What are elements of hyperkeratosis? Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium - causes and treatment

A disease such as hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium most often occurs in females. This is because it often affects the cervix. It is a fairly common type of pathology, which most often does not differ in the presence of any visible symptoms. Thus, the detection of the problem itself occurs during a direct examination of the woman by a gynecologist. In general, destruction of the top layer of epithelium inside the vagina may not cause any discomfort, but the problem still requires immediate treatment.

Hyperkeratosis of the cervical epithelium is most often a preliminary stage in the development of cancer.

Thus, the answer to the question of what hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium in women is is clear - a condition that belongs to the group of precancerous symptoms.

Where does it come from?

Nowadays, no matter how sad it is, many women undergoing examination by gynecologists are found to have destruction of the epithelial layer of the vagina and cervix. In general, there are a lot of similar diseases of the female genital organs that provoke the formation of cancerous tumors, although not in a hundred percent of cases. What causes the disease? Why does epithelial hyperkeratosis develop in so many women?

The main causes of pathological mutations of the epithelium at the cellular level are:

• damage by viral diseases, in particular viral papilloma;
• severe forms of sexually transmitted diseases, their chronic forms;
• long-term course of candidiasis in the vagina;
• some contraceptives;
• multiple abortions or childbirths;
• neglect of personal hygiene rules;
• promiscuous sexual intercourse;
• too rough sexual intercourse.

Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium - Causes

Treatment of cervical erosion by destruction of tissue of the female genital organs also often causes hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelial cells. However, if the patient undergoes regular examinations, if a competent doctor in this matter monitors the condition of the epithelial tissue in the vagina at a professional level, then sad consequences can be completely avoided.

Certain types of pathology

True hyperkeratosis. Few people know that this manifestation of hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix is ​​more common than others. Its development is most often provoked by a serious deficiency of female sex hormones in the body. The disease is accompanied by the formation of foci of destruction, the boundaries of which are visible to the naked eye - a flat white spot with a slight matte tint. The only thing that is not observed during true hyperkeratosis is thickening of the stratum corneum of the epithelium.

Parakeratoses. This type of hyperkeratosis is less common than others. In most cases, the disease is a consequence of trauma to the internal female genital organs. These do not necessarily include rough and extreme intercourse, numerous sexual intercourse, but even cervical ruptures during natural childbirth can act as such. This variant of the development of pathology is primarily associated with reduced production of the substance keratohyalin. It is directly responsible for the elasticity of the mucous layer and the epithelial layer. The affected area of ​​the organ in question in women looks wrinkled, it is not able to regenerate and does not have a stretching function, and therefore is more susceptible to injury than others.

Dyskeratosis. This is the most dangerous type of pathology such as hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelial cells. The condition of the cervix, in this case, is classified as oncological. This is because the cells of the tissue layer in question are dividing at an incredible speed, also in a chaotic manner. The stratum corneum becomes much thicker, and small growths appear on it that look like cauliflower. The mentioned layer soon grows to such a size that the process of death of keratinized cells, which, by the way, contain grains characteristic of cancer, is disrupted. Their detection in the process of cytological laboratory testing allows us to establish a final diagnosis.

Fighting hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium requires treatment. Since it is a pre-oncological or even cancerous condition, it is worth contacting specialists as soon as possible. Modern methods of combating the disease are mechanical. Scalpels and lasers are used, or cryodestruction is performed in relation to foci of pathology.

Also, a very effective way to treat hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium is the radio wave effect on the accumulation of modified cells. In addition, patients are prescribed local administration of the drug Solkovagina.

Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium - Treatment with radio waves

Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium is also very sensitive to restorative therapy, as well as antibacterial therapy. It does not resist hormonal correction well, but this method is used only when absolutely necessary. Sometimes women are prescribed outpatient treatment.

Remember, no matter what treatment option is prescribed, maintain good personal hygiene throughout the tissue repair process.

• 1. Cervical hyperkeratosis: what is it?
• 2. Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium: types of disease
• 3. Reasons for appearance
• 4. Symptoms of cervical hyperkeratosis
• 5. Diagnostics
• 6.
  • 6.1. Help in the treatment of epithelial hyperkeratosis
• 7. Prevention
  • 7.1. Nutrition

Hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix can be safely attributed to the most common deviations from the norm, the essence of which is the keratinization of tissue cells. Being a type of dysplasia, it also implies keratinization of the mucous membrane. That is why the disease is classified as a risk zone close to oncology. We are talking about paraketarosis and dyskeratosis.

Another name for hyperkeratosis in gynecology is cervical leukoplakia. Most often, women over forty are susceptible to this disease, since it is at this age that significant physiological processes occur in the body, often affecting the formation of a pathological environment. In terms of incidence, cervical hyperkratosis is one of the first places among gynecological diseases, and some of its rejuvenation is observed.

The distinctive signs of hyperkeratosis are a certain modification of the squamous epithelium, on which segments of white mucus appear. Such areas are clearly visible visually in comparison with the healthy part of the pink tint. This deviation indicates that a malfunction occurred in the body and its functioning was disrupted. There can be many reasons for such an anomaly. It is advisable to use an integrated approach in the treatment of such a disease. This includes optimizing the nutritional regime and eliminating influencing factors. You can also use folk remedies for local action on the affected areas.

Epithelial hyperkeratosis or leukoplakia of the cervix is ​​considered a precancerous condition. Without treatment, hyperkeratosis turns into cervical erosion.

Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium: types of disease

In the body of a healthy woman, the uterus has a smooth, glossy mucous membrane. But when this organ becomes ill, swelling and redness develop. When the acute form is transformed into a chronic one, epithelial growth is observed in those places that are affected in order to protect them. Science distinguishes the following types of hyperkaratosis:

Only certain small parts of the tissue are affected, which does not pose a significant threat to the woman’s health.

• A severe form, the exact name of which is proliferative hyperkeratosis.

It carries the risk of transition to a low-quality stage. Most patients who are susceptible to this complication are adults, often at the menopausal stage. At a young age this happens much less frequently. The described pathology can be diagnosed by examination by a gynecologist using a mirror.

Note. In most cases, the disease develops without any particular symptoms. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the required frequency of visits to the doctor. This makes it possible to identify the disease in time and begin its timely treatment.

There are also rare examples when hyperkeratosis is only a characteristic feature of the body. Sometimes such a characteristic plaque confirms dysplasia or cancer. That is why tissue cytology must be done, which will either confirm or refute this diagnosis.

Reasons for appearance

Scientists call disruptions in the body's hormonal activity, as well as infectious diseases, the main factors influencing the formation of different types of cervical dysplasia.

And, although it is too early to definitely point to certain reasons, we can confidently say that there are conditions that lead to too intense keratinization of tissues.

Here is their list:

• Quite frequent external interventions in the body (abortion or other operations).
• Promiscuous sexual activity (especially early).
• Numerous births.
• Advanced venereal diseases (not even in the acute stage).
• Inappropriate use of hormonal drugs.
• Bad habits (smoking, even passive smoking).
• Irregular adherence to personal hygiene rules.

There are cases of injury to internal organs when using a variety of hygiene products, tampons, intimate objects during their intravaginal use, which can initiate the disease. A doctor can diagnose a disease with the help of the necessary instruments or even without it. Visually, with an individual examination, it is possible to identify characteristic changes, which are white spots with clear edges and a slightly convex shape.

The worst thing is that this disease has no clinical manifestations. Therefore, it is usually discovered during an examination by a specialist. If the root cause is called an infectious lesion, then itching and irritation are possible both in the middle and outside, discharge with a special smell occurs, and pain during sexual intercourse is typical.

Diagnostics

If, based on the results of a gynecological examination and test data, the patient is informed that the cytogram showed hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium, this means that as a result of the disease, a white layer on the epithelium has been identified. To obtain accurate information about the disease, a variety of methodology is used, namely:

• In-person examination;
• Carrying out ultrasound;
• Hormonal blood test;
• Preparation of medical history;
• Study of microflora after sowing;
• Examination of samples taken from affected areas.

After such comprehensive procedures, it becomes possible to see keratinized particles on the mucous membrane, either in single or in multiple quantities, and determine the diagnosis.

Sometimes, in addition to everything, a benign formation called dermatofibroma is identified. It is clear that the woman asks to explain what such a connection means. Treatment must be started immediately. Only in this case can you really get a positive result.

Note! Early detection and immediate treatment will help protect against unnecessary complications.

Treatment of cervical hyperkeratosis

An important aspect of the problem is the choice of the correct, optimal way to cure the affected epithelium. If the disease is at an early stage, medications are used that revitalize the natural capabilities of the epithelium. Such products include representatives of such groups as vitamins, probiotics and folic acid.

At the second stage of the disease, conservative treatment (medication) and surgery are used. Suitable mainly for those who have no history of abortion or childbirth. It is considered advisable to take medications based on mineral salts and other plant components. If the degree is more serious, chemical treatment may be used by cauterizing the affected areas.

For complex cases, surgical treatment is indicated, namely:

• Electrocanonization (electric current passes through a special loop, with the help of which diseased segments are removed).
• Cryodestruction of areas of hyperkeratosis. Treatment using low temperature regimes.
• Laser therapy (use of light beam energy).
• Ultrasound irradiation.
• Mechanical removal of the affected areas of the uterus using a knife.
• Complete removal of the diseased organ.

Note. The specialist who observes the patient selects medications and technologies taking into account individual characteristics, the stage of the disease and the characteristics of its course. Surgery is appropriate in extreme and precancerous stages.

There is an opinion that treatment with traditional methods is only appropriate if dysplasia is diagnosed at severe precancerous stages. In the initial stages, the described disease does not require special therapy.

Help in the treatment of epithelial hyperkeratosis

Often, to influence individual areas of the affected mucosa, methods that have been tested by people for a considerable time are used. Firstly, this is douching with decoctions and tinctures of plants that have a regenerating, healing, antibacterial effect on tissue. Do the procedure at night every day. Take only fresh decoctions in the following proportion: for 0.5 liters of water, approximately 2 tablespoons of herbs or collection. Leave for 30 minutes. Before use, the bulb and tip must be sterilized in boiled water, and then washed thoroughly. Do not release liquid under strong pressure so as not to damage the mucous membrane. Good results are obtained by washing with decoctions of oak bark, calendula, St. John's wort, knotweed, horsetail, and yarrow.

Also, a good effect is obtained when treating with various oils. The essence of the method is that they nourish the tissue cells well, making it soft, which leads to the removal of the affected epithelium. Sunflower, olive, and sea buckthorn oils are best suited for this technology. A tampon is rolled up from sterile gauze, soaked in liquid and inserted overnight.

Recently, oil candles have begun to be used. You can prepare them like this: melt one hundred grams of cocoa butter in a steamer, add a few drops of essential oils, vitamin A, alcoholic calendula and propolis. The resulting homogeneous mass is poured into oblong molds. After hardening, store them in the cold. Insert at night for a week. After a break of 7 days, the procedure is repeated.

Attention! These methods are preventative and are used in conjunction with traditional treatment prescribed by your doctor. Under no circumstances should hyperkeratosis of the cervical epithelium be ignored, since the disease without treatment easily develops into cervical erosion, and then into cancer!

Prevention

No matter how trivial it may sound, the main factor in the prevention of this disease is the same healthy lifestyle. Giving up bad habits, smoking and alcohol, and unprotected sex will not only become a proactive factor for the development of hyperkeratosis and other diseases, but will also enable the entire human body to recover. Good nutrition with healthy food rich in vitamins and microelements will also help here. Timely detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, personal hygiene and healthy sex are also components of the prevention of many diseases.

An active lifestyle, physical activity in the fresh air, systematic walks, and sports activities will become your helpers and welcome friends in your quest to improve your general condition. Please note that the genital mucosa does not react well to high temperatures. Therefore, hot baths are not recommended.

Optimization of the diet and its regimen is considered a necessary condition for effective treatment of the disease. The main importance is to replenish the body with vitamin A. It is known that the human body itself is able to produce this vitamin. To do this, you will need to have a sufficient amount of beta-carotene. Therefore, it is advisable to include in your diet a lot of greens, vegetables and fruits, especially orange ones, generous with vitamins and antioxidants, necessarily flavored with vegetable oil for better absorption, then your immunity will only be strengthened.

Well, don’t forget to cross out fried, spicy, salty, too spicy from the menu

What is cervical hyperkeratosis and how to treat this disease?

Cervical hyperkeratosis is a gynecological disease diagnosed in women, manifested by changes in the structure of the epithelium, the appearance of compactions in the area of ​​the cervical canal.

Carrying out an examination, the gynecologist sees how seals have appeared on the smooth surface of the cervix. Pieces of white fabric, peculiar growths, what are they and what is the main danger of the phenomenon?

What it is?

Cervical hyperkeratosis is a gynecological pathology that is most often diagnosed in women during menopause. The disease is characterized by the appearance of growths of connective and fibrous tissue. Its active growth leads to the appearance of compactions in the epithelial area.

Seals occur for various reasons; they can develop into oncological formations, gradually turning into cervical cancer.

Often the appearance of white spots on the surface of the epithelium is the first sign of oncology. For this reason, leukoplakia is a dangerous disease that can lead to serious consequences and complications.

Causes

Hyperkeratosis has several causes; most often the disease is diagnosed in women during menopause. In this case, the disease develops against the background of hormonal changes in the body (the level of estradiol and progesterone decreases).

So, the main reasons for the appearance of leukoplakia:

1. Chronic inflammatory disease of the reproductive system.
2. Endocrine disorders, including thyroid problems and diabetes.
3. Sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc.).
4. Traumatic injuries (ruptures) of the cervix resulting from difficult childbirth.
5. Incorrect installation of an ectopic device with extensive damage to epithelial tissue.
6. Hormonal problems in a woman’s body.
7. Surgical operations performed on the organs of the reproductive system in general and on the cervix in particular (less commonly, gynecological manipulations performed during the examination period).
8. Decreased activity of the immune system (including the presence of autoimmune diseases).
9. Abortion (if the cervix was injured by dilators during the procedure).
10. Bacterial diseases of the reproductive system (provided that the process is chronic).

Leukoplakia can be caused by various diseases, infections, inflammations, and unhealed tissue ruptures. Often the disease develops as a consequence of an endocrine disorder and manifests itself against the background of a decrease in the activity of the immune system.

The human papillomavirus can also provoke the appearance of growths in the cervical area. In this case, HPV makes certain changes in the structure of soft tissues, resulting in growths that gradually turn into tumor formations.

Hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix is ​​asymptomatic for a long period. This is the main feature of the disease. The woman does not feel discomfort or pain, she does not complain about menstrual irregularities or problems with conception.

But there are a number of specific signs that patients rarely pay attention to. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of leukoplakia:

• small amounts of bloody discharge that occurs after sexual intercourse;
• profuse leucorrhoea (mucous discharge) with an unpleasant odor.

What is leucorrhoea? It is a clear or cloudy discharge, mucous in nature, with a thick consistency that occurs in a woman on certain days of the cycle. If the amount of such discharge can be characterized as profuse, then you should consult a gynecologist. The specific smell that comes from leucorrhoea should also alert you.

Some patients also note the appearance of blood or brown discharge after sex. In this case, the discharge is moderate in nature and is not accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

The first signs of the disease are completely absent; a routine examination by a gynecologist will help to recognize the pathology at an early stage.

If the disease occurs against the background of hormonal problems in the body, then acyclic menstrual bleeding or menstrual irregularities may be observed.

The symptoms are vague; a woman can recognize the presence of leukoplakia only with careful attention to health and regular visits to the gynecologist, with the aim of conducting a routine examination in a chair, using mirrors.

Diagnostics

Hyperkeratosis is diagnosed in several stages; diagnosis consists of:

1. Standard examination of the patient on a chair using mirrors.
2. Survey, collection of symptoms and complaints.
3. Ultrasound examination of the organs of the reproductive system.
4. Laboratory analysis of microflora for the presence of pathogenic cells.
5. Hormone profile (blood test performed on certain days of the cycle).
6. Biopsies take epithelial cells for analysis to determine the presence of cancer.

Gynecological examination

This is where any visit to the gynecologist begins. The patient is seated on a chair, mirrors are inserted and with their help the condition of the cervix is ​​examined.

If the doctor sees white spots, focal or otherwise, on the surface of the epithelium, he may prescribe a colposcopy. This examination will help examine the cervix in detail and identify the presence of pathology.

History taking

If a woman has any complaints, she should tell the doctor about them. If the patient notices the appearance of leucorrhoea, bloody discharge, unpleasant odor or other signs, then it is imperative to notify the gynecologist about this.

The doctor will make the appropriate notes in the card, record all complaints, they will help make a diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment to the patient.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasound is considered one of the most accurate methods of diagnostic research. When performing an ultrasound using the transvaginal method, it is possible to obtain the maximum amount of information necessary to make a diagnosis.

Ultrasound helps determine the presence of lumps in the cervical area; if the examination is carried out using the transvaginal method, its results will be accurate.

When performing an ultrasound through the abdominal wall, making a diagnosis can cause certain difficulties. In such a situation, a set of studies is taken into account: the results of ultrasound, gynecological examination and colposcopy.

Microflora smear

The study is carried out as follows:

• the woman is seated on a chair;
• take a smear from the vagina for microflora.

Afterwards, the resulting material is sent to the laboratory. A smear helps determine the presence of pathogenic microflora in the vagina, which may indicate that a woman has inflammatory, infectious or bacterial diseases.

A smear for microflora is included in the complex of differentiated diagnostics and helps determine the presence of leukoplakia.

Hormone profile

Blood tests for hormones are performed on different days of the cycle. It helps to identify the presence of imbalances in a woman’s body. All patients who have reached menopause need to take a hormone profile once a year.

1. There are problems with conception.
2. Acyclic discharge is a concern.
3. Disruptions in the menstrual cycle occur (on a regular basis).

A hormone profile is taken 2 times a month, on certain days of the cycle. The doctor will tell you exactly when to take the test.

Scraping of the epithelium from the walls of the cervical canal. The examination is carried out under local anesthesia. During the examination, the gynecologist collects biological material using a curette, a special instrument that resembles a loop.

When the material is collected (epithelial cells located in the area of ​​​​the seals and not only are needed), it is sent for histology to the laboratory.

In a few weeks, the result of the analysis will be ready, it will determine whether there are atypical (cancerous) cells in the biological material.

A biopsy is also carried out as a comprehensive examination; the disadvantages of the procedure are the pain of its implementation and the length of time it takes to obtain results.

Otherwise, a biopsy helps determine whether the patient has cancer or other diseases at an early stage of development, which greatly facilitates treatment.

Treatment with medications

Treatment with medications involves the use of drugs:

• antifungal;
• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• immunostimulating nature.

At an early stage of development, the disease can be successfully treated; in most cases, gynecologists prescribe suppositories. Suppositories are used in courses of 14 days; after therapy, you should contact your gynecologist again. Together with suppositories, vitamins, immunostimulants and local antiseptics (in the form of solutions) are used.

Surgical intervention

There are several methods that will help relieve a woman of the problem. If drug therapy does not help, then resort to help:

1. Complete amputation– if the woman has reached menopause or already has children. They may recommend amputation. As a result of the operation, doctors remove the cervix completely; less often, they perform an operation to remove the body of the uterus.
2. Electroconization– the procedure is carried out using hot electrodes, with the help of which growths are cleared from the cervical canal. This method is considered the most traumatic, but has a relatively affordable cost. Recommended for women of menopausal age.
3. Cryodestruction– exposure to liquid nitrogen. The cervix is ​​cauterized, causing areas of the epithelium with excess tissue to die. The downside of the procedure is considered to be its low effectiveness, which is associated with the inability to determine the degree of impact on the affected areas of the epithelium.
4. Laser therapy– the laser beam cuts off or cauterizes the affected areas of tissue. As a result, the epithelium dies and is then renewed. The surface of the cervix becomes smooth and pink again, and the likelihood of complications, including cancer, decreases.
5. Ultrasound irradiation– used in severe cases, the indication for irradiation is the appearance (detection) of cancer cells in a smear.
6. Knife coanization- the procedure involves the removal of pathogenic tissues, as well as excision of the cervical cone, if necessary.

All these methods are used if conservative therapy does not bring the desired result. In such a situation, surgery will help to cope with the problem.

Traditional methods of treatment

Alternative therapy can normalize a woman’s condition, but only if it is carried out in conjunction with conservative medicine and does not replace it.

So what can you use:

• Douching with herbal decoctions. The procedures are carried out regularly, it is advisable to use decoctions of the following herbs: calendula, celandine, St. John's wort, chamomile.
• Use of oils. You can use various oils, tampons are soaked in them and inserted into the vagina, the procedures are carried out before bed, the tampon is left in the vagina overnight. You can use sea buckthorn, olive or regular sunflower oil.
• Homemade candles. You can make medicinal candles from cocoa butter; it is melted in a water bath. When the oil becomes liquid, various components are added to it: tea tree oil, sea buckthorn oil, vitamin A in liquid form, calendula tincture. Afterwards, the resulting mass is carefully mixed, poured into a mold and sent to the refrigerator. When the candles have hardened, they can be used for their intended purpose.

Consequences and complications

The most terrible consequence and complication is cancer. Oncology develops rapidly and asymptomatically. When the first signs of cancer appear, it is already too late to carry out treatment, so it is worth visiting a gynecologist regularly and taking the necessary tests.

Leukoplakia of the cervix is ​​a dangerous disease; the main danger is that the disease does not have pronounced symptoms, and under unfavorable circumstances it can lead to the development of oncology.

Cervical hyperkeratosis

Cervical hyperkeratosis is a pathology characterized by compaction and keratinization of squamous epithelial cells. The disease manifests itself as a white coating on the mucous membrane of the cervix.

In medical practice, hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix is ​​considered a precancerous condition that requires immediate diagnosis and the most effective treatment. There are mild and severe degrees of the disease.

Causes of the disease

There are many factors that can cause the development of hyperkeratosis of the cervix, namely its squamous epithelium. The main ones include:

• human papillomavirus;
• cervical cancer;
• infectious and venereal diseases;
• mechanical damage or trauma to the mucous membranes;
• disruptions in the hormonal system;
• numerous births;
• removal of erosion using cauterization with electric current;
• hypovitaminosis;
• promiscuous sex life.

In addition, the causes of the disease may be dysfunction of the endocrine glands (thyroid, adrenal glands, etc.), or the use of oral contraceptives.

As a rule, the pathology of squamous epithelium is very difficult to identify, especially in the early stages of its occurrence. Most often, hyperkeratosis of cervical cells manifests itself in the form of heavy discharge, accompanied by an unpleasant odor, and minor bleeding during and after sexual intercourse.

Such symptoms can also appear in many other diseases of the genitourinary system. That is why you should not self-medicate; it is important to promptly consult a gynecologist for professional medical help.

In later stages, the disease is characterized by an increase in the focus of pathological cells, uneven compaction of the squamous epithelium, as well as the formation of ulcers, erosions and papillomas on the surface of the mucous membrane of the cervix.

Women who have been diagnosed with cervical hyperkeratosis are interested in what it is and how dangerous this pathology is. Much is determined by the type of hyperkeratosis.

1. Parakeratosis. A rather rare form of compaction of squamous epithelium. Most often it occurs due to injury, frequent abortions, rough sexual intercourse, or ruptures during childbirth.
2. True form. This type of disease is also called focal cervical hyperkeratosis. The reason is a lack of steroid hormones in a woman’s body. As a result, characteristic foci with a white coating form on the squamous epithelium; compaction of the cells of the mucous membrane does not occur.
3. Dyskeratosis. It is considered the most dangerous form of the disease, which can subsequently lead to the development of a malignant tumor of the cervix. It is characterized by rapid and random division of squamous epithelial cells and thickening of the stratum corneum.

Diagnostics

Since cervical hyperkeratosis is practically asymptomatic, especially in the initial stages of its development, changes in the squamous epithelium can often be noticed only during a gynecological examination. To obtain more complete information about the patient’s condition, the doctor should ask about diseases, hereditary pathologies, childbirth and the presence or absence of abortions.

To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary:

• take a smear from the genital organs for microflora, as well as for STIs using the PCR method;
• donate blood and urine for general tests;
• perform an extended colposcopy;
• conduct histological and cytological examination of the biomaterial;
• donate blood for hormones, tumor markers and specific antigens to pathogens of infectious diseases.

All these laboratory methods will allow you to obtain information about possible inflammatory processes in the body, the presence of a particular virus, as well as disturbances in the synthesis of hormones in a woman’s body.

Any stages of hyperkeratosis require an examination of the pelvic organs using ultrasound. This will determine the presence of concomitant pathology of the ovaries, endometrium and fallopian tubes.

After all diagnostic measures and a gynecological examination have been carried out, the doctor prescribes treatment. The type of therapy depends on the patient’s age, the degree and type of tissue compaction, the physiological characteristics of the body and whether the woman has given birth or not.

Treatment of the initial stages of cervical hyperkeratosis includes taking medications. These can be probiotic preparations, vitamin E, A and C complexes, folic acid, as well as micro- and macroelements. In case of disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and ovaries, hormonal drugs are prescribed; if infection and foci of inflammation are detected, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.

In moderate and severe stages of hyperkeratosis, in cases where medications do not provide any effect, surgical intervention is necessary. It comes in several types.

1. Cauterization with laser. The affected area of ​​the squamous epithelium is exposed to a laser, which leads to intense heating and cell death.
2. Knife conization. This method is only suitable for patients aged 45-50 years. Removal of an area of ​​compacted squamous epithelium using a surgical scalpel. This method is not suitable for girls planning pregnancy.
3. Cryodestruction. The squamous epithelium of the cervix is ​​treated with liquid nitrogen, which promotes freezing and destruction of the affected cells.
4. Electroconization. Cells are removed using an electrical loop. As a rule, conization is performed in cases of dysplasia and the presence of HPV.

This type of treatment for cervical hyperkeratosis, such as electrocoagulation, is extremely undesirable for girls, since the procedure leaves a large scar. And this, in turn, can lead to problems conceiving a child and subsequent pregnancy.

Cervical hyperkeratosis is secretive and asymptomatic, however, its advanced stages can lead to the development of squamous epithelial cancer. It is extremely important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and undergo a course of treatment prescribed by a highly qualified specialist.

Cervical hyperkeratosis

Cervical leukoplakia refers to the hardening of some areas of the epithelium, which look like white spots on the mucous membrane.

To date, several reasons have been identified that can lead to the disease:

• violation of personal hygiene rules;
• hormonal imbalance;
• improper functioning of the endocrine system;
• more than one sexual partner over a short period of time;
• rough sexual intercourse;
• cancer of the cervix;
• various types of infections (human papillomavirus);
• complications after bacterial damage to the mucous membrane (chlamydia, gonorrhea);
• decreased immunity;
• injuries during childbirth;
• inflammation of the pelvic organs;
• use of contraceptives that are inserted into the uterus (spirals);
• frequent abortions.

The list of causes is quite extensive, but it is quite difficult to reliably determine the specific factor that provokes cervical hyperkeratosis. If you have at least one of the problems described above, you should be regularly examined by a gynecologist so as not to trigger the disease.

When making a diagnosis, it is very important to know the mechanism of disease development. Typically, hyperkeratosis appears due to prolonged inflammation. If the mucous membrane is in a state of chronic irritation, then changes in its condition may begin.

If the deformed area is unevenly stained, the risk of degeneration into a malignant tumor is quite high.

At first, the woman does not feel cervical hyperkeratosis at all. In this case, she does not receive treatment, although the earlier therapy is started, the easier it is to cure the disease. Only a gynecologist can see the pathology during a visual examination. These will be white plaques on the mucous membrane.

To clarify the diagnosis, a colposcopy will be needed. If this examination turns out to be little informative, the examination is complemented by other methods. Sometimes, as a symptom, increased discharge from the genital tract may occur. After sex, blood may appear.

Hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix requires treatment when the diagnosis is established. As soon as a woman notices increased vaginal secretion with an unpleasant odor, she should definitely consult a doctor.

There is no need to worry about changes to small areas. There is no danger in this case. Most often, the disease occurs closer to menopause.

Hyperkeratosis of the cervix of the uterus of a focal form means that there is a disturbance in the level of hormones in the body - a predominance of males over females. In this case, the doctor sees flat whitish plaques with some sheen. Some experts call many changes in the cervix pseudo-erosion, but this is not so.

Very rarely, parakeratosis can be observed. The cause of the disease is serious injury. For example, during childbirth. The production of keratohyalin is disrupted and the mucous membrane looks like a cracked surface.

Doctors consider dyskeratosis to be the most serious pathology, since it most often transforms into cancer. With such changes, the affected cells actively divide and there are more and more new growths. They look like cauliflower.

If you are diagnosed with hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix, treatment must be prescribed by a doctor after receiving test results. Research reveals the granularity of the growths. The exfoliation process is disrupted, so the dead cells are layered and the affected areas look huge.

Pregnancy

Any pathology during pregnancy is a potential health risk. If cervical hyperkeratosis and pregnancy coincide in time, then it is important to assess the degree of damage to the mucosa. If there are small lesions, there is no need to worry - they are not dangerous. And yet the decision is made by the gynecologist. For more serious pathologies, the risk-benefit ratio is assessed.

Consequences

A timely stopped pathological condition does not have any special consequences for a woman’s reproductive health. Neglected cases can result in cancer.

Diagnostics

Already during the examination, the gynecologist will see that the cervix is ​​not in order - white spots will appear on it. He will take the necessary smears and perform a colposcopy for a detailed examination of the cervix. After the examination, the doctor will collect anamnesis, namely:

• finds out what the patient was and is suffering from;
• how many births there were in the past;
• whether there were abortions;
• will find out whether there is a hereditary factor.

If necessary, an ultrasound examination will be performed and a referral for tests will be issued. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is often prescribed. This method is quite accurate. With its help, you can identify a huge range of infectious pathogens.

A Pap test or Papanicolaou smear is a cytological test aimed at identifying cancer cells.

Among the tests, a bacterial culture for flora and HPV determination may be prescribed. If human papillomavirus is detected, then its type needs to be determined.

Sometimes a biopsy is needed to confirm or deny cervical hyperkeratosis. Treatment will be prescribed only after a complete examination. A biopsy uses a special instrument to remove a small piece of tissue. The procedure is painful, but necessary.

The patient will be required to undergo the following tests:

• blood biochemistry;
• hormonal profile to determine the functioning of the adrenal cortex and thyroid gland;
• determination of blood group and Rh factor;
• determination of the level of sex hormones.

Currently, instrumental diagnostics make it possible to quickly and reliably assess the condition of the female reproductive system.

After all the tests and hardware studies, the doctor conducts a differential diagnosis. It discards those diseases that have not been confirmed by examination, although the symptoms are similar.

Hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix often requires surgical treatment if the lesion is severe. After surgical therapy, the prognosis is often favorable.

When choosing treatment, the specialist relies on the following factors:

• patient's age;
• whether there was a history of childbirth and what plans for the future.

The last point is very important, because more gentle methods are used for nulliparous women. These include laser vaporization. The essence of the procedure is that pathological cells are removed using strong heating of a laser beam.

Another way to combat cervical hyperkeratosis is treatment using cryodestruction. This process differs from the previous one in that low temperatures created with the participation of liquid nitrogen are used.

With chemical exposure to the drug Solkovagin, the appearance of scar tissue can be prevented. The electrosurgical method is considered more traumatic, but at the same time cheaper. More often, this method is offered to women who no longer intend to give birth or have entered menopause.

Often, together with the surgical method, a woman is prescribed hormonal, antibacterial, antiviral, immunostimulating and antifungal treatment.

If cancer cells were found during the examination, then cervical hyperkeratosis requires completely different treatment.

Medicines

If the pathological process is weakly expressed, then the woman will be offered vaginal suppositories that have several properties at once: antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal. These include:

• Neo-Penotran;
• Metrogil;
• Metromicon-neo;
• Epigen;
• ichthyol;
• Mikozhinax;
• Ketoconazole.

Often suppositories are used 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. It does not last longer than two weeks, although it all depends on the severity of the disease and the effectiveness of therapy.

When a woman experiences two conditions at once - cervical hyperkeratosis and pregnancy, then it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for the drug so as not to harm the fetus.

The most common anti-inflammatory drugs are:

Non-steroidal drugs are especially popular. Each drug has its own limitations and contraindications, which the doctor must warn you about. If cervical hyperkeratosis is accompanied by a bacterial infection, the following drugs may be prescribed:

• loracarbef;
• ampicillin;
• meropenem;
• ticarcillin
• metronidazole
• benzylpenicillin and others.

Let us remind you once again that the choice of drug, dosage and duration of therapy are determined only by the treating gynecologist after a complete examination and diagnosis.

If conservative therapy turns out to be ineffective, then they move on to radical surgical methods, which we discussed above. An experienced specialist will be able to do everything so carefully that neighboring healthy tissues will not be damaged.

Prevention

If you have been diagnosed with hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix, treatment is mandatory. Those women who have avoided the problem should adhere to a healthy lifestyle so that the problem never manifests itself.

It is important to eliminate catalysts that can trigger the disease. Below we suggest seeing a list of measures to maintain the health of the reproductive system:

• you need to carefully choose your sexual partner, avoid casual contacts without barrier contraception;
• do not engage in aggressive sex that leads to injury;
• regularly undergo examination by a gynecologist in order to promptly treat various inflammatory diseases;
• underwear should be made from natural fabrics;
• you cannot overcool, as well as overheat in bathhouses or on the beaches;
• avoid sudden weight fluctuations;
• nutrition should be complete without strict restrictions;
• the daily routine should be planned taking into account rest and timely going to bed;
• Avoid nervous tension if possible;
• get rid of bad habits forever.

When diagnosed with cervical hyperkeratosis, many women become unnecessarily worried. Despite the fact that the pathology is precancerous, it is not oncology. Timely treatment will allow you to get rid of the problem as soon as possible. So an annual examination by a gynecologist is a sure way to avoid serious pathologies.

Cervical hyperkeratosis

Many doctors consider this pathology to be a precancerous condition of the cervix. Leukoplakia or cervical hyperkeratosis are two names for the same disease, which is a hardening of the epithelium of the organ.

ICD-10 code

In world medicine, there is a so-called register of diseases - “International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision” (ICD code 10). In it, the changes in the physiology of the uterus that interest us have their own coding and can be designated by an individual code - N88.0, which is called cervical leukoplakia.

ICD-10 code

Causes of cervical hyperkeratosis

Today, doctors are ready to identify several sources that can lead to the pathology discussed in this article. The causes of cervical hyperkeratosis may be:

• Neglect of personal hygiene rules.
• Changes in hormonal levels.
• Malfunction of the endocrine system.
• Promiscuity in sexual relations, commitment to rough sex.
• Cervical cancer accounts for almost a third of cases.
• Infectious lesion of the female reproductive system. This could be, for example, papillomavirus.
• Bacterial trace of the lesion. For example, gonorrhea, chlamydia and others.
• Decreased immune status of a woman.
• Injuries. For example, birth trauma, the healing of the consequences of which took place without the control of specialists.
• An inflammatory process occurring in the pelvic organs.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Incorrect fixation of contraceptives. For example, spirals.
• Abortion, and perhaps more than one. The organ suffers mechanical injury.

But it is worth remembering that the mechanism itself and the direct relationship with the reasons listed above have not been fully established to date. But if a woman has at least one of these factors, she needs to be more attentive to her health, recording the appearance of new symptoms. An appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist is mandatory.

In order to most effectively treat a particular disease, it is necessary to know not only the cause that caused it, but also the pathogenesis of the disease. In this case, the pathology progresses against the background of a mild chronic inflammatory process. Constant irritation of the mucous membrane causes those negative changes that lead to illness. The likelihood of transformation into malignant structures is especially high if there is uneven coloration of the affected area.

Symptoms of cervical hyperkeratosis

At an early stage of the disease, a woman may not even realize that she has this lesion, since the disease does not initially manifest itself in anything. Only a specialist can identify it during this period during the next gynecological examination. Symptoms of cervical hyperkeratosis appear to the doctor as white plaques on the ectocervix.

If these signs are not so obvious, the patient is referred for colposcopy, after which the obstetrician-gynecologist will give an opinion. However, sometimes this examination method alone is not enough and then there is a need for a more extensive examination of the patient.

In some cases, a representative of the weaker half of humanity may experience increased discharge of leucorrhoea from the vagina. Mostly it is a translucent liquid with a not very pleasant odor.

After sexual intercourse, a woman may experience small amounts of blood discharge.

First signs

As noted above, cervical hyperkeratosis does not have pronounced symptoms for its owner. But the first signs that should alert her and force her to visit her gynecologist are an increase in the volume of leucorrhoea that comes out of the vagina and its inherent unpleasant odor.

Minor cervical hyperkeratosis

If pathological changes have covered a small area of ​​the mucous membrane - slight hyperkeratosis of the cervix, then you should not worry too much, such a pathology is not dangerous.

It is especially necessary to be on guard for those women who are in the premenopausal or premenopausal period. Cases of mucosal lesions are more rare in young women.

Focal hyperkeratosis of the cervix

True focal hyperkeratosis of the cervix is ​​a serious deficiency of female and a significant predominance of other, including male, sex hormones. Moreover, the name of this pathology is explained by the clear boundaries of the pathological foci. These lesions are flat whitish spots with a slightly matte tint. This type of disruption of the epithelial layer is also called pseudo erosion.

Parakeratosis - one of the varieties of this disease occurs sporadically. The main reason for its manifestation may be injury; injury to a woman’s genital organs during obstetrics is especially dangerous, especially if further healing took place without specialist monitoring. In this situation, the body reduces the production of keratohyalin, which is responsible for the elasticity of the mucosa. Visually, it is perceived as a hotbed of scorched and cracked desert.

But oncologists consider dyskeratosis to be the most dangerous, in terms of degeneration. With this type of disorder, the cells of the epithelial layer begin to divide chaotically and at an increased rate, which leads to the appearance and growth of neoplasms.

This type of focal hyperkeratosis of the cervix is ​​visually similar to cauliflower growing on the mucosa. When conducting a number of studies (including histology), doctors find a granular internal structure of these growths, covered on top with a somewhat excessive outer layer. Due to the fact that the process of exfoliation of keratinized cells is disrupted, they begin to form layer after layer and in advanced cases, these conglomerates already reach impressive sizes. A final diagnosis can only be made after a comprehensive examination of the patient.

Hyperkeratosis of the cervix during pregnancy

From the moment a woman begins to bear a fetus under her heart until the moment of its birth, any mother is very worried about her health, fearing to harm her baby.

Therefore, if a woman was diagnosed with cervical hyperkeratosis during pregnancy, she naturally panics.

But only a qualified specialist can answer the question of whether this disease is dangerous or not, after conducting a package of all the necessary examinations. In case of minor irregularities, the mother in labor should not worry. This pathology will not affect the course of pregnancy and obstetric care. And only after the baby is born, the attending physician will deal with the female problem.

But if the disease is a more severe form of pathology, then only a doctor can make a decision on further measures to relieve it.

Consequences

If the pathology is recognized in the early stages and adequate measures are taken for such a disease, then the consequences of its manifestation are minimal and will practically not affect the quality of life of a woman and her desire to conceive, bear and give birth to a baby, fulfilling her duty to nature.

Complications

If the disease is recognized at a later date, complications are possible. And one of the most dangerous is the degeneration of healthy epithelial cells into cancerous tumors. In this case, the process of their division is generally accelerated and occurs absolutely chaotically.

Diagnosis of cervical hyperkeratosis

A specialist may become suspicious of the presence of a pathology during a woman’s next visit to a gynecologist. Diagnosis of cervical hyperkeratosis is carried out according to certain rules.

1. This is a visual examination of a woman on a chair using a gynecological speculum. The gynecologist may notice a whitish spot on the cervix.
2. Taking the patient's medical history:
   • Diseases.
   • Childbirth.
   • Abortion.
   • Heredity.
3. Carrying out colposcopy. Taking material in the form of a cytological scraping.
4. Ultrasound examination.
5. Carrying out the necessary laboratory tests.
6. If necessary, the doctor prescribes x-rays (to determine concomitant diseases).

The first thing that is prescribed to a patient suspected of having the disease discussed in this article is tests performed in a laboratory setting.

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly informational and accurate method of molecular genetic diagnostics. Its implementation makes it possible to identify diverse infectious and hereditary pathologies that occur both acutely and chronically.
• PAP test, or as medical professionals call it, Papanicolaou smear. This is a cytological analysis, the material for which is a smear obtained during the next gynecological examination. The sample is sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. If atypical cells are detected, the woman is prescribed an additional examination.
• Bacteriological culture of leucorrhoea for flora.
• Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV). The collected material (smear) is sent for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). If HPV is recognized, its type is determined.
• A biopsy is performed. During colposcopy, a small sample of cervical tissue is plucked off with a special instrument. This is what is studied in the laboratory under a high-resolution microscope. The presence of dysplasia and the severity of its development are assessed.

And also, without fail, a woman takes:

• General and biochemical blood tests.
• Blood for the level of hormones of the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex.
• General and biochemical urine tests.
• Blood to determine blood group and Rh factor.
• Determination of the level of sexual hormones in urine and blood.

Instrumental diagnostics

Today it is difficult to imagine modern medicine without the help of diagnostic medical equipment. Instrumental diagnostics has taken a strong place in the matter of correct and quick diagnosis. The disease we are interested in can be recognized by a number of medical techniques. The most popular are:

• Colposcopy.
• Ultrasound examination of the condition of the pelvic organs.
• Hysteroscopy with targeted biopsy of the organ in question to determine atilia.
• X-ray of the pelvic area. It will allow you to assess the condition of the hip bone structures, eliminating or confirming concomitant diseases.

Differential diagnosis

After the patient has passed all the necessary examinations, the attending physician carries out a differential diagnosis. It represents an analysis of all the results of laboratory and instrumental studies, a visual examination and anamnesis of the patient. Based on this, diseases that are similar in symptoms but not confirmed by research are excluded.

This analysis allows you to more correctly diagnose the disease, as well as determine at what stage of destruction it is. Only after receiving the entire clinical picture of the pathology can we talk about prescribing effective treatment, as well as preventive measures that can maintain the condition of the patient’s body in remission.

Who to contact?

Treatment of cervical hyperkeratosis

After the examination has been carried out and the diagnosis has been made, treatment of cervical hyperkeratosis depends on determining the severity of the pathology. In most cases, this is surgical treatment of the patient. After such therapy, in most cases, patients subsequently have a favorable prognosis.

The doctor’s choice of the most effective treatment method is based on a number of factors:

• The age of the woman.
• The status of her reproductive system: whether the woman gave birth or not, and whether she plans to do so in the future or not.

If the patient has not yet gone beyond the limits of reproductive abilities, and does not remove the question of having children in the future, then more gentle methods of influence are applied to her:

• This could be laser vaporization. The essence of the technique is the strong heating of pathological cells by a laser beam, which leads to their necrosis, that is, death.
• Cryodestruction is the opposite effect to the previous one. The process of burning out mutated tissues with low temperatures created by liquid nitrogen.
• Radiosurgical treatment.
• It is possible to cauterize pathological areas with solkovagin. The use of this drug will prevent the formation of scars.
• Electrosurgical methods are the most traumatic, but also cheaper type of therapy. It is usually prescribed to women who no longer plan to give birth in the future or are in the premenopausal period.

In addition, such a woman, depending on the cause of the pathology, must undergo immunostimulating, hormonal, antiviral, antifungal or antibacterial therapy.

If the study revealed signs of malignancy, the methods of treating cervical hyperkeratosis change radically. After symptomatic therapy, the patient is prescribed surgical excision of the pathological area.

Depending on the source that provoked the disease in question, medications with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral or immunostimulating effects may be prescribed as part of the patient’s treatment protocol. If a woman has undergone surgery, antibiotics are also prescribed.

For example, if the level of pathology is insignificant, a woman may be prescribed vaginal suppositories, having antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antifungal characteristics - neo-penotran, as well as its analogues: metromikon-neo, metrogil, vagilak, epigen, labilak, mikozhinaks, ketoconazole, nimesin, ichthyol and others.

Metromicon-neo Use twice a day: morning and evening (immediately before bedtime). One vaginal suppository is inserted. The duration of the treatment course is prescribed by the doctor and can range from one to two weeks.

In this case, the candle must be inserted deeply into the vagina while lying down and bending your knees. In order not to introduce an “infection”, before carrying out the procedure, your hands must be sanitized or use a special disposable fingertip.

Contraindications for the administration of Metromicon-Neo include increased individual intolerance to one or more components of the drug, as well as a woman’s history of severe liver dysfunction, hematopoiesis failure, problems with the peripheral nervous system and central nervous system, the first trimester of pregnancy.

In the role anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed: melox, oruvel, advil, dexalgin, ncrofen, kntorol, ketonal, brustan, menindole, arkrksian, rapten rapid, naproxen, dolac and many others. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are more acceptable.

Pharmacological drug melox It is recommended to take with food in a daily dosage of 7.5 to 15 mg.

At the same time, the attending physician must not forget that if the patient has kidney problems, then the administered dose should be minimal.

Melox is not approved for use in case of increased individual intolerance to one or more components of the drug, as well as if the woman has a history of ulcerative exacerbation of stomach and duodenal disease, hyperkalemia, bronchial asthma, internal intestinal bleeding, severe liver dysfunction, as well as during pregnancy baby and feeding him breast milk.

Appointment possible antiviral drugs: Provirsan, Videx, Herpesin, Retrovir, Tamiflu, Arviron, Zerit, Viracept, Ribaleg, Liracept, Ciclovir and others.

Ribaleg It is advisable to take with food. In this case, the tolerability of the drug will be high.

The starting dosage is calculated using the formula 15 mg per kilogram of the patient’s weight, which usually falls within the range of 0.8 to 1.2 daily grams, divided into two daily doses. The duration of the drug course can only be determined by the attending doctor based on treatment effectiveness indicators.

Contraindications for the administration of Ribaleg include increased individual intolerance to one or more components of the drug, including high susceptibility to phosphate compounds, as well as a woman’s history of chronic renal and hepatic dysfunction, chronic heart failure, severe anemia, various autoimmune diseases, pregnancy and lactation.

In the role of a antibacterial drugs you can use: loracarbef, cephalosporins, benzylpenicillin, meropenem, imipenem, ampicillin, nafcillin, metronidazole, amoxicillin, rifampicin, ticarcillin, piperacillin and others.

Medicine dosage metronidazole can only be determined by the attending physician depending on the pathogenic flora present. This can be 0.5 g, administered very slowly by drip. The maximum permissible daily dosage is no more than 4 g of the drug.

Contraindications to the drug in question include a tendency to epileptic seizures and other disorders of the central nervous system, the first trimester of pregnancy, liver failure, the period of feeding a newborn and increased individual intolerance to one or more components of the drug.

Patients should not forget that self-medication is not acceptable; the therapy protocol should be prescribed only by a qualified specialist, in accordance with the specific clinical picture.

Traditional treatment of cervical hyperkeratosis

It should immediately be noted that any treatment, whether traditional or non-traditional methods of therapy, should only take place under the monitoring and with the consent of the attending physician. As practice shows, traditional treatment of the disease in question can bring a positive result, but only as an auxiliary method of relieving the problem.

As practice shows, these can be medicinal tampons, douching with medicinal infusions and decoctions, applications to the perineal area.

Herbal treatment

As already noted, herbal treatment can bring quite significant help in solving the problem of getting rid of bacterial, infectious or inflammatory damage to the pelvic organs. Here we can offer several such recipes:

• Dilute one teaspoon of St. John's wort with a quarter cup of boiled water. Keep in a water bath for 15 minutes. Leave to sit for about 45 minutes and douche while warm. This procedure must be done daily. This infusion copes well with the inflammatory process occurring in the pelvic area.
• Relieves inflammation and promotes rapid healing of wounds and eroded areas of caragana medicinal, which is taken orally (inside). The brewing procedure is similar to the previous point, you just need to take two tablespoons of the plant product per two glasses of liquid. Dosage schedule: half a glass three times - four times a day before meals.
• Bergenia decoction also performed well. Grind two tablespoons of the rhizome of the plant and brew for half an hour in a glass of boiling water using a water bath. Then cool until warm and use before bed as a syringe.
• An anti-inflammatory agent that increases the tone of the uterine muscles is a decoction of viburnum branches. To prepare the medicine you will need 600 g of buttermilk and about 100 g of fresh plant branches. This composition is placed in a container and placed on a small flame for ten minutes. After this, it is set aside from the stove overnight to infuse. After waking up, strain and douche with the healing liquid. The solution used must be warm.
• For douching, the herb of common yarrow is brewed. Combine 15 g of raw materials with 200 ml of boiling water, put on low heat and leave for 15 minutes from the moment of boiling. Then leave it to brew for an hour. Take warm as a douche liquid.

And there are a great many such medicinal recipes; you should not just prescribe such treatment for yourself. At best, you can only waste time, and at worst, you can wait for complications.

Homeopathy

Today, homeopathy is becoming increasingly popular, especially among those people who monitor their health.

In our case, it is quite difficult to offer specific treatment, because there are too many reasons that can cause this disease. Therefore, the most correct thing would be to seek advice from a homeopathic doctor, who, based on the test results and the identified cause of the pathology, will select the most suitable homeopathic drug in this context.

For example, if the source of the disease is inflammatory, the patient may be prescribed gynecohel, taken mainly in ten drops, previously dissolved in 30 ml of boiled water. This procedure is carried out three times a day. The duration of treatment is from two to three weeks. The appointment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Contraindications for the administration of gynecohel include increased individual intolerance to one or more components of the drug, including high susceptibility to insect bites and bee products, as well as a history of thyroid disease and the patient’s age under 18 years.

Surgical treatment

Modern classical medicine is equipped with a number of techniques that allow surgical treatment of many pathological disorders in the human body. Based on the pathology discussed in this article, doctors are able to offer the following to resolve the problem:

• Laser vaporization, a technique that allows using a directed laser beam to burn out pathological parts of epithelial tissue. At the same time, an experienced surgeon is able to perform jewelry surgery without particularly damaging healthy adjacent tissues. This technique allows you to avoid the formation of colloidal scars at the surgical site, which can subsequently become a problem during pregnancy and obstetrics.
• Cryodestruction - this technique is as effective as laser therapy, but in this case the process of burning out mutated tissues is carried out by using low temperatures created by liquid nitrogen. After cryodestruction, the formation of colloidal scars at the site of surgery is also not observed.
• Radiosurgical treatment is a technique for cauterizing pathological areas using high-frequency radio waves. The consequences of undergoing this treatment method are very impressive. A scar does not form after this procedure.
• Electrosurgical methods are the most traumatic of all cupping methods. Burning is carried out using electricity. The consequences of using this technique are the formation of rough colloidal scars, but this is the cheapest type of therapy. Mostly, it is used by patients who do not plan to become pregnant or give birth in the future or who are in the premenopausal period.

If diagnostics has identified at least a single number of mutated cells, then the concept of treatment changes radically. The woman may be offered a more radical operation.

The article was written based on materials from the sites: net-doktor.org, vashamatka.ru, ginekola.ru, 1ivf.info, ilive.com.ua.

Hyperkeratosis (leukoplakia) of the cervix

Women's health is a very complex phenomenon. On the one hand, it is able to cope with monthly blood loss and incredibly difficult childbirth, and on the other hand, minor fluctuations in the internal or external environment can upset this balance and provoke the occurrence of diseases, including pathologies of the genital area. One of these pathologies is hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix.

What is cervical hyperkeratosis?

Hyperkeratosis, or leukoplakia of the cervix, is excessive keratinization and thickening of the squamous epithelium, which is externally manifested by the appearance of a normally pink mucous membrane.

Typically, the mucous membrane of the cervix has a smooth, pink, shiny surface. When an acute source of inflammation occurs, it becomes red and swollen. But if the inflammation is chronic, either subsiding or increasing, the body perceives this as a manifestation of an insufficiently strong epithelium. And then it begins to build up and thicken it, which leads to keratinization.

Depending on the prognosis of development, leukoplakia is divided into two types:

1. Simple, which is a simple keratinization of a small area and is not dangerous.
2. Proliferative leukoplakia with cellular atypia is a precancerous condition that becomes malignant in 80% of cases.

This pathology is more common in premenopausal and menopausal women, and less common in younger women. Leukoplakia is usually detected accidentally during a routine gynecological examination using speculum.

The danger of such a “find” is that sometimes it is a precancerous condition. According to statistics, approximately a third of hyperkeratoses become malignant - develop into a malignant neoplasm.

Causes

Leukoplakia is caused by both diseases (causes) and body conditions (factors).

The causes of cervical hyperkeratosis include:

• cervical cancer - 1/3 of all cases of detection of a “white spot”;
• papillomavirus is the second leading cause of leukoplakia. It causes chronic inflammation, and as a result, a pathological reaction of the epithelium in the form of proliferation and keratinization;
• bacterial infections – chlamydia, gonorrhea. The mechanism of damage is the same as for viral infections;
• traumatization (childbirth) without healing control.

Factors causing hyperkeratosis are:

• endocrine disorders such as hyperestrogenism, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex;
• inflammatory processes in the uterus, ovaries and appendages - cause a response keratinization of the squamous epithelium;
• nervous exhaustion, chronic fatigue syndrome, reducing immunity and response to inflammatory agents;
• history of abortion – physical damage to the epithelium and its reactive growth and coarsening;
• improper installation of intrauterine contraceptives (for example, intrauterine device).

The presence of even one of these factors is already a reason for increased alertness. A woman who has been diagnosed with factors causing leukoplakia should carefully monitor her condition and record the appearance of symptoms.

Symptoms of hyperkeratosis

Leukoplakia itself, that is, keratinization of the mucous membrane, is not accompanied by any specific symptoms. It is discovered by chance, during a mirror examination during a routine visit to the gynecologist.

If leukoplakia is caused by a viral or bacterial inflammatory process, profuse leucorrhoea (translucent discharge from the genitals with a strong unpleasant odor) may appear. Small amounts of bloody discharge after sexual intercourse are also typical.

Otherwise, the symptoms are not expressed, or are caused by the cause of leukoplakia. For example, with cancer it is bleeding and pain, with inflammation – discharge and pain, with fungi – itching.

Diagnosis of leukoplakia

As mentioned earlier, the cause of the development of hyperkeratosis is chronic inflammation, malignancy or papillomavirus. Leukoplakia is discovered during a gynecological examination.

Its diagnostic sign when examined in a mirror is a white spot, or several spots against the background of inflamed or unchanged epithelium.

Diagnosis of cervical hyperkeratosis consists of the following components:

• Anamnesis collection (life history, illness, heredity, allergic reactions, childbirth and pregnancy);
• General examination (external signs of endocrine disorders);
• Gynecological examination in the speculum (to determine the leukoplakia itself);

After establishing the leading sign, the doctor prescribes additional studies:

• Ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs, abdominal cavity, kidneys and adrenal glands;
• Microscopic examination of secretions for flora;
• Bacteriological culture of leucorrhoea for flora;
• PCR diagnostics;
• Diagnostics of the level of sex hormones in the blood and urine;
• Blood test for the level of thyroid hormones and adrenal cortex;
• Hysteroscopy with targeted biopsy of the cervix to determine atypia;
• Separate diagnostic curettage of the cavity and canal of the cervix.

If there is a suspicion of concomitant or non-gynecological pathologies, the gynecologist may prescribe other studies:

• X-ray of the skull bones;
• MRI and CT of the brain.

Only an endocrinologist-gynecologist knows what indicators of hormonal tests, along with biopsy and speculum examination data, allow a diagnosis of “cervical hyperkeratosis” to be made.

Treatment of cervical hyperkeratosis

The treatment plan for detected leukoplakia depends on its form. Treatment of hyperkeratosis with atypia is fundamentally different from that for the usual form. Also, the course of treatment depends on the patient’s age, the fact of childbearing, and the characteristics of the medical history.

The course of treatment for simple, non-proliferative hyperkeratosis includes etiotropic therapy (aimed at eliminating the causes) and symptomatic therapy.

Etiotropic means antiviral drugs (interferons), antibacterial agents and antifungals. Symptomatic methods are aimed at reducing itching. Cryodestruction techniques and other methods for removing areas with hyperkeratosis are also used.

If symptoms of malignancy are detected, the treatment technique changes radically. After eliminating acute symptoms, surgical removal of the affected area and regular monitoring are prescribed.

Caring for the sexual sphere and preventing gynecological pathologies are priorities in the healthcare sector for gynecologists. But most of the responsibility for health lies with the woman herself, so it is necessary to regularly undergo scheduled examinations and find the opportunity to take all prescribed tests.

Cervical leukoplakia (also called keratosis of the cervix) is a pathological condition characterized by thickening and hardening of the epithelium.

The pathology itself (without intracellular changes) is not life-threatening for a woman, but is considered a background disease, indirectly indicating the possible development of cancer.

Types of keratosis

The name of the disease has many synonyms. For example, in foreign medical practice, the deviation is often called cervical dyskeratosis (abbreviated DSM). But in essence, this is the same pathological process, accompanied by keratinization of the squamous epithelium.

The classification of the disease among domestic and foreign specialists also differs. In post-Soviet countries, the so-called Yakovleva classification, adopted back in 1977, is still used.

Dyskeratosis that has developed on the cervix is ​​divided into simple (background) and with signs of atypia. Abroad, DSM without atypia is called cervical hyperkeratosis, and the atypical form of the disease already refers to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Also, dyskeratosis is conventionally divided into scaly and simple. With the latter type of disease, atypical tissues do not protrude beyond the edge of the pharynx, so they are extremely difficult to detect.

Scaly dyskeratosis can also develop on the outer walls of the cervix, so it can be noticed even without special equipment, during a routine gynecological examination.

Stage I.

The stages of hyperkeratosis are also not clearly defined in the medical literature. In general, at the initial stage, pathological changes in tissue are not noticeable to the naked eye. It is impossible to make a diagnosis without colposcopy and biopsy.

At stage II.

The gynecologist may notice that white, opaque and heterogeneous areas (no more than 1 cm in diameter) have appeared on the surface of the cervix. The precancerous stage may be characterized by multiple growths of white spots.

The surface of the affected areas usually becomes gray and thick. There are also irregular borders with the surrounding healthy pink mucosa.

Reasons for the development of the disease

At the moment, the exact cause of cervical leukoplakia is not clear. However, it is known for certain that the disease can be triggered by the following factors:

• Hormonal imbalance: increased estrogen content leads not only to accelerated growth of the epithelium, but also to a change in its structure (local compaction);
• Chronic infectious diseases;
• Traumatic effects on the uterine mucosa during childbirth, abortion, surgical procedures;
• Untimely treatment of other cervical pathologies (for example, erosion, endometriosis);
• Inflammation of the uterus, vagina;

It is also believed that hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium on the cervix in some cases is not the cause, but a consequence of the development of atypical hyperplasia, carcinoma, or other types of cancer.

Therefore, it is not recommended to ignore the disease even at the earliest stage. It’s better to immediately understand whether cervical dyskaryosis has begun (changes in the morphology of the cell nucleus).

Symptoms and diagnosis of hyperkeratosis

Simple dyskeratosis on the cervix is ​​usually asymptomatic and may even disappear on its own, without additional treatment. The atypical form of the disease is usually complicated by endometriosis or cervical erosion, and therefore may be accompanied by rare, light bleeding.

Obvious signs of epithelial changes in the early stages will be noticed only by a laboratory assistant examining the biopsy results. During a standard examination using a mirror, the gynecologist will only be able to notice scaly dyskeratosis at the development stage.

A healthy cervix has an even pink lining. Any changes are an indication for additional diagnostic tests. The most popular of them:

Colposcopy.

Using a colposcope, the doctor can accurately determine the location and nature of the focal lesion.

Smear.

A biomaterial is performed, based on the results of which the type of disease is determined.

Treatment of suspicious areas with iodine preparations.

Cervical tissue affected by keratosis does not accumulate glycogen. This leads to the fact that pathological tissues are colored, while healthy ones retain their color. However, you need to keep in mind that areas with erosion can also become stained.

Biopsy.

Usually performed in conjunction with colposcopy; the doctor removes a small element of pathological tissue in order to further conduct a histological examination. It is a biopsy that allows you to confirm or exclude the presence of cancer cells.

As it became clear, diagnosing cervical dyskeratosis is not particularly difficult even for a gynecologist who does not have expensive equipment. Therefore, you should not postpone scheduled examinations, and undergo examination at least 2 times a year.

Treatment methods for keratosis

Treatment of any form of cervical hyperkeratosis is usually carried out on an outpatient basis and is aimed at eliminating pathologically altered tissue. Due to the fact that the exact cause of the deviation is not known, there are no medications designed to stop hyperkeratosis.

Removal of the lesions themselves can be done in several ways. In the early stages, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia in a clinic using a cryoprobe or laser. The neoplasms will simply disappear after a sharp temperature change.

If hyperkeratosis has affected fairly large areas, then the patient will have to undergo a full-fledged surgical operation. The doctor will use a scalpel to remove the compacted tissue.

If dyskeratosis has developed against the background of inflammatory or infectious processes in the genital tract, then these diseases must first be treated. Otherwise, neither surgery nor cryotherapy will have a long-term effect. The following are prescribed as conservative therapy:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics;
• Hormonal agents.

Also, based on the results of blood tests, the doctor may recommend taking vitamins to speed up the regeneration of the cervical mucosa. But it is better to abandon folk remedies, because dyskeratosis cannot be treated even with synthetic medications.

Long-term self-medication and refusal of surgery or laser removal can ultimately lead to the development of cancer. Therefore, it is better not to experiment and stick to an individually selected therapy regimen.

The cervix looks like a cylinder, measurements showed that its length is 3 - 4 cm, and its diameter is 2 - 2.5 cm. A normal and healthy appearance of the cervix looks like a smooth pink surface of the mucous membrane and is located 12 cm from the vestibule of the vagina, the thickness of the walls vagina 3-4 mm. The internal genital organs change depending on the menstrual cycle and the woman’s age, but it often happens that the cause of the changes is disease. Cervical hyperkeratosis or leukoplakia is a pathological process that manifests itself in keratinization of tissue. Women after 35–40 years of age are susceptible to hyperkeratosis.

Classification of the disease

Hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium of the cervix

This is keratinization of epithelial cells. White film, clear boundaries, which cannot be removed mechanically. With hyperkeratosis of the MPE (stratified squamous epithelium) of the cervix, all layers are affected: the basal, parabasal, intermediate, and superficial layers. Both part of the mucosa and the entire epithelial layer of the cervix are susceptible to tissue destruction.

Focal hyperkeratosis

This is a serious deficiency of female hormones. It looks like clearly defined white spots with a matte sheen on the cervix. This condition is also called pseudo-erosion.

Parakeratosis of the cervix

One of the pathological processes is parakeratosis. This is a change in the mucous layer, a violation of keratinization of the lining of the organ. It is much less common than hyperkeratosis of squamous epithelium. It occurs as a result of injury to the internal genital organs of a woman during rough sex, as well as during medical procedures: installation of a spiral, cleaning, abortion. With parakeratosis, a tissue cell ceases to produce keratohyalin, which is responsible for the elasticity of the epithelial layer, so the mucous membrane is more susceptible to damage and injury.

Dyskeratosis

It differs from other species in that the cells divide chaotically at a high speed, the neoplasms grow and become similar in appearance to cauliflower, which grows on the epithelial layer. Since exfoliation of keratinized cells does not occur, scale by scale they form layers - the size of the neoplasms becomes impressive. Dyskeratosis is dangerous because uncontrolled growth of tumor cells can occur in a short period of time. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV infections are important; they increase the risk of cells degenerating from benign to malignant.

Danger

The disease poses a threat to the health and life of women. If focal keratosis is not detected during the procedure, the consequence is cervical atrophy. The estrogen hormone is reduced, the epithelium is suppressed, the tissue is smoothed out. Atrophic vaginitis is a common phenomenon. Postmenopause is one of the reasons. Often occurs against the background of cancer pathologies. The most recognizable symptoms are intermittent bleeding, as well as vaginal dryness, and a constant urge to urinate.

Cervical atrophy causes infertility and cervicitis, which is characterized by purulent discharge, pain during intercourse and urination. The uterine pharynx and vagina have an inflammatory process that is often neglected. If a couple wants to have a child, then first it is necessary to cure cervicitis, otherwise the child may be born with developmental disabilities.

But the most dangerous is dyskeratosis. Over a short period of time, uncontrolled growth of tumor cells can occur. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV infections are important; they increase the risk of cells degenerating from benign to malignant.

Signs of cervical hyperkeratosis and diagnosis

The anomaly as a whole occurs without any symptoms, almost without manifesting itself. The woman’s condition is satisfactory, so diagnosis of keratosis occurs during a visit to the doctor for a routine medical examination. But still, some signs of leukoplakia exist. If an infectious disease of the reproductive system provokes hyperkeratosis, then the following may occur:

• vaginal itching, burning;
• discharge with an unpleasant odor;
• discomfort and pain during or after sexual intercourse.

During the examination, the female doctor discovers damage to the cervical mucosa in the form of white plaques. A whitish coating is localized in the vaginal part, in the vulva area. Gynecology identifies several forms of this disease:

• flat or simple;
• verrucous or verrucous.

If flat leukoplakia is not treated promptly, the pathology degenerates into a warty form and looks like a lumpy lesion of the white mucosa.

Diagnosis

To determine the type of leukoplakia, a number of examinations are carried out. A biopsy, ultrasound, smear for oncocytology and smear examination for histology will most fully reflect the clinical picture. Elements of hyperkeratosis are atypical cells that can develop progressively and turn into cancer. The treatment strategy directly depends on the identified form.

Causes of the disease

Statistical tables show that the popularity of vaginal keratosis among women is growing.
Factors of pathological mutations are:

Treatment

Therapy for keratosis is prescribed individually and depends on the degree of damage to the mucous membrane, localization, and cytology results.

Medication method

Taking medications restores the epithelium and these drugs include:

• pre- and probiotics;
• hormones;
• immunostimulating;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• macro- and microelements, vitamins;
• antibacterial agents;
• antiviral drugs.

Surgical method

But in most cases, the problem is solved by surgical intervention:

• diathermocoagulation – thermal cauterization with electric current;
• chemical coagulation - cauterization with acids: “solkovagin” and “vagotil”;
• electroconization – removal using an electric loop;
• laser therapy – the therapeutic use of laser light;
• therapy is the most highly effective and minimally painful method, in which removal occurs using an electrode with high-frequency waves;
• knife conization - removal of fragments with a scalpel;
• cryodestruction – exposure of the lesion to extremely low temperatures;
• amputation - an organ is removed.

To avoid scars, young women undergo:

• radiosurgical treatment;
• laser vaporization;
• cryo destruction.

It is very important to eat right during treatment. The intake rate of vitamin A is one of the important conditions: pork and beef liver, cheese, cottage cheese, cream, egg yolk, cod or halibut fish oil, also medical. Beta-keratin is found in carrots, pumpkin, apricots, greens and black currants, and the body independently synthesizes retinol from it. It is necessary to remove hot, spicy, salty foods from the diet. To strengthen the immune system, vitamins contained in vegetables and fruits are necessary. Additionally, sexual rest, abstinence from alcohol and smoking, proper rest, and proper hygienic care are prescribed for 4–8 weeks.

A mild degree of leukoplakia does not affect the ability to get pregnant. If the disease has reached a severe stage, then the decision on treatment is made by the doctor individually after examination.

In the case of leukoplakia discovered during pregnancy, there is no need to panic. First of all, you need to take the recommended tests: blood, a smear, a section of the cervix for histology, circicometry, and the abdominal cavity is examined using an ultrasound machine. Keratosis of the cervix is ​​not a reason to terminate a pregnancy. An indication for abortion may be rapidly progressing cancer, and even in this case the week of pregnancy plays a role. Basically, experts insist on continuing the pregnancy. The fetus is regularly monitored for the disease.

Drug treatment is selected depending on the trimester; if therapy is unsuccessful, then surgery occurs after childbirth. If the focus of whitish spots is small, then they can disappear without any drugs or medical procedures, on their own.
Women often get scared when they hear a diagnosis, so they immediately want to read information on the Internet about who had it and how they managed to overcome the disease. A forum where the female sex often finds communication can persistently advise folk remedies.

IMPORTANT! Since leukoplakia is considered a precancerous condition, any experiments can be harmful. Before resorting to traditional medicine, you should definitely consult a doctor. Doctors warn that douching with decoctions of medicinal herbs will not only not bring any improvement, but will also worsen the situation and activate the biotransformation of cells. Not so long ago, when treating hyperkeratosis using folk methods, tampons with sea buckthorn, olive or sunflower oil, and douching with decoctions of various herbs were often used. To date, scientists have proven that such manipulations do not bring improvement, but only aggravate the situation and transform cells from benign to malignant.

Hyperkeratosis is no joke. The disease is very serious. To avoid leukoplakia, you need to treat even minor diseases in time, do not expose the internal genital organs to injury (coils, abortions), maintain proper hygiene and do not forget to check with a gynecologist every six months.

Video: What is cervical leukoplakia? (hyperkeratosis)

Video: Leukoplakia of the cervix