What is squamous cell papilloma of the cervix called?

It is known that among gynecological pathologies, benign conditions of the cervix are in the lead. This is often due to the anatomical structure and barrier functions of the cervical region.

The cervix is ​​a muscular tube of conical or cylindrical shape. In the structure of the reproductive system, the cervix performs an important function, being a barrier between the vagina and the muscular organ.

The cervix consists of two parts:

• vaginal;
• supravaginal.

The supravaginal portion of the cervix is ​​located above the vagina and is inaccessible for gynecological examination. While the vaginal part is directly adjacent to the vagina. It is thanks to its localization that this area got its name.

Inside the cervix, the cervical canal is defined, which provides communication between the vagina and the uterine cavity. The cervical canal opens with its upper edge into the uterine cavity, and its lower edge into the vagina. Its upper part forms the internal pharynx, and the lower part forms the external pharynx.

The cervix is ​​covered with two types of epithelium:

• flat multilayer;
• cylindrical single layer.

By covering a certain area of ​​the mucous membrane, the epithelium helps the cervix perform its functions. In particular, the vaginal portion of the cervix is ​​lined with stratified squamous epithelium, and the cervical canal is covered with columnar single-layer cells.

The vaginal area of ​​the cervix is ​​visualized in the speculum during examination by a gynecologist. The doctor determines a smooth pale pink surface, which normally does not have ulcers or inclusions. The specific appearance of the mucous membrane of this area is given by flat cells arranged in several layers.

Flat epithelium can be represented as three successively formed layers.

1. The basal layer consists of immature cells that are distinguished by their round shape and one large nucleus. This deep layer borders adjacent vessels, nerves and muscles.
2. The intermediate layer contains maturing cells that have undergone some changes. They become flatter, and the core gradually decreases in size.
3. The surface layer includes old mature cells that function as intended. Due to the ability to be exfoliated, the cells provide renewal of epithelial tissue.

The cervical canal is lined with cylindrical cells arranged in one row. These elements determine the reddish color of the mucous membrane and its velvety texture. The cells also contain glands whose function is to produce protective mucus. This secretion has a different consistency depending on the day of the cycle. Thanks to the secreted mucus, pathogenic microorganisms cannot penetrate into the uterine cavity from the vagina. Thus, this mechanism provides a protective function, preventing inflammation in the sterile uterine cavity.

Two types of epithelium border in the area of ​​the transformation zone, which represents the transition from one type of tissue to another.

Among benign pathologies of the cervix, various neoplasms occupy a special place. One of the most common formations is squamous cell papilloma of the cervix.

The term “papilloma” is familiar to many representatives. Papilloma, including squamous cell, is a small formation or tumor that consists of epithelial as well as connective tissue.

Many women are interested in the answer to the question of what causes the appearance of squamous cell papilloma on the cervix. It has been scientifically proven that HPV causes the formation of squamous cell papillomas on the cervix.

HPV is extremely common among both men and women. About 90% of people are infected with various types of papillomavirus. Modern science knows more than 120 strains of HPV.

The prevalence of HPV is associated with many factors. In particular, after infection, the virus penetrates the cell and starts the process of epithelial growth, which is pathological. As a result, small formations appear that look like papillae. These neoplasms can be:

• single;
• multiple.

Often, gynecologists identify squamous cell papillomas of the cervix, which are single in nature. The appearance and structure of papillomas can differ in their diversity.

About pathology

Cervical papillomavirus is a common infection that is now quite often found in women of reproductive age around the world. Numerous studies have proven that some of its types can cause the development of malignant neoplasms, so if this diagnosis is confirmed, treatment should be prescribed immediately.

There are several ways of infection with this virus:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse. A woman can become infected not only through vaginal sexual intercourse, but also through other types (anal, oral). Moreover, the virus can enter the body even through a kiss.
• Household way. In this case, you can become infected with the virus in a swimming pool, solarium, sauna and other public places. Often, infection occurs as a result of sharing personal hygiene items with a carrier of the virus.
• Vertical. Transmission of the virus from mother to child. A pregnant woman who has previously been diagnosed with papillomatosis must not only be checked by a gynecologist, but also undergo additional tests, since the virus can make itself felt at any time.

An artificial route of transmission is also known. The virus enters the body when medical personnel use unsterile instruments.

Papillomas in the cervix are of the following types:

• Flat. Single or multiple neoplasms with a rough surface and smooth borders. They rise slightly above the skin.
• Pointed papillomas. A type of wart. Condylomas have the appearance of papillary formations on a stalk. Most often occur in the genital and anal areas.

Diagnostic methods

Since cervical condylomas do not manifest themselves for a long time, in order to diagnose them, it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist at least twice a year. Based on the results of the medical history, the doctor can determine the source of infection, the nature of the pathological process, and the general condition of the patient.

A gynecological examination can reveal changes in the shade and integrity of the epithelium, the structure and number of growths. During the examination, the doctor takes a smear for further examination. Morphological examination of the material reveals the nature of the cells (benign or malignant) and the depth of invasion. When identifying HPV, it is necessary to determine its type and oncogenicity. This can be done using PCR. It is imperative that a woman and her sexual partner undergo a blood test for syphilis and HIV.

Among the instrumental diagnostic methods, the most informative is colposcopy. With its help, you can see in an enlarged form all the changes in the mucous membrane of the cervix.

Causes of papilloma on the cervix

The main causes of papillomas on the cervix are unprotected sexual intercourse and poor personal hygiene (using other people's personal items: towels, toothbrushes, underwear, etc.).

Additional provoking factors for the development of cervical papillomatosis in women can be:

• weak immunity;
• early sexual life;
• frequent change of sexual partners;
• avitaminosis;
• long-term stress and prolonged depression;
• infectious pathologies in acute course;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• venereal diseases;
• cervical erosion;
• hormonal disorders or use of hormonal contraceptives.

Important: the virus remains in the human body for life and, under the influence of the above factors, can recur.

Symptoms of cervical papilloma

Human papilloma in women on the cervix is ​​manifested by the following symptoms:

• painful sensations in the genital area;
• the appearance of discharge with an unpleasant odor;
• the presence of vaginal bleeding not associated with menstruation;
• menstrual irregularities;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• deterioration of general condition (loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss);
• the occurrence of edema in the lower extremities (usually only one leg swells).

While examining the cervix using mirrors, the gynecologist detects the following changes:

• neoplasms are observed that look like pointed papillae or flat warts (the color of the epithelium remains unchanged);
• the epithelial tissue on the cervix becomes lumpy (indicating an acute course of the pathology);
• the presence of flat condyloma indicates the transition of the disease to a chronic form;
• epithelial dysplasia is a condition that precedes cancer;
• The oncological process most often develops in cases where not only papillomas, but also erosion are observed on the cervix. This is due to the fact that a defect in epithelial tissue provokes the development of papillomatosis.

The symptoms of papillomas on the cervix are very similar to the symptoms of other, no less serious and dangerous diseases, so do not put off visiting a doctor.

Papillomas on the cervix during pregnancy

The manifestation of pathology during pregnancy is quite justified, since a woman experiences a change in hormonal levels and, as a result, her immunity sharply decreases. Do not forget that papillomatosis is a dangerous disease that, without appropriate treatment, can provoke the onset of oncology and lead to serious consequences, so a pregnant woman has quite logical questions: how to treat papillomas in the uterus during this period and whether this can be done at all.

It is advisable to treat papillomatosis, since ignoring the disease for a pregnant woman risks:

• termination of pregnancy;
• infection of the child during childbirth (infection can occur both during natural childbirth and after cesarean section).

Therapy is postponed until the third trimester (carried out from 28 weeks) and is carried out with extreme caution. Some doctors do not see any point in treatment at all, since there are risks of complications (exceptions are large condylomas, which interfere with natural delivery; they are recommended to be removed immediately).

In the absence of treatment, in some cases, neoplasms after childbirth decrease and completely resolve. So-called spontaneous healing occurs. But the likelihood of such a phenomenon decreases if a woman suffered from this disease before conception.

If the child was nevertheless infected during childbirth, then he may experience papillomatosis of the bronchi and larynx, and the presence of anogenital warts.

Locations

Squamous cell papillomas are very common and can occur in many areas.

It is the skin of the face that most often suffers from the presence of viral tumors. They usually affect the eyelids, neck, or area behind the ear. These areas have delicate skin that is prone to increased trauma, which can aggravate the progression of the disease.

If PP appears in the eyelid area, the eyes may be at risk. This entails potential loss of vision, so the growths must be removed. In this area, papillomas are usually small in size and grow slowly.

Esophagus

Squamous cell papillomas in the esophagus are usually rare. If they are present, the patient experiences symptoms such as:

• belching;
• nausea;
• intense salivation;
• stomach pain.

Neoplasms in the esophagus are considered a rare type of growth that practically never occurs.

Diagnostics

In most cases, the diagnosis of “human papillomavirus on the cervix” is made after the first examination by a gynecologist, but other additional diagnostic measures may be needed:

• colposcopy (diagnostic examination using a colposcope, which helps identify many gynecological diseases in the early stages);
• PCR method (a diagnostic method that helps in biomaterial samples to identify the type of pathogen);

Also, if the presence of papilloma on the cervix is ​​suspected (detection of a malignant process), a cytological examination of the smear is performed.

Pap test results may look like this:

• Classes I and II mean that there are no tissue structure disorders;
• Class III means that additional histological examination is required;
• Class IV and V mean that atypical tissues are present and a process of malignancy is observed.

An important role is played by the differential diagnosis of cervical papilloma from other, no less dangerous diseases:

• Leiomyoma (a neoplasm that develops in the uterine cavity and is benign).
• Endometriosis of the cervix (a common gynecological pathology, which is characterized by the proliferation of tissue related to the uterine mucosa outside its boundaries).
• Erosive pathology (damage to uterine tissue resulting from the negative effects of infections, inflammatory processes and dysbacteriosis).

Doctors whose help you may need: gynecologist, venereologist, oncologist.

Diagnostic measures

After visiting a doctor about unpleasant symptoms, a number of examinations are prescribed.
The main diagnostic procedures are:

• physical examination of the genitals, genitals;
• bimanual examination of the vaginal cavity;
• ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, uterus and cervical canal.

Laboratory studies of biological material are of particular diagnostic value.

For the purpose of differential diagnosis, the following tests may be prescribed:

• General clinical blood test. The analysis allows you to detect the virus at the earliest stage of infection. The biomaterial is collected through venous access.
• Polymerase chain reaction. An effective research method that allows you to evaluate the DNA of the virus, including even single strains. The study requires material from the vaginal cavity.
• Vaginal smear for cytological examination. The method is effective for determining the type of viral strains and their level of oncogenicity.
• PAP test. The method refers to cytological types of research, when it is possible to assess the condition of the epithelial layer of the cervix and assess the risks of developing a cancerous tumor. The study requires material obtained by scraping the epithelium.
• Digene test. A modern research method that allows you to determine the viral strain, its type and the degree of cancer danger. The advantage is the ability to determine the concentration of altered cells in a certain area of ​​the mucous membranes, but the disadvantage is the high cost.
• Genotyping. The technique detects several types of viral infection at once. Venous blood is used as biological material.

It is not necessary that if HPV is suspected in women, all types of tests will be carried out. Sometimes a classic blood test and histological examination of altered tissues are sufficient.

Treatment of cervical papilloma

Treatment of cervical papilloma is carried out comprehensively: using medications and surgery. It is impossible to cure papilloma at home. Therefore, you should not self-medicate or hope that the disease will go away on its own.

The choice of treatment tactics often depends on the following factors:

• patient's age;
• state of the immune system;
• type of papilloma;
• localization of education;
• the results obtained (presence of concomitant pathologies, etc.).

Drug therapy is carried out using the following drugs:

• immunomodulators (“Likopid”, “Viferon”, “Ginephron”, etc.);
• antiviral drugs (“Cidofovir”, “Isoprinosine”, “Groprinosin”);
• probiotics (help restore microflora);
• vitamin complexes (“Multimax prenatal”, “Kombilipen”, “Elevit”, etc.);
• cytotoxins (“Fluorouracil”, “Condilin”, etc.).

Removal of cervical papilloma can be carried out in the following ways:

• Cryodestruction.

A method in which papilloma is exposed to liquid nitrogen. It freezes the formation, thus preventing the circulation of oxygen in the tissues. After a few days, a scab appears at the site of the papilloma, which disappears after 2 weeks.

• Cauterization.

This method is rarely used separately from others, since it can only reduce the growth rate of papilloma. There are 2 types: electrical and chemical. In the process of electrical cauterization, the neoplasm is exposed to high temperatures, in the process of chemical cauterization - chemical substances.

• Laser.

Today, this is the most effective method of combating papillomas. It has a number of advantages: safety, no scars after the procedure, low likelihood of relapse, recovery in a short time. Its only drawback is its high cost (compared to other methods).

• Radio wave method.

A method in which the papilloma is exposed to radio waves, but is not suitable in all cases. It is contraindicated in such cases: if a person has oncological pathologies, during pregnancy, with inflammation of the skin, etc.

Folk remedies will not help eliminate the disease, but they can improve immunity, so you can drink decoctions from the following medicinal plants:

• ginseng;
• Rhodiola rosea;
• echinacea;
• rose hip;
• aloe;
• elder;
• black currant (leaves);
• Linden blossom;
• Melissa;
• mint;
• dandelion.

Before using traditional recipes, you must consult your doctor.

What does it look like?

Squamous cell papillomas always rise slightly above the skin. Each growth has a small stalk on which is a wide base. The size of such papillomas usually does not exceed 2-3 cm, the smallest can be only 1 mm.

When palpated, papillomas do not cause pain. The growths are soft to the touch and do not differ in color from the tissues located nearby. However, the course of the disease can be complicated by the presence of hyperkeratosis. In this case, keratinization of the skin is observed, and the papilloma itself becomes hard and begins to peel off. At the same time, it changes color to grayish, brown or brown.

PPs also differ in the depth of their location. They can grow deeply, localized under the epithelium, or they can be located on the surface of the skin.

Prevention of papillomas on the cervix

Cervical papillomavirus will not be able to negatively affect the body if a person is vaccinated. It can prevent the development of oncogenic types of HPV and guarantee stable immunity against this disease.

Contraindications to vaccination are:

• pregnancy;
• breast-feeding;
• presence of HPV in the body (vaccination is given to women and teenage girls who do not have the virus);
• any acute pathology;
• blood diseases.

Opinions about the need to introduce this vaccine are divided. Some consider it a blessing, others the opposite. Therefore, many people have to decide on their own whether to get vaccinated or not.

Doctors also recommend:

• monitor the state of the immune system;
• Healthy food;
• maintain physical fitness;
• treat all diseases in a timely manner.

Parents should communicate with their children about this topic. They should inform adolescents about the importance of safe sex and the dangers of bad habits (alcohol addiction and smoking).

Forecast

Cervical papillomatosis is not considered a rare phenomenon in our time. The disease is most often diagnosed in women aged 25 to 40 years. It is especially dangerous because it can cause cancer. It is important to begin treating malignant tumors on the cervix at an early stage. Only in this case the disease practically does not recur. In advanced cases, longer and more radical treatment is provided.

Faced with this pathology, many women panic and often hesitate to immediately seek medical help. This should not be done, because about 70% of the population are carriers of the human papillomavirus, and there is nothing shameful in this disease. Only careful attitude towards one’s health and a certain amount of caution can protect a woman from many diseases, including this one.

Causes and types of manifestations of HPV in women

Against the background of a decrease in the body’s defenses, the virus becomes more active under the influence of the following factors:

• genitourinary infections and sexually transmitted diseases;
• early onset of sexual activity;
• multiple indiscriminate intimate contacts;
• non-traditional sexual orientation;
• non-standard satisfaction of sexual needs (anal sex);
• abortions.

Papillomavirus in women can manifest itself either in the rather harmless form of warts or infect the external and internal genital organs. In the latter case, benign neoplasms can eventually develop into cancerous tumors. Of particular danger are:

• Genital warts. In the absence of strong immunity, the incubation period is usually 3 months. At first, small formations with a fringed edge and a wide base appear. Without treatment, condylomas grow and can reach several centimeters in diameter, and also merge into a continuous fringe (see photo). Main locations: mucous membrane of the oral cavity, cervix, vagina, labia minora, as well as the skin of the perianal area. The greatest danger is posed by condylomas located on the cervix or in its canal (they often degenerate into malignant neoplasms).
• Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) refers to a dangerous precancerous condition of the epithelium of the cervix. There are 3 stages of this process, and for 1 and 2 the prognosis is usually favorable, and 3 is cervical cancer in the initial stage.

To draw up a successful treatment regimen, it is necessary to conduct specific laboratory tests and establish the specific type of virus that caused the disease.