Men are several times more likely to go to the doctor with symptoms of dysfunction of the genitourinary system than the fair sex. The greatest danger is represented by precancerous conditions and malignant formations. The first group of pathologies includes Keyr's erythroplasia. What is it?
Description of the disease
Erythroplasia of Keyra refers to a precancerous lesion of the mucous membranes. In medical practice, you can find another name for this pathology - velvety epithelioma. In the vast majority of cases, the disease affects the glans penis. Much less often, erythroplasia is diagnosed in the fair sex. In this case, the foci of the pathological process are the mucous membranes of the genital organs, the oral cavity and the perianal region.
Erythroplasia of Queyrat and Bowen's disease have many common features, but a number of specific features make it possible to single out the first as an independent form of the tumor. It is usually diagnosed in older menage. This disease is characterized by a tendency to degenerate into squamous cell carcinoma (30% of all cases). One in five patients have metastases, indicating a poor prognosis.
Etiology of disease
Representatives of the stronger sex over 55 years of age most often suffer from the manifestation of such a pathology as erythroplasia of Queyrat. The reasons for its development are still unknown. Doctors distinguish a whole group of factors that contribute to the onset of symptoms of the disease. Among them are:
- chronic balanoposthitis;
- papilloma virus infection;
- genital herpes;
- periodic trauma to the tissues of the penis;
- failure to follow the basic rules of personal hygiene.
Under the influence of one or several factors simultaneously, Queira erythroplasia develops.
Symptoms and first signs of illness
The main symptom of the disease is the appearance of a single lesion on the mucosa. In men, it is localized on the head of the penis, in women - in the vulva. The lesion is distinguished by smooth edges, has a reddish or brownish tint. Its surface is shiny, slightly velvety. Pain may be experienced on palpation. As the pathological process develops, small erosions appear in this place. In case of infection, the surface of the focus becomes yellow, a purulent secret appears.
Erythroplasia of Keyra in the oral cavity is characterized by a certain clinical picture. Lesions are localized on the surface of the tongue and mucous lips. They have a reddish tint, clear boundaries. The consistency of the formations is mostly soft, small erosions are not excluded.
Diagnostic Methods
If erythroplasia is suspected, the doctor first examines the clinical manifestations of the pathology, then proceeds to histological studies. The basis of diagnosis is a simple test, during which an application or solution of toluidine blue is applied to the lesion site. The site of erythroplasia turns blue, while the usual erythema does not change the shade.
Another diagnostic sign of the disease is a clear framing of lesions. In inflammatory processes, they have less obvious contours, and the use of corticosteroids is accompanied by a rapid regression of rashes.
An important step in the examination of the patient is differential diagnosis. The symptomatology of the disease is in many ways similar to the manifestations of Zun's balanitis. Therefore, it is impossible to make a definitive diagnosis based on clinical signs alone. In this case, one has to resort to the help of a histological / cytological examination. The resulting picture is usually similar to Bowen's disease. On the sample taken, there is a small number of atypical cells, focal hyperkeratosis.
The main difference from syphilitic chancre is the absence of thickening and regional scleradenitis. However, at the stage of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma, Keyr's erythroplasia is accompanied by tissue thickening. Subsequent metastasis to the inguinal lymph nodes - their increase. Cytology is sometimes required to clarify the diagnosis. If there are no pale treponemas in the imprint of the discharge, but tumor cells are clearly distinguished, erythroplasia is also confirmed.
Principles of treatment
Erythroplasia Keyr's disease implies an integrated approach to treatment, which consists of chemotherapy and the use of external agents. The use of specific drugs depends on the stage of the pathological process, determined on the basis of the results of histological testing.
In the invasive form of the disease, chemotherapy drugs are prescribed. Among them, Bleomycin is the most effective. The drug is administered intramuscularly or intravenously, while it is necessary to take precautions and avoid contact with the skin surface. A single dosage is 15 mg. For injections, a new solution is prepared each time, they must be repeated every other day. Given the patient's condition, a second dose of the drug may be prescribed. The time period between courses of treatment is at least two months.
External treatment of the disease is selected depending on the location of the focus. For example, damage to the head of the penis involves the use of liquid nitrogen. Painkillers are used before starting cryotherapy. The procedures are repeated twice a week, and the entire course consists of five sessions. Fluorofur or fluorouracil ointment is also used for the diseaseerythroplasia of Queyra. It is applied directly to the lesions. The course of treatment is 20 days.
In the invasive form, when there is a pronounced reaction from the inguinal lymph nodes, X-ray therapy is recommended. The development of pathology on the genital organ often requires surgical intervention. The operation involves the removal of the foreskin, as a result of which the disease slows down or regresses. The main indication for surgery is complicated erythroplasia of Queyrat.
Treatment with folk remedies
Before using traditional medicine recipes, you should consult a specialist. Self-treatment of precancerous conditions may not only not give the desired effect, but also aggravate the course of the disease.
- In this disease, traditional healers advise using hare cabbage grass. It should be crushed, and then applied to the affected areas.
- You can use fresh yarrow herb juice (50 ml) and hemlock (25 ml). In the resulting mixture, add 100 ml of carrot juice. It is recommended to store the product in the refrigerator. It is necessary to take it for medicinal purposes twice a day in a tablespoon, washed down with kefir. The duration of the course of therapy is no more than one month.
Once again we note: to resort to treatment according to the prescriptions of traditional healers should be only after consulting a doctor. Such therapy cannot be considered an alternative to medication or surgery.
Prognosis for patients
Keyr's erythroplasia is usually characterized by a benign course. Germination of pathogenic cells and involvement in the process of regional lymph nodes is extremely rare. Tumor transformation to squamous cell carcinoma is usually accompanied by a poor prognosis.
Prevention measures
Prevention of erythroplasia is the early detection of the disease, the appropriate therapy. Its main goal is to prevent the degeneration of pathology into squamous cell carcinoma. If suspicious spots appear on the penis, you should immediately consult a doctor. Carrying out a cytological examination is a guarantee of the timely detection of atypical elements.
