How is the removal of papillae on the labia performed in women?

While HPV vaccination is available for children and adolescents, the benefit of vaccinating sexually active adults is lower — most likely, at some point in their lives they have already encountered different HPV strains, and the immune system is able to cope with them. Nevertheless, a gynecological surgeon can remove genital papillomas.

What is a genital papilloma?

A genital papilloma is a benign growth in the intimate area (on the labia minora and labia majora, penis, perianal area, pubic region, upper thighs) that occurs due to infection with HPV. Only 28 out of more than 400 HPV strains are oncogenic, meaning there is a minimal risk of papillomas transforming into cancer.

What does a genital papilloma look like?

Papillomas on the labia are most often flesh-colored, reddish, or beige and appear as small bumps or growths resembling «cauliflower» on a stalk. Sometimes papillomas can grow quite large (several centimeters), becoming irritated due to friction from underwear, or spreading to surrounding tissues (for example, from the pubic area to the labia majora).

What symptoms may accompany papillomas in the intimate area?

First of all, papillomas and genital warts (anogenital warts) cause aesthetic discomfort. As they grow, papillomas start to cause problems: they can be injured during sexual intercourse or by clothing, and may bleed, chafe, or itch.

What are the causes of papillomas on the labia in women?

The cause of papillomas and genital warts in the genital area is infection with HPV. This virus is highly active, is transmitted sexually, and barrier contraception does not fully prevent its transmission. Every adult can become infected with HPV at different stages of life; however, it is important which specific strain and viral load are involved. While the immune system may overcome one strain, dealing with 20 strains simultaneously is significantly more difficult. In addition, HPV becomes activated when immunity is reduced — particularly due to chronic stress and anxiety, exacerbation of chronic diseases, or after infectious illnesses, etc.

When should you see a doctor for genital papillomas?

If papillomas in the vagina cause aesthetic discomfort or are frequently traumatized and bleed, a doctor should be consulted. This may be a dermatologist if the lesions are on the skin (for example, on the pubic area or groin folds), or directly a gynecologist if the growth is located on the vaginal mucosa.

How are genital papillomas treated?

Treatment of papillomas on the labia may be conservative or surgical. Conservative therapy includes the use of special creams and topical ointments that reduce the number of genital papillomas. Surgical treatment involves removal of papillomas using laser, radio waves, or chemical agents.

Who is indicated for removal of papillomas in intimate areas?

Removal of papillomas on the pubic area and other intimate locations is indicated for patients whose quality of life is affected and for whom medication therapy is insufficient. If a papilloma begins to grow rapidly or changes shape, this is a reason to consult a dermatologist. The goal of surgical removal is to reduce viral load by removing the affected epithelium on the labia. After this, the immune system finds it easier to deal with the remaining HPV infection.

How to prepare for the removal of genital papillomas?

Before removing a genital papilloma, the doctor must confirm the diagnosis and ensure that it is not a malignant growth. Therefore, it is advisable to send the tissue for histological examination. In addition, a Pap test and an HPV test should be performed to determine which strains are involved and whether they are oncogenic. Ideally, laser removal should be performed within one week after the end of menstruation.

Is it painful to remove papillomas on the labia?

The labia are a very sensitive area, so papilloma removal is usually performed under local anesthesia (the injection itself is often the most painful part of the procedure). If the papillomas are located in an even more sensitive area near the clitoris, the procedure can be performed under sedation with subsequent local anesthesia and removal of the papilloma.

How is the removal of papillomas on the labia performed in women?

Removal of papillomas and condylomas is most often performed using laser vaporization. However, similar results can also be achieved with radiofrequency therapy, cryodestruction, surgical excision with a scalpel, or chemical agents. Regardless of the method used, the goal is the same: to destroy the affected epithelium in order to reduce the viral load in the body. Laser treatment allows this to be done quickly, reliably, and without pain — under local anesthesia. The laser beam acts only on the targeted area and does not damage deeper layers of tissue.

Recovery period after removal of genital papillomas

After removal of papillomas on the labia, the doctor prescribes topical agents with antibiotics and pain relief for about one week. Until healing is complete, the patient should avoid sexual activity, hot baths, swimming in the sea or pools. A follow-up examination is carried out after two weeks, and if recovery proceeds without complications, all restrictions are lifted.

Do papillomas on the labia always need to be removed?

If papillomas do not bother the patient, immediate removal is not always necessary. In some cases, topical treatments or medications to improve local and general immunity may be recommended.

Can papillomas reappear after removal?

Papillomas may reappear after removal in case of reinfection with HPV or an increase in overall viral load. In such cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor again and undergo an HPV test.

Why are papillomas on the genitals dangerous?

Frequent trauma and bleeding of genital papillomas may lead to the spread of other infections and create more favorable conditions for contracting sexually transmitted diseases. In rare cases, oncogenic HPV strains can lead to cervical cancer.

Prevention of papillomas on the labia

The prevention of papillomas on the labia in adolescents is HPV vaccination. It is carried out for both boys and girls at the age of 12–13.

Can papillomas on the labia go away on their own?

Papillomas on the labia may disappear on their own if the viral load decreases, for example as a result of significant lifestyle changes and the remission of chronic diseases. Such cases do occur in medical practice.