Papillomas on the lips are pathogenic structures in the intimate area of a woman caused by one or more genotypes of the papillomavirus. And although not all strains that cause tumor development in this area are oncogenic, the disease must be treated. Even small growths in such a sensitive area can be damaged and subsequently cause a series of complications. Taking into account the prevalence of the disease, every woman should know what to do with papillomas on the lips, which doctor to go to and what procedures to perform. Particular attention should be paid to preventive measures, because practically no one is immune from papillomas on the labia minora.
Causes of papillomas on the lips.
Having seen a photo of papilloma on the lips, the patient should not be blamed for promiscuity. In fact, HPV is most often transmitted through intimacy, but this is not the only possible way for pathogenic microorganisms to reach the patient. HPV is also transmitted as a result of regular household contacts or at the time of birth. In this case, the virus carrier may not even be aware of his infection. A person with a well-functioning immune system is a carrier of the disease, but he will not find unpleasant growths on himself.
In order for the papilloma virus on the lips to begin to manifest itself in the form of a proliferation of pathogenic formations, a combination of several factors is necessary:
- presence of HPV in the body;
- decreased protective functions of the body;
- a woman's lack of attention to her own health.
The virus, not contained by the patient's immune system, destructively affects the cell division process, causing the appearance of benign structures. And if such a process is not stopped in the early stages, the protective functions are not restored, then the woman comes to the doctor with a specific question about the removal of papillomas on the lips, and not with questions about the prevention of the disease. . The decrease in immunity and, consequently, the activation of the virus, is facilitated by constant stress, seasonal vitamin deficiency, age-related hormonal imbalance or pregnancy.
Note!Men are much less likely to suffer from formations in the anogenital zone, although they are carriers of diseases. The reason for this is also the specific structure of the female genital organs, which are more susceptible to the appearance of microcracks and, consequently, to a local decrease in protective functions.
Symptoms of papillomas on the lips.
Whatever the cause of infection (violation of hygiene rules in public places or unprotected sexual intercourse), it is important to establish the presence of the disease in a timely manner. Treatment in the early stages is much easier and faster. To do this, it is enough to periodically examine the intimate zone yourself, as well as visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations.
Photos of lip papillomas can be easily found online and compared to a developing growth. During a self-examination or a routine doctor's visit, the following may be discovered:
- unit formations- small flesh-colored seals, rarely exceeding 6 mm in diameter.
- Multiple structures, in appearance the formations resemble a rooster's comb. These growths are evidence of an advanced stage of the disease. If the formations are injured during standard hygiene procedures, their color can change from flesh to dark brown.
Not all structures have a flat shape, some HPV genotypes cause the formation of formations on a thin stem.
Some symptoms that require an immediate visit to the doctor are discomfort and even pain in the intimate area when performing standard hygiene procedures or sexual intercourse, and unusual discharge. The papilloma virus on the lips can initially affect the hidden area of the intimate area.
Independent study of photographs of papillomas on the lips and identification of similar formations does not eliminate the need to visit a doctor. Only a thorough diagnosis will help establish the real cause of the disease and determine the best treatment methods.
Initial conclusions about papilloma on the lips can be drawn during a visual examination carried out by a professional. However, the final diagnosis is made after a series of tests that identify not only the presence of the virus in the body, but also its genotype and the concentration of active cells. A patient who has not yet developed growths in the intimate area, but is suspected of being infected with the virus, will receive a similar list of tests.
Test list:
- blood and urine to evaluate general health;
- tissue biopsy for already formed growths;
- The PCR test and the Digen test are narrow profile tests to confirm the presence of the virus in the body and determine its strain.
The woman should also visit a gynecologist, since there is a possibility that the activation of the virus has caused not only papillomas on the outer labia, but also on the inside of the reproductive organs (vagina, cervix). Based on the test results and the general assessment of the patient's health, therapy is prescribed.
Note!Papillomas on the lips can appear under the simultaneous influence of several strains of the virus, some of them oncogenic (16, 18, 33 and others). Only a complete examination will help identify all active genotypes.
Methods for treating papillomas on the lips.
A special feature of the treatment of papillomas on the lips is their complex nature. That is, the patient is prescribed antiviral and immunostimulating drugs to activate the body's internal reserves to combat the virus (the so-called conservative treatment) and, if necessary, hardware procedures are prescribed to eliminate the formations. Mild growths (single and small in size) can also be treated with medications and, in some cases, even with compounds recommended by alternative medicine. Therefore, early diagnosis greatly simplifies treatment.
Medicines for papillomas on the lips.
The main course of internal drug therapy is aimed at improving protective functions. The body is stimulated to fight the virus from within. To do this, for papillomas on the lips, the following can be prescribed:
- Antiviral medications, suppressing the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Immunomodulators, which thanks to synthetic elements help the immune system to carry out its tasks.
- Immunostimulantsthat help the functioning of the immune system.
Note!There is no single method of drug treatment for papillomas on the lips. The doctor selects the medications, their doses and combinations based on the patient's condition, individually in each specific case.
Removal of papillomas on the lips.
Multiple small formations lead to the question of how to get rid of papillomas on the lips by the surgical method. Modern medicine has a large selection of hardware destruction procedures:
- Electric current- a rather painful but accessible method that has proven itself for many years.
- cryodestruction— elimination of formations under the influence of low temperatures.
- Laser— Advanced technologies allow painless growth removal using high temperatures.
- radio knife- The most modern method, removal of papilloma on the lips is carried out using directed radio waves.
Traditional surgical interventions today are extremely rarely used if there is a risk of malignancy of the formation or its large size does not allow removal of the papilloma by another method. Scalpel excision requires a long rehabilitation period, and may leave a scar afterwards.
Note!All of the listed methods can be used to remove papillomas on the outer and inner lips. But in view of the increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane of the labia minora, it is preferable to choose a laser or radioblade for destruction in this place.
Traditional medicine against papillomas on the lips.
When treating papillomas on the lips with folk recipes, a number of rules must be followed:
- The compositions should be prepared immediately before application to the growth, unless specifically indicated in the recipe;
- Do not exceed the dosage indicated in the prescription;
- If at the time of using the product a burning sensation appears, the papilloma begins to grow or deform, self-medication should be stopped and consult a doctor;
- If the papilloma does not disappear within the specified period, you cannot do without the help of a specialist.
The most popular folk recipes for papilloma on the lips are also the simplest. It is recommended to lubricate the growth with celandine or Kalanchoe juice twice a day. After 2 to 3 weeks, the destruction of the papilloma can be expected.
Another equally popular recipe is compresses made from finely grated potatoes. Only red potato tubers are suitable for treatment. The pad must be replaced with a new one every 12 hours. The procedure is repeated for at least 30 days.
Important!The difficulty in calculating the concentration of the drug is the reason why most doctors do not support the treatment of papillomas on the lips with traditional medicine methods. An increased dose of the active substance can cause irritation of adjacent healthy tissues.
Preventive measures against papillomas on the lips.
The appearance of growths in the intimate area is prevented by vaccination against the human papillomavirus. These vaccines are not mandatory in post-Soviet countries, but can be given to adolescents at the request of their parents. Vaccines are recommended for girls between 9 and 15 years old, that is, before the start of sexual activity.
Additionally, preventive measures against papilloma on the lips are:
- compliance with personal hygiene standards;
- abandon bad habits, promiscuity;
- proper nutrition and moderate exercise;
- preventive examinations carried out by doctors;
- refusal to self-medicate papillomas in other parts of the body.
The appearance of papillomas on the lips indicates not only the presence of a virus in the body, but also systemic failures (decreased immunity, local inflammation or various diseases). These signs should never be ignored. It is necessary to remove papillomas on the lips in the early stages, avoiding their secondary infection or oncological transformation. Fortunately, modern medicine makes it possible to remove unsightly growths quickly and almost painlessly.