Papilloma: What It Is, Treatment and Results

Papilloma are small, soft, benign growth that are usually the same color as the skin. They often look like skin tags on the leg. Sometimes they are darker and may resemble a raised mole. Most papillomas are 1-10 mm in size, but some can grow to several centimeters. They most often appear in areas of friction and creases, such as the armpits, neck, groin, or eyelids.

What is the likelihood of developing papillomas?

The likelihood of developing papillomas increases with age. The risk may also increase:

If you have a genetic predisposition;
If you have high blood cholesterol levels;
If you have diabetes and are overweight;
During pregnancy due to hormonal imbalance.

What are the main symptoms?

Papillomas usually do not cause any symptoms. In some cases, friction between papillomas and the skin, clothing, or jewelry may cause discomfort or bleeding.

When are papillomas removed?

In case of discomfort or bleeding;
In case of constant trauma;
For aesthetic purposes, if you are dissatisfied with its location or appearance.

Methods of papilloma removal

Radiosurgical papilloma removal

This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, when anesthetics are injected only into the area where the mole will be removed. An electrode is used to remove the mole, which does not physically touch the skin, and the incision is made using radio waves. The generator uses a frequency of 4.0 MHz, which is more than 8 times higher than that of electrosurgical devices. This incision allows the tissues to heal with minimal postoperative pain and scarring, and also shortens the duration of the operation. After removal of the lesion, healthy skin forms within a week, leaving no scar. The use of surgical radio frequency technology ensures unmatched precision, versatility, and safety.

Laser papilloma removal

During this procedure, the doctor uses a laser that emits intense pulses of light to destroy the papilloma. For small papilloma, a few sessions are enough to destroy the papilloma. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the papilloma, the procedure takes about 10-20 minutes. Laser papilloma removal is a safe, painless, and effective method for achieving excellent aesthetic results. This method can be very effective for removing papillomas for aesthetic purposes.

Papilloma removal with nitrogen (cryotherapy)

During cryotherapy, the mole is removed using liquid nitrogen. The temperature of liquid nitrogen can be as low as -196 degrees Celsius to destroy the papilloma cells. Cryotherapy is most commonly used to remove warts or seborrheic keratoses. The procedure is slightly painful and may leave a scar or slight discoloration of the skin.

Surgical papilloma removal

Surgical removal of papillomas is usually chosen when a lesion is suspected to be atypical or malignant. The operation (excision of the lesion) is performed under local anesthesia, when anesthetics are injected only into the area where the lesion will be removed. The suspected lesion is removed and the wound is sutured with special sutures. The removed lesion is then sent to a laboratory, where pathologists examine it and make a precise final diagnosis of the pathology. The final pathological response to the excision of the lesion is the most important test, which confirms the diagnosis of the disease and determines the patient's further examination and treatment tactics. Ten to fourteen days after the operation, during a follow-up visit, the sutures are removed and the results of the final pathological response are discussed.

Detailed information about the papilloma removal

What happens before the operation?

Before the papillomas removal operation, the doctor will examine your skin and perform a dermatoscopy, during which he will evaluate the lessions. During the consultation, the experienced doctors at OST KLINIKA will recommend the most appropriate treatment method for your case. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to best prepare for the planned treatment. It is recommended that you do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants a few days before the surgery, as they may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, especially local anesthetics.

What happens during the operation?

You will be given a local anesthetic at the site of the operation so that you do not feel any pain and the procedure is as gentle as possible. The laser will then destroy the papilloma using intense pulses of light. The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes. During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort and pressure.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure, the doctor may monitor you for up to 15 minutes to ensure that you do not experience any side effects, including dizziness, nausea, or allergic reactions. Local anesthesia will not cause fatigue or drowsiness, so you will be able to drive yourself home.

After the procedure, it is recommended to:

Dress and care for the wound;
Take pain medication;
Rest and recuperate.

Side effects of the operation

Redness, swelling, and pain at the site of the operation;
Bleeding;
Scars (which may or may not be noticeable);
Infection;
The papilloma may recur;
Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Is papilloma removal painful?

To ensure that mole removal is painless, your doctor will use local anesthetics. You may feel slight discomfort at the site of mole removal, which should disappear after 12-24 hours.

What is the healing period after the operation?

The healing period depends on your overall health and the size of the papilloma that was removed. Healing is likely to take 1 to 2 weeks after papilloma removal. During this period, you will be able to engage in your daily activities, but you may experience slight discomfort. To promote faster healing and avoid infection, you should follow your doctor's instructions for wound care.