Q&A Part I: What are condylomas? – Dr Mink

And why do they appear? Hormone and other tests show that Condylomas (CON) are a consequence of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are transmitted sexually. They can be in the form of comb-shaped or mucous growths.

Question:

Good afternoon! Can you help me understand how condylomas differ from warts and papillomas? Or are they all the same thing, and the name depends on where these things appear?

Answer by Dr Mink:

CON, or genital warts, appear in the genital area, as the name suggests. In other areas of the body, these growths aren’t considered to be CON. Papillomas, on the other hand, are papillary growths that can appear anywhere on the body.

Question:

Good afternoon. A doctor removed the papilloma on the labia using the radio wave method. Three days later, a white-yellow crust resembling pus covers the wound. I wash myself with a solution of potassium permanganate using Epigen spray. Is this how it should be?

Answer by Dr Mink:

Don’t worry; the process of epithelialisation (healing) happens exactly like this. The “white-yellow crust” that you describe is called a scab. Using Baneocin powder twice daily (morning and evening) instead of potassium permanganate.

Question:

Good afternoon! They detected oncogenic HPV, prescribed treatment with Polyoxidonium suppositories, and referred me for laser removal of condylomas and a test to determine the viral load. After undergoing all these procedures, what is the best way to protect myself, and what is the chance of infecting a partner with this virus after treatment? Also, is it worth having sex at all during treatment, or is it better to abstain? Thank you for your answer.

Answer by Dr Mink:

No need to worry; HPV is very common, and in most cases, the immune system copes with it on its own, even without treatment.

Remove condylomas from the genital area, and avoid sexual activity until the wound fully heals, which takes about 2 to 3 weeks. After healing, resume sexual activity freely, unless your partner also has CON on the penis, in which case they should be removed as well. Therefore, the presence of HPV, according to tests, without them, does not mean a refusal of sexual activity.

No method offers 100% protection against transmission, but using a condom is the most effective way to reduce the risk. After they are removed, there’s no need to worry about transmitting it.

Question:

An itch appeared in the anus. Then I felt a thickening between the anus and the vagina. This particular area was itching. What is it? Which Hormone doctor should I see?

Answer by Dr Mink:

If you have complaints about the possible appearance of a formation with itching in the perineum, see a gynaecologist.

Question:

Hello. I had a radio wave excision of the cervix within healthy tissues. At the moment, I am undergoing treatment with suppositories. But the histology analysis and pathomorphological diagnosis came: flat condyloma. L-SIL. They prescribed Allokin alpha injections, six injections every other day. The injections are expensive. Tell me if there is a similar drug and is it worth injecting them. Thank you.

Answer by Dr Mink:

The main treatment for cervical disease (flat CON) was performed for you; this is PEE (radio wave excision). Antiviral drugs, which include Allokin-alpha, are drugs with unproven effectiveness. The diagnosis of flat CON is a consequence of the influence of the human papillomavirus (HPV); therefore, after removing the altered mucous membrane, test doctors prescribe various antiviral or Hormone drugs to prevent relapse.

You must perform the prescribed injections correctly — subcutaneously and at home with help from relatives. If that’s not possible, you’ll need to visit a clinic for the procedures, which adds extra costs. In my practice, many years ago, I did not get a good result in the treatment of condylomas, so I refused this drug. For prevention, I prescribe antiviral drugs, but I warn patients that the drugs have no proven effectiveness. Our country produces many drugs, and I recommend using inosine pranobex tablets with glycyrrhizic acid.

Question:

Hello! My name is Tatyana; I am 24 years old. Please tell me how to get rid of genital warts. How can this be done? Is there a Hormone Blood Lab test clinic in Chita where you can remove warts with a laser? Please help, I’m looking forward to hearing back from you.

Answer by Dr Mink:

I didn’t have any doctors from Chita during my training on using lasers in gynaecology, so I can’t recommend a doctor or a clinic. If you don’t know where to go, start treatment with a home treatment method. International recommendations for the treatment of warts of the external genitalia include the use of imiquimod cream (not Indian-made).Apply this antiviral cream to the skin and warts three times a week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday) at night. In the morning, wash the area with soap and water. Avoid sexual activity during Hormone treatment. The treatment is until the warts disappear, at most 16 weeks. The effect of the treatment is after 4 weeks, but it can be later.

Question:

Hello. I have developed pointed condylomas. I removed them, but I am very afraid of a relapse. Do I need to treat the skin surface where they were with Aldara cream to prevent a relapse? For what time? And do the ones inside the vagina disappear if I treat only the outer labia?

Answer by Dr Mink:

After removing them, there is no need to apply Aldara cream to the skin if they are absent. If new warts appear (relapse of CON), it is necessary to begin treatment with Aldara cream. This approach has an excellent result that does not lead to a relapse. As for the ones on the vaginal mucosa, in this case, the most effective approach is laser removal.

Question:

Good afternoon! My CON were discovered and removed about three months ago. They have not appeared since then. But I have read a lot about them and know they often recur. After what time do they appear again? How often should I visit a gynaecologist? And what can be done to avoid relapse? I appreciate any help you can provide.

Answer by Dr Mink:

Katya, there is no effective means for preventing relapse. Many doctors in our country, and I, in particular, recommend taking tests for HPV and Hormone antiviral drugs. Their effectiveness remains unproven; however, some patients experience positive results and maintain a relapse-free course. There are many of these drugs; it is impossible to predict what will work. In these cases, you need to rely on the experience of the gynaecologist you are seeing. Relapse of condylomas depends on the activity of human papillomavirus, more often genotypes 6 or 11, and occurs within 6 months.