Papillomatous nevus
A papillomatous nevus is a benign mass that looks like a bumpy mole that appears above the surface of the skin, outwardly similar to a papilloma. The main place of localization of the "mole" is the scalp, which is also formed in other places. Removal is recommended for frequent injuries, inflammatory processes, a desire to part with a pronounced cosmetic defect.
Causes of the appearance of papillomatous nevus
Papillomatous nevus can be acquired or congenital (already present in the child at birth). The causes are poorly understood. Basically, doctors talk about a malformation of embryonic development, leading to the concentration of pigment cells in the skin.
During pregnancy, they pose a threat:
- radiation;
- toxic poisoning;
- urinary tract infections;
- changes in the level of estrogen in the blood of a pregnant woman.
A papillomatous birthmark may not make itself felt for a long time after birth. With age, there is a slow growth of education, coming to its final size by about 20-30 years of a person's life.
Types of papillomatous nevus
Doctors divide papillomatous nevus into two forms: organic, disseminated:
- The most popular type is organic papillomatous nevus. Typical features are single formations, location on a wide base, a slight elevation above the skin. Colors - all shades of brown, ranging from brown to light gray. Outwardly, it looks like a combination of small papillary outgrowths covered with a dense stratum corneum.
- Papillomatous nevus, which appears in a disseminated form, looks like multiple "plaques" scattered throughout the body. Often, such formations become a manifestation of epilepsy, a sign of a disease of the central nervous system. Birthmarks can grow in size and fall off on their own during life.
Treatment of papillomatous nevus
Constant discomfort is one of the main reasons for getting rid of papillomatous nevus. Considering that the main places of its localization are the scalp, face, neck, it spoils the appearance. Also, in the process of combing, shampooing, putting on clothes, education is constantly injured. And, finally, the indication for removal is the progressive growth of the mole, the symptoms of its transformation into a malignant form.
The radio wave method, electrocoagulation, cryodestruction, laser - this is how the options for dealing with papillomatous nevus offered by modern medicine look like.
The choice of the method depends on the location, the size of the mole, the individual characteristics of the patient:
- Removal with a laser is advisable when it comes to formations localized on the face and neck. An excellent cosmetic result is ensured if the patient takes proper care of the wound after the procedure. The technique is not used in situations that are not clear in the diagnostic plan. Removal with a laser does not allow subsequent histological examination.
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Cryodestruction is relevant if papillomatous nevus concentrates on hidden areas of the body, the scalp. To remove the formation, you need to carefully choose a clinic and a doctor. Unprofessionalism can cause the formation of scars and burns after the procedure, which is associated with excessive "pressure" of liquid nitrogen. The technique also leaves no room for histological analysis of a removed mole.
- Electrocoagulation is a technique that attracts by the possibility of an accurate histological examination. However, the site of removal of the nevus can be "decorated" with a prominent scar, so the method is rarely used.
- The radio wave method demonstrates excellent results, tissue healing after surgery is not accompanied by the appearance of scars and scars. There are no problems with histological analysis.
- Surgical excision is used if the papillomatous formation is large. The cosmetic defect after a professional operation with the use of special sutures will not be too noticeable.
The doctor will tell you the optimal technique after carrying out the necessary studies (dermatoscopy, biopsy, visual examination).
Cryodestruction
Cryodestruction implies local freezing of tissues located in pathological areas. The temperature of liquid nitrogen allows you to start the processes of cryonecrosis, tissue death. If the specialist performing the operation has sufficient experience, there are no cosmetic defects in the form of scars. The healing process takes place under the dry "crust", within 14-20 days it is rejected independently.
The number of procedures depends on the condition of the mole, in some cases one is not enough.
Laser removal
The absence of postoperative complications in the form of scars, inflammatory processes, the absolute painlessness of the procedure, quick recovery are the main reasons for the popularity of the laser as a tool for removing papillomatous nevus. The high temperature guarantees the destruction of bacteria.
The duration of the layer-by-layer removal of a nevus depends on its size. For large formations (and at the request of the patient), local anesthesia is applied. During the healing process, proper care of the wound is required, avoiding damage to it. In rare situations of scarring, laser correction is available, after which they become invisible.
Radio wave removal
The duration of the removal of papillomatous nevus by the radio wave method is about 2 minutes. Correct work technique ensures that the patient does not have scars after surgery. The antiseptic effect of radio waves guarantees the absence of infiltrates, edema, suppuration and infection. The high frequency does not lead to the stimulation of the nerve endings, so there is no pain (not only during the procedure, but also during the healing period).
It is the radio wave method that guarantees the fastest recovery of the skin after the procedure, gives an excellent cosmetic result, can be used to get rid of formations on the face and other significant areas. The destruction of the cells of the removed material does not occur, so there are no problems with histological examination.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation is recommended by doctors if the papillomatous nevus is small in size, with a small base. Among the advantages of the procedure are also fast recovery, short duration of the operation, preservation of the integrity of healthy areas, bloodlessness. However, electrocoagulation cannot guarantee the absolute absence of cosmetic defects, and is not recommended for localization on the face.
Surgical removal
There are cases when it is not possible to avoid going to the scalpel (malignant degeneration of a mole, the patient has contraindications to other methods). The surgical technique, to which there are almost no contraindications, guarantees the absence of relapses, since healthy tissue is captured. Its main disadvantage is the likelihood of preserving an ugly scar. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia.
All owners of papillomatous nevi should definitely visit a dermatologist from time to time, together with him to make a decision on the removal or preservation of the skin formation.
The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist
Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).
