Labial papillomas: what to do and how to treat them?

papilloma on female labiaLabial papillomas are pathogenic structures of the female intimate region caused by one or more genotypes of the papillomavirus. Although not all strains that trigger the development of tumors in this area are oncogenic, the disease must be treated. Even small growths in such a sensitive area can be damaged and subsequently lead to many complications. Given the prevalence of this disease, every woman should know how to treat labial papilloma, which doctor to see, and which surgeries to perform. Special attention should be paid to preventive measures because virtually no one is immune to the effects of labia minora papilloma.

Causes of labial papilloma

HPV – Human Papilloma Virus 3D ModelAfter seeing pictures of labial papilloma, we should not blame the patient for promiscuity. In fact, HPV is most commonly spread through intimate relationships, but this is not the only possible way for the pathogenic microorganism to come into contact with a patient. HPV can also be spread through common household contact or at birth. In this case, the person carrying the virus may not even know they are infected. People with well-functioning immune systems are carriers of disease but do not notice unpleasant growths on themselves.In order for papillomavirus on the labia to begin to manifest itself in the form of pathogenic proliferation, a combination of several factors is required:
  • The presence of HPV in the body;
  • Decreased protective functions of the body;
  • Women don't care about their health.
The virus is not controlled by the patient's immune system and can destructively affect the cell division process, leading to the emergence of benign structures. If this process is not stopped at an early stage and the protective function is not restored, then the woman will ask her doctor specific questions about the removal of labial papillomas, not about preventing the disease. Ongoing stress, seasonal vitamin deficiencies, age-related hormonal imbalances, or pregnancy can all lead to reduced immunity, which can lead to viral activation.
notes!Men, although carriers of the disease, are much less likely to develop lesions in the anogenital area. The reason is also that the special structure of female reproductive organs is more prone to micro-cracks, which leads to a decrease in local protective function.

Symptoms of labial papilloma

What do papillomas on the labia look like Whatever the cause of the infection (violation of hygiene standards in public places or unprotected sexual intercourse), it is important to promptly identify the presence of the disease. Treatment is easier and faster in the early stages. To do this, it is enough to regularly examine the private parts yourself, as well as visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations.Photos of labial papillomas are easy to find online and compared to developing tumors. During a self-examination or routine medical visit, you may notice the following:
  • unit formation- Small flesh-colored seal, rarely exceeding 6 mm in diameter.
  • Various structures, these structures resemble cockcombs in appearance. This growth is evidence of advanced disease. If the formations are damaged during standard sanitation procedures, their color may change from flesh-colored to dark brown.
Not all structures are flat; some HPV genotypes trigger the formation of structures on thin stems.Some symptoms that require immediate medical attention include discomfort or even pain in the intimate area during standard hygiene procedures or during sexual intercourse, as well as abnormal discharge. Papillomavirus on the labia may initially affect hidden areas of the intimate area.
Self-study of photos of labial papilloma and identification of similar structures does not eliminate the need to see a doctor. Only a thorough diagnosis will help determine the true cause of the disease and determine the best treatment.
Preliminary conclusions about labial papillomas can be made by visual inspection by a professional. However, the final diagnosis is made after a series of tests that determine not only the presence of the virus in the body, but also its genotype and concentration of active cells. Patients who do not yet have growths in their private parts but are suspected of having the virus will undergo a similar checklist.Test list:
  • Blood and urine to assess general health;
  • Take a tissue biopsy of the established growth;
  • PCR tests and Digen tests are narrow-spectrum tests used to confirm the presence of the virus in the body and identify its strain.
The woman should also see a gynecologist, since viral activation has the potential to cause papillomas to appear not only on the outer labia, but also inside the reproductive organs (vagina, cervix). A treatment plan is developed based on the test results and an overall assessment of the patient's health.
notes!Papillomas on the labia may arise under the simultaneous influence of multiple viral strains, some of which are carcinogenic (16, 18, 33, etc. ). Only a complete examination can help identify all active genotypes.

How to treat labial papilloma

One of the hallmarks of labial papilloma treatment is its complexity. That is, the patient is prescribed antiviral and immunostimulatory drugs to activate the body's reserves to fight the virus (so-called conservative treatment), and if necessary, prescribe hardware procedures to remove the formation. Mild growths (single and small) can also be treated with medications, and in some cases even with compounds recommended by alternative medicine. Therefore, early diagnosis greatly simplifies treatment.

Drugs to Treat Labial Papilloma

The main purpose of oral drug treatment is to improve protective function. The body is stimulated to fight the virus from within. For this reason, for labial papillomas, the following can be prescribed:
  • antiviral drugs, inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
  • immunomodulator, thanks to synthetic elements, it helps the immune system perform its tasks.
  • immune boosterHelps the immune system function.
notes!There is no single medical treatment for labial papilloma. Doctors select drugs, dosages and combinations individually based on the patient's specific situation.

Removal of papillomas on the labia

Cryodestruction to remove papilloma from labiaMultiple small structures lead to the question of how to surgically remove papillomas on the labia. Modern medicine has a large selection of hardware destruction procedures:
  • current- A rather painful but doable method that has proven itself over the years.
  • freeze damage—Removal of formations under the influence of low temperatures.
  • laser— Advanced technology allows you to painlessly remove growths using high temperatures.
  • radio knife- The most modern method uses directed radio waves to remove papillomas on the labia.
Traditional surgical procedures are rarely used today if the papilloma presents a risk of malignancy or if the papilloma is large and cannot be removed by other methods. Excision with a scalpel requires a long recovery period and may leave scars afterwards.
notes!All of the listed methods can be used to remove papillomas on the outer and inner labia. However, in view of the greater sensitivity of the labia minora mucosa, it is best to choose laser or radio knife to destroy it at this location.

Traditional medicine against labial papilloma

Red potatoes are a folk remedy for treating labial papillomaWhen using folk remedies to treat labial papillomas, some rules must be followed:
  • Unless otherwise stated in the formula, the composition must be prepared immediately before application to growth;
  • Do not exceed the dose stated on the prescription;
  • If you experience a burning sensation when using the product, or if the papilloma begins to grow or deform, you must stop self-medication and consult a doctor;
  • If the papilloma does not disappear within the specified time, you must seek expert help.
The most popular folk recipes for treating labial papillomas are also the simplest. It is recommended to lubricate the growth with celandine or Kalanchoe juice twice a day. After 2-3 weeks, the papilloma will be destroyed.Another equally popular recipe is a compress made from grated potatoes. Only sweet potato tubers are suitable for processing. Compressions must be changed every 12 hours. This process is repeated for at least 30 days.
important!The difficulty in calculating drug concentrations is why most doctors do not support the use of conventional medical methods to treat labial papillomas. Increased doses of active substances can lead to irritation of adjacent healthy tissue.

Preventive measures for labial papillomas

Examination by a gynecologist to prevent labial papillomasGrowths in the intimate area can be prevented by vaccination against the human papillomavirus. In post-Soviet countries, such vaccinations are not compulsory, but can be given to adolescents at the request of parents. Vaccination is recommended for girls aged 9 to 15 years (i. e. before sexual activity begins).In addition, measures to prevent labial papillomas include:
  • Follow personal hygiene rules;
  • Quit bad habits and promiscuity;
  • Proper nutrition and moderate exercise;
  • preventive check-ups by doctors;
  • Refuse to self-treat papillomas elsewhere in the body.
The appearance of papillomas on the labia indicates not only the presence of viruses in the body, but also a systemic malfunction (decreased immunity, local inflammation or various diseases). Such signals should never be ignored. It is necessary to remove labial papillomas at an early stage to prevent secondary infection or tumor transformation. Fortunately, modern medicine can eliminate the unpleasant growth quickly and almost painlessly.