Papillomas on the lips are pathogenic structures in a woman's intimate area caused by one or more genotypes of the papilloma virus. And although not all strains that provoke 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 cause a number of complications. Considering the prevalence of the disease, every woman should know what to do with papillomas on the lips, which doctor to consult and what procedures to carry out. Special attention should be paid to preventive measures, as practically no one is immune to papillomas on the labia minora.
Causes of papillomas on the lips
Having seen a photo of papilloma on the lips, one should not blame the patient 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 through common household contacts or at birth. In this case, the virus carrier may not even know about his infection. A person with a well-functioning immune system carries the disease, but will not encounter unpleasant growths on themselves.
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;
- decrease in the body's protective functions;
- a woman's inattention to her own health.
The virus, not contained by the patient's immune system, destructively affects the process of cell division, causing the appearance of benign structures. And if such a process is not stopped in the initial stages, the protective functions are not restored, then the woman turns to the doctor with a specific question about removing papillomas on the lips, and not with questions about preventing 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.
Observation!Men are much less likely to suffer from formations in the anogenital region, 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 the infection (violation of hygiene standards 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 regularly examine the intimate area yourself, as well as consult a gynecologist for preventive examinations.
Photos of papillomas on the lips can be easily found online and compared to a developing growth. During a self-examination or a routine visit to the doctor, 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. Such growths are evidence of an advanced stage of the disease. If the formations are injured during standard hygiene procedures, their color may change from pulp to dark brown.
Not all structures have a flat shape, some HPV genotypes provoke the formation of formations on a thin stalk.
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, as well as unusual discharge. The papilloma virus on the lips can initially affect the hidden area of the intimate area.
Self-study of photos of papillomas on the lips and identification of similar formations does not eliminate the need to consult a doctor. Only a complete 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 made during a visual examination 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 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 assess general health;
- tissue biopsy for already formed growths;
- The PCR test and the Digen test are restricted profile tests to confirm the presence of the virus in the body and determine its strain.
A woman should also consult a gynecologist, as there is a possibility that the activation of the virus has caused papillomas not only on the outside of the labia, but also on the inside of the reproductive organs (vagina, cervix). Based on the test results and general assessment of the patient's health, therapy is prescribed.
Observation!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 thorough 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 remove formations. Mild growths (single and small) can also be treated with medications and, in some cases, even with compounds recommended by alternative medicine. Thus, 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 this end, for papillomas on the lips, you may be prescribed:
- Antiviral medications, suppressing the development of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Immunomodulators, which, thanks to synthetic elements, help the immune system to perform its tasks.
- Immunostimulantswhich help the functioning of the immune system.
Observation!There is no single method of drug treatment for papillomas on the lips. The doctor selects the medications, their dosages and combinations according to 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 using the surgical method. Modern medicine has a wide variety of hardware procedures for destruction:
- Electric current- a rather painful, but affordable method, proven for many years.
- Cryodestruction— removal of formations under the influence of low temperatures.
- Laser— advanced technologies allow you to painlessly remove the growth using high temperatures.
- Radio knife- the most modern method, removal of papilloma from the lips is carried out using directed radio waves.
Traditional surgical interventions today are used extremely rarely if there is a risk of malignancy of the formation or its large size does not allow removing the papilloma by another method. Excision with a scalpel requires a long period of rehabilitation and may then leave a scar.
Observation!All listed methods can be used to remove papillomas on the outer and inner lips. But given the greater sensitivity of the mucosa of the labia minora, it is preferable to choose a laser or radio knife for destruction in this location.
Traditional medicine against papillomas on the lips
When treating papillomas on the lips with folk recipes, you must follow a number of rules:
- Compositions should be prepared immediately before application to growth unless specifically indicated in the recipe;
- Do not exceed the dosage indicated in the prescription;
- If, when using the product, a burning sensation appears, the papilloma begins to grow or deform, you should stop self-medication 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 2-3 weeks, you can expect the destruction of the papilloma.
Another equally popular recipe is compresses made from grated potatoes. Only red potato tubers are suitable for treatment. The compress 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 labia using traditional medicine methods. An increased dose of the active substance may 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 human papillomavirus. These vaccines are not mandatory in post-Soviet countries, but can be administered to adolescents at the request of their parents. Vaccinations are recommended for girls aged 9 to 15, that is, before sexual activity begins.
In addition, preventive measures against papilloma on the lips are:
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- abandon bad habits, promiscuity;
- adequate nutrition and moderate exercise;
- preventive examinations carried out by doctors;
- refusal to self-medicate papillomas on 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). Such signs should never be ignored. Early removal of papillomas on the lips is necessary, preventing their secondary infection or oncological transformation. Fortunately, modern medicine makes it possible to eliminate unpleasant growths quickly and almost painlessly.