-formation of condylomas.

In rare cases, patients complain of pain in the vaginal area after the wounds have completely healed. This may be a manifestation of residual inflammation of the affected tissues. If there is severe discomfort, a woman is advised to interrupt sexual intercourse for some more time. If the pain does not go away within 2-3 months, you should consult a gynecologist.

Causes

The causative agent of this disease is the human papillomavirus (HPV). As a rule, infection occurs through sexual contact. However, contact and household transmission of the disease cannot be ruled out.

Most often, condylomas appear in places where trauma often occurs, and constant mechanical friction is also noted.

There are a number of factors predisposing to the development of the disease:

• Immune system dysfunction.
• Unprotected sexual intercourse.
• Starting sexual activity too early.
• A large number of sexual partners.
• Too much physical and psychological fatigue.
• Overheating or hypothermia.
• Poor nutrition.
• Infectious diseases.
• Mechanical injuries and infection.
• Bad habits.
• Abuse of hormonal contraception (cases of vulvar condylomas appearing after Yarina, etc. have been recorded).
• Vaginal dysbiosis as a consequence of self-medication.

Symptoms of condyloma

Photo of genital warts in a woman

Symptoms of condyloma in women and men appear after a long incubation period, which can last from several weeks to several years.

In most cases, formations also appear under the influence of provoking factors in the genital area, also in the mouth, on the tongue. In more rare cases, they form on the skin of the body.

• Genital warts in men can appear directly on the penis. Condylomas on the penis most often appear in certain places - on the glans penis, coronal sulcus, foreskin. Less commonly, such formations grow on the penis at the frenulum.
• Condylomas in women most often appear on the labia minora, on the cervix, clitoris, near the anus, and in the perineum.

Genital warts, which form on the labia minora, are manifested by the following symptoms:

• Comb-shaped or papillary growths on the mucous membrane.
• Itching directly in and around the affected areas.
• The appearance of an unpleasant odor.
• Pain and burning in places where constant friction occurs.

Single condylomas of the external genitalia, as a rule, occur without pronounced symptoms.

The formation itself is mobile and not fused to the tissues that surround it. It can be either soft or dense. On the skin, the color of condylomas is white or brown, on the mucous membranes it can be pink or reddish. Signs of keratinization are likely. In this case, manifestations of the inflammatory process may be observed.

Postoperative period

Treating condylomas yourself at home is very dangerous. Such actions can lead to the most severe and unexpected consequences. To eliminate unpleasant growths, you need to understand the essence of the problem. What causes growths to appear on the perineum, near the anus or in intimate areas? The causative agent of the disease is the papilloma virus, which penetrates cells (epithelial) and changes their structure. As a result, a person develops one condyloma, which grows as the disease progresses. After excision or removal of the tumor using modern methods, the papilloma virus remains in the body. The immune system is unable to produce antibodies against this type of virus.

In order to remove formations and not be afraid of the consequences of their removal, the patient needs to know how the healing process goes. Each removal method has its own side effects and recovery period. What complications should you expect? A method for destroying condyloma, which is used in modern medicine:

• Cryodestruction. A small scar remains at the site where the condyloma was located. In a healthy patient without hidden chronic diseases and secondary infections, the wound heals on its own within 2 weeks. The first few days after the procedure, the damaged area of ​​skin should be treated with the simplest antiseptics and the wound should be protected from external influences.
• Cauterization. After cauterizing the condyloma with chemicals and acids, a noticeable scar remains on the body. The inexpensive method is used in most medical institutions, but is not the most effective in treating the virus. Relapses of the disease after cauterization are inevitable.
• Coagulation. Diathermocoagulation is a modern method that allows damaged skin areas to heal twice as fast. After only 2 weeks, the patient is allowed to have sexual activity without a threat to the partner. An effective but painful procedure is used only for small growths (initial stages of the disease).
• Therapy using radio waves. A method that eliminates direct intervention allows the tumor to be destroyed in several procedures. Radio wave therapy is contraindicated for implanted elements and implants. The skin heals within 10 days after the procedure.
• Laser excision of formation. One of the most effective methods is based on the use of a laser, which removes condyloma with minimal postoperative scars. The laser beam does not harm adjacent areas of the skin.
• Drug therapy. Long-term therapy, which has a minimal number of side effects, allows you to destroy condyloma without any kind of intervention. Restoration of the skin after such therapy takes much longer.

Further prevention and care will help delay the recurrence of the disease. Healing of wounds after surgery will be faster if, in parallel with the main therapy, the patient strengthened his own immunity. A weak body is unable to resist the virus and the recovery process will take twice as long. Is it possible to have sex after removing the growth and how does the disease affect the patient’s sex life?

Diathermocoagulation promotes rapid healing of wounds

Immediately after removing the growth, a scar or small wound forms at the site of the damaged tissue. Neighboring skin may also suffer from the chosen method, which helped remove the growth. Often the affected skin itches or there is a strong burning sensation in the place where the condyloma previously grew. There may be several reasons for such consequences.

It is necessary to fight warts not only before they are excised, but also during the period when the skin is healing. Rehabilitation determines how soon the growths will disturb the person again. If only one tubercle appears, its removal will proceed without complications.

It is not difficult to treat a large area of ​​skin or mucous membrane, but such measures will take more effort and time from the patient. How to avoid re-formations and speed up the rate of skin healing?

Tests and diagnostics

In the process of diagnosing condylomas, the following research methods are used:

• Carrying out a thorough examination - as a rule, a visual examination allows you to establish the correct diagnosis.
• PCR diagnostics - allows you to determine the presence of the HPV virus, as well as its type.
• Histological examination is carried out if oncological processes in formations are suspected.
• Urethroscopy and extended colposcopy - used for a more detailed study.
• In some cases, additional consultations with specialists are required - urologist, dermovenerologist, proctologist, etc.

Treatment with folk remedies

The use of folk remedies in this case is possible as an auxiliary treatment. After consultation with a doctor, the following methods can be practiced:

• Bath with chestnut . To prepare such a bath, you need to pour boiling water over half a bucket of horse chestnut flowers and leave for 12 hours. Heat to 40 degrees and keep the affected areas in this bath for about 20 minutes. Carry out once every two days for two weeks.
• Rabbit cabbage compress . The plant needs to be wiped and the pulp placed on the formations. Keep it on for 5 hours, then rinse off.
• Garlic compress . You should prepare a paste of garlic and apply it to the formations for several hours.
• Kalanchoe compress . Prepare a paste from fresh leaves of this plant and apply it to the affected areas for 5 hours.
• Celandine juice . It is necessary to pick a fresh celandine plant and lubricate all formations with its juice. It is important to prevent juice from coming into contact with healthy skin. Warts should be lubricated once a day.
• Douching . For this purpose, use a decoction of chamomile and St. John's wort. 1 tbsp. l. chamomile and St. John's wort pour 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. For douching, use it warm.
• Potato juice . It should be prepared morning and evening and drunk 150 ml before meals. Drink the juice for two months.

Procedure execution algorithm

Laser removal of condylomas is one of the safest and most effective procedures. Before surgery, the doctor checks the growth to see if it is benign; for this, a biopsy is prescribed. After receiving the histology results, blood tests are prescribed in order to determine the pathogen and select a comprehensive and effective drug treatment. Only after all these manipulations and in the absence of contraindications, the patient begins to be prepared for laser surgery.

The area is anesthetized and disinfected before laser therapy. The doctor sets the power, depth of exposure and beam diameter to the device. The entire procedure takes on average 40 minutes, everything directly depends on the number and size of formations.

In order to remove condylomas on the genitals, 2 procedures are needed. The second procedure is carried out at least 14 days later.

After removal, wounds form that must be carefully treated. The skin will recover within approximately 14-20 days.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing this disease, you must follow these prevention rules:

• Take measures to strengthen your immune system .
• Avoid promiscuous intimate relationships.
• Remember that sexual contacts should always be protected.
• Maintain personal hygiene and do not use other people’s hygiene items.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle, get rid of bad habits.
• Consult a doctor when the first signs of illness appear.

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 in children

In children, such formations are also caused by HPV. When they appear, careful monitoring of the baby’s health is required.

Most often, such growths form at the border of the skin and mucous membrane - in the anogenital area, in the nose, etc.

Infection occurs directly - a child can become infected from a mother with HPV while still in the womb. However, the first visible symptoms in a baby may appear only after a few years. However, a household route of infection is also possible - through hygiene items, etc.

Treatment requires not only removal of condylomas, but also correction of the immune status. However, parents should understand that self-medication in this case is unacceptable.

Skin care after the procedure

Try not to wet the skin after removing the tumor, do not treat it with lotions, creams, or decorative cosmetics. Under no circumstances should you peel off the crust formed after the procedure! This can lead to infection of the wound, prolongation of healing time, and noticeable scarring. After the crust comes off, young skin needs to be protected from sunlight with a cream with a UV filter. This will help avoid the appearance of age spots. Do not touch this area with a washcloth until the crust completely falls off.

Condylomas during pregnancy

During pregnancy , a woman who experiences similar symptoms often worries about how this disease will affect her unborn child.

If condylomas are located on the genitals, there is a risk of infection of the child as it passes through the birth canal. That is why such women may be recommended to have a cesarean section .

However, it is not recommended to remove such growths before the 28th week of pregnancy. In any case, if such symptoms appear, you should immediately visit a doctor. Reviews or advice on the forum should not become a guide to action.

We recommend laser removal of condylomas.

Advantages of laser removal of condylomas:

1. No recurrence of condylomas after their removal,
2. Laser removal is carried out without leaving any traces - no scars are formed at the removal site,
3. Laser removal cannot be avoided if the condylomas have reached large sizes or if there are condylomas of the Buschke-Levenshtein type. This is due to the complete bloodlessness of removal of such condylomas and the ability to clearly monitor the layers of skin during the doctor’s work.
4. Healing during laser removal of condylomas proceeds quickly, the maximum recovery period is 14 days.
5. There is no pain after laser removal of condylomas.
6. In addition, the patient’s performance does not suffer at all.

Click to view photos. Attention! Profile surgical photo, 18+.

Rice. 2. Recurrence of conidlomas after removal. Find out details

Diet

Diet to boost immunity

• Efficacy: therapeutic effect after 3 weeks
• Terms: 1-3 months or more
• Cost of products: 1600-1800 rubles. in Week

During the treatment process, it is important to eat a varied diet in order to improve the immune status, providing the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The menu must include the following products:

• Sea fish.
• Vegetables, berries and fruits.
• Greenery.
• Porridge.
• Nuts.
• Bread with bran.
• Rosehip decoction.
• Juices.

The following products should be excluded from the menu:

• Fast food.
• Canned food.
• Sausages and semi-finished products.
• Alcohol.

It is recommended to limit the amount of sugar and coffee.