Cervical leukoplakia
Cervical leukoplakia is a pathological change in the epithelium characterized by proliferation and limited keratinization of various degrees of manifestation. It is considered as a precancerous condition. The causes and mechanism of leukoplakia development are still poorly understood at the moment, the main reason, according to gynecologists, is hormonal changes – estrogen deficiency. However, many women have a violation of the basal and cyclic secretion of estrogens, including estradiol.
reasons
Endogenous factors that provoke the development of leukoplakia include hormonal dysfunctions, disorders of the immune response and immunity in general. Exogenous causes: infections, medications, injuries, and so on.
Leukoplakia can often occur against the background of transferred inflammatory diseases, for example, endometritis, adnexitis, amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. An important aspect in development is the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, human papillomavirus and promiscuous sexual relations.
symptoms
There are two main forms of leukoplakia: simple (does not rise above the surface of the integumentary epithelium), proliferative (dense, rises above the surface of the integumentary epithelium). The first category includes thickening of the surface layer of the epithelium, its keratinization, without changing the basal structures. With a proliferative form, the differentiation of cells of all layers of tissues is disrupted, atypical cells arise – a precancerous condition.
Basically, leukoplakia may not manifest itself in any way according to the feelings of a woman. Most often it is installed at the next examination by a gynecologist, initially without any additional studies. Visually, oval-shaped spots are determined, small whitish in color, slightly rise above the skin level. They may be slightly layered.
diagnostics
Gynecological examination with mirrors
Scraping of the cervix for cytological examination
Targeted biopsy for histology
Colposcopy – assessment of the size of the lesion and the development of the process
Schiller ‘s Test
PCR scraping, for STDs, human papillomavirus
Consultation with an oncologist if necessary
treatment
The main direction of treatment is the treatment of major diseases, the elimination of the primary causes of leukoplakia. Drug therapy includes antibacterial treatment, antiviral, antifungal.
The affected areas of the epithelium are removed by cryogenic exposure, destruction (radio waves), diathermocoagulation, chemical coagulation with solkovagin is possible. For the period of treatment and recovery (tissue regeneration), all sexual contacts are excluded, contraception, including oral contraceptives, is prohibited.
In severe cases, with suspicion and confirmation of the development of the oncological process, removal of the cervix is possible.
PREVENTION
Prevention is based on timely treatment of all types of gynecological and extragynecological diseases, as well as regular preventive examinations by a gynecologist. It is strongly not recommended to self-prescribe contraceptive drugs. Only after passing the necessary analysis and recommendations of the attending gynecologist. It is necessary to exclude promiscuous sex life, to practice sexual acts with a barrier method of contraception, since it not only prevents possible pregnancy, but also prevents the penetration of pathogens of many STDs. Women who have menstrual disorders should consult not only a gynecologist, but also a gynecologist-endocrinologist, for the presence / absence of hormonal disorders. Currently, vaccination against human papillomavirus is being developed.
