Erythroplasty of the cervix

This is not often the term "erythroplasty of the cervix", refers to the disease of the mucous tissues closer to the entrance to the vagina, which occurs as an atrophic process of the superficial epithelial layer of the neck.

This disease has not been studied in many respects, therefore the information on erythroplasty is incomplete and leaves many riddles for specialists. Nevertheless, the disease is treatable and has a rather favorable prognosis.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of the erythroplasty of the cervix

The causes of erythroplasty of the cervix still do not have a clear definition. True, scientists have identified a number of factors that could contribute to the emergence of this disease. Among them:

• infectious diseases of the genital area;
• trauma and damage to the cervix due to abortion, complicated labor, etc., as well as as a result of various mechanical and chemical effects;
• disorders of the endocrine system and immune defense;
• hereditary predisposition.

To date, scientists continue to work on a more thorough study of the causes of erythroplasty, because such data can fundamentally affect the treatment and prevention of this disease.

[4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Symptoms of the erythroplasty of the cervix

Erythroplasty of the cervix often occurs without any symptoms, and therefore in most cases it is detected at random by a doctor. In the mirrors, the disease looks like atrophy (thinning) of the outer epithelial layer of the cervix, which has the appearance of reddening areas of mucous tissues. In the adjacent areas of the vaginal part of the cervix, the unchanged cover of the epithelium predominates.

The reddening of the mucous tissues is explained by the fact that the vessels of the underlying layer begin to appear through the thin layer of the epithelium. These areas of redness on the neck and are areas of erythroplasty ("erythroplakia" - translation from the Greek "reddened spot").

Occasionally, when the areas affected by erythroplasty reach a large size, such symptoms may appear:

• pathological discharge from the vagina;
• bleeding mucous during sexual intercourse, douching, etc., up to the development of bleeding.

The disease is often found simultaneously with colpitis or cervicitis.

[9], [10], [11], [12],

Diagnostics of the erythroplasty of the cervix

Diagnostic procedures for identifying erythroplasty of the cervix can include:

• Examination in the gynecological chair using mirrors;
• colposcopy - examination of the entrance to the vaginal cavity, vaginal walls and vaginal part of the neck using a colposcope (device with a binocular and a special lighting device);
• taking a smear on the microflora;
• taking a smear for the presence of malignant cells (oncocytology, is performed from 16 to 18 days of the monthly cycle);
• taking a neck scraping for analysis on ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, papillomavirus;
• cervical biopsy followed by histology;
• tests for RW, AIDS.

As a rule, the diagnosis of erythroplasty is established after examination of the patient in the gynecological chair. The remaining analyzes and studies are necessary for differential diagnostics to distinguish erythroplasty from other similar diseases, including oncological ones.

[13], [14]

Treatment of the erythroplasty of the cervix

Erythroplasty of the cervix is treatable, but not conservative, but surgical. There can be several options for such treatment, and all of them are aimed at destroying the affected area:

• cryodestruction - local low-temperature action (usually liquid nitrogen), which allows to destroy pathological tissues;
• diathermocoagulation is a method of cauterizing tissues using high frequency currents that are obtained from a special device for diathermy;
• conization of the cervix - removal of the conical part of the cervix;
• laser valorization - aimed "cauterization" of laser pathological tissue.

In turn, conization of the cervix can be carried out in several ways:

• Knife conization (rarely used);
• laser conization (more expensive procedure);
• loop electro-kanizatsiya (the most common).

Which method of treatment the doctor chooses will be decided individually. This may depend on many factors: the age of the patient, the degree of atrophy of the tissues, and also whether the woman plans a pregnancy in the future.

Surgical methods of treatment are recommended to combine with antibiotic therapy, with further administration of drugs to stabilize the vaginal microflora. The appointment of drugs that strengthen the immune system is shown.

Prevention

Because of the uncertainty of the etiology of the disease, there are no specific methods for preventing erythroplasty.

Among the general preventive recommendations allocate:

• timely and regular visit to the gynecologist;
• timely treatment of any diseases of the genital area;
• compliance with personal hygiene;
• prevention of injuries and chemical effects on the mucous tissues of the vagina;
• prevention of hypothermia;
• prevention of abortion, timely contraception;
• prevention of self-treatment, adherence to the recommendations of a doctor.

[15], [16], [17]

Forecast

If the disease was detected on time, and the patient was treated, the erythroplasty prognosis can be considered favorable. During and for 1-1,5 months after therapy, it is recommended to postpone sexual contact until the neck tissue is fully restored. Then, within a year after the treatment, one should visit the gynecologist once every 3 months.

If the disease is not treated, then in the future it can cause oncology, because erythroplasty of the cervix is a category of precancerous conditions of the genital organs. It is very important to find a qualified specialist who will help you cope with the disease: thanks to this, you can avoid undesirable and very serious consequences.

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