Types of cervical erosion
There are two types of erosion:True erosion and ectopia. True erosion is a rare case. It appears if the epithelium around the external os of the vaginal area of the cervix is damaged. With true erosion, an inflamed wound surface is formed. This type of erosion is characterized by a bright red color, an irregular round shape and sometimes even bleeding during sexual intercourse. During colposcopy, mucopurulent discharge, infiltration, and swelling can be detected. After 1-2 weeks, true erosion becomes pseudo-erosion - a healing stage. Ectopia is a more common type of erosion. It often occurs in virgins and is complicated by inflammation with the onset of sexual activity. Doctors call ectopia a benign or background condition. If a woman has not given birth, then doctors can give the body a chance to cope with the disease itself. When the cervical epithelium has shifted, it leaves behind secretory epithelium. During the healing of the secretory epithelium, there is a risk of the appearance of papilloma viruses. This virus is easily transmitted sexually and can cause cervical cancer.
Effects of erosion
If the inflammation is long-term, then the bodythe self-healing function is activated. With a change in the properties of epithelial cells, they begin the division process, which leads to a benign tumor, and then to a malignant one. Also, a tumor occurs due to sexually transmitted viruses: genital herpes, human papillomavirus. The result is cervical cancer. It often affects women aged 35-40 years. In order to detect this disease in time, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations by a gynecologist. And if cervical cancer is detected, you should not consider this a death sentence, because in our time medicine is quite developed in oncological issues. Cancer in the early stages can be cured. Do not forget this. Initially, erosion is a small wound, a scratch. In this case, tampons with ointment or oil are prescribed to eliminate redness. The main thing is to treat erosion in time so that it does not develop into the next stage, when cauterization is required.
Biopsy and its purpose
Most women are okay with the procedureExamination of the cervix is extremely negative. For examination, metal speculums are inserted into the vagina. They are often cold, so the muscles constrict and the instrument enters with difficulty. In this case, it is better to use plastic speculums. Next, a light is directed at the cervix and it is examined for redness. If redness or uneven color is detected, the doctor does a colposcopy and takes smears for flora. For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo cytological and histological examinations. To check for malignancy, a small piece is cut off from the damaged area. Then, having received the biopsy results, the doctor will prescribe the correct treatment. Before starting treatment for erosion, you need to take a smear. If infections are detected, they are initially treated, and then the erosion itself. It happens that, having cured the infections, the erosion itself disappears. In order to find out whether the erosion is benign or not, a cervical biopsy should be performed. This is a procedure that is performed 5-7 days after the menstrual cycle, after menstruation has ended. Before it, smears are taken to ensure that there are no infections. Biopsy is a procedure during which tissue from the cervix is taken to check for precancerous cells. Although a biopsy is considered an operation, there is no need to be afraid of it. It is almost painless and quick. No anesthesia is used during a biopsy, except that the doctor may treat the cervix with lidocaine. At the doctor's command, a breath is taken, and at this moment a radio knife is used to collect material for analysis. During the process, the patient only experiences a tingling sensation. After a biopsy, the following rules must be followed:
- 2 weeks of abstinence from sexual activity;
- it is necessary to do douching daily;
- refrain from physical exertion.
Methods of treating erosion
To choose a method for treating erosion, it is necessary to determine its size and degree of danger. After passing all the tests, the doctor must prescribe treatment. Erosion is treated in the following ways:
- drug therapy;
- folk remedies;
- cauterization by electric current;
- laser removal;
- chemical coagulation - cauterization of the diseased area with liquid nitrogen.
If there are no complications in the form of infections, it is possibleresort to drug treatment or folk remedies. In this case, you just need to help the body cope with the disease: put tampons with ointments, suppositories, tablets that the doctor prescribes. In the case when the erosion is of medium size and does not heal on its own, it must be cauterized, removed by laser or undergo chemical coagulation. If the erosion has progressed to the cancer stage, surgery is necessary. In this case, the entire uterus or part of it is removed. Causes and consequences of erosion Erosion and cancer of the cervix can occur due to:
- early onset of sexual activity (up to 16 years);
- the birth of a child at an early age;
- conduct of promiscuous sexual life;
- venereal diseases;
- 3 and more abortions.
Erosion has the following consequences:
- the cervix, which is affected by erosion, is a fertile ground for the reproduction of infections (gonococcus, chlamydia, herpes);
- flat warts may occur due to human papillomavirus;
- polyps may appear on the uterus;
- the onset of infertility;
- appearance of atypical cells;
- cervical cancer.
It is important to remember that cervical cancer is notoccurs immediately, this is most often an advanced erosion. Ectopia and pseudo-erosion are background diseases, against which cervical cancer can develop. It is not worth neglecting erosion, it is better to undergo a course of treatment immediately upon its detection.
