Men are several times more likely to see a doctor with symptoms of disorders of the urogenital system than the fair sex. The most dangerous are precancerous conditions and malignant tumors. The first group of pathologies includes Keir erythroplasia. What it is?
Disease Description
Keir erythroplasia refers to precancerous lesions of the mucous membranes. In medical practice, one more name for this pathology can be found - velvety epithelium. In the vast majority of cases, the disease affects the glans penis. Erythroplasia is much less commonly diagnosed in women. In this case, the foci of the pathological process are the mucous membranes of the genital organs, the oral cavity and the perianal region.
Keir erythroplasia and Bowen's disease have many common features, however, a number of specific features make it possible to distinguish the former as an independent form of the tumor. It is usually diagnosed in men in old age. This disease is characterized by a tendency to degenerate into squamous cell carcinoma (30% of all cases). Every fifth patient has metastases, which indicates an unfavorable prognosis.
Etiology of the disease
Representatives of the stronger sex over 55 years of age most often suffer from the manifestation of such a pathology as Keir erythroplasia. 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;
- non-observance of basic rules of personal hygiene.
Under the influence of one or several factors simultaneously, Keir erythroplasia develops.
Symptoms and first signs of an 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 characterized by smooth edges, has a reddish or brownish tint. Its surface is shiny, slightly velvety. On palpation, soreness is possible. As the pathological process develops, small erosions occur in this place. In case of infection, the surface of the focus becomes yellow, a purulent secret appears.
Keir erythroplasia in the oral cavity is characterized by a certain clinical picture. The lesions are localized on the surface of the tongue and mucous lips. They have a reddish tint, clear borders. The consistency of the formations is mostly soft, small erosion is not excluded.
Diagnostic Methods
If erythroplasia is suspected, the doctor first studies the clinical manifestations of the pathology, then proceeds to histological studies. The basis of diagnosis is a simple test during which an application or a solution of toluidine blue is applied to the site of the lesion. The erythroplasia site turns blue, while ordinary erythema does not change the color.
Another diagnostic sign of the disease is a clear frame of the lesions. In inflammatory processes, they have less pronounced contours, and the use of corticosteroids is accompanied by a rapid regression of rashes.
An important step in examining a patient is differential diagnosis. The symptomatology of the disease is largely similar to the manifestations of Zun balanitis. Therefore, it is impossible to make a final diagnosis based on clinical signs only. In this case, you have to resort to the help of histological / cytological examination. The resulting picture, as a rule, is similar to Bowen's disease. A small amount of atypical cells and focal hyperkeratosis are observed on the sample taken.
The main difference from syphilitic chancre is the absence of thickening and regional sclerenitis. However, at the stage of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma, Keir erythroplasia is accompanied by tissue compaction. Subsequent metastasis to the inguinal lymph nodes - their increase. To clarify the diagnosis, cytology is sometimes required. If pale treponema is absent in the imprint of the discharge , but the tumor cells are clearly distinguished, erythroplasia is also confirmed.
Treatment principles
Keir erythroplasia disease implies a comprehensive approach to treatment, which consists of chemotherapy and the use of external agents. The use of specific medications depends on the stage of the pathological process, determined on the basis of the results of histological testing.
With an invasive form of the disease, chemotherapeutic drugs are prescribed. Among them, Bleomycin is most effective. The drug is administered intramuscularly or intravenously, while it is necessary to observe safety precautions and prevent 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 condition of the patient, 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 glans penis involves the use of liquid nitrogen. Before starting cryotherapy, painkillers are used. The procedures are repeated twice a week, and the entire course consists of five sessions. Fluorofuric or fluorouracil ointment is also used for Keir erythroplasia disease. It is applied directly to the lesions. The course of treatment is 20 days.
In an invasive form, when there is a pronounced reaction from the inguinal lymph nodes, X-ray therapy is recommended. The development of pathology on the genitals 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 Keir erythroplasia.
Treatment with folk remedies
Before using traditional medicine recipes, consult a specialist. Self-treatment of precancerous conditions can not only not give the desired effect, but also exacerbate the course of the disease.
- With this disease, traditional healers are advised to use rabbit cabbage grass. It should be crushed, and then applied to the affected areas.
- You can use fresh juice of yarrow herb (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: resorting to treatment according to the prescriptions of traditional healers should only be after consultation with a doctor. Such therapy cannot be considered an alternative to taking medication or surgery.
Prognosis for patients
Typically, Keir erythroplasia is characterized by a benign course. Germination of pathogenic cells and involvement of regional lymph nodes in the process is extremely rare. The transformation of a tumor into squamous cell carcinoma is usually accompanied by an unfavorable prognosis.
Preventive actions
Prevention of erythroplasia is the early detection of the disease, conducting appropriate therapy. Its main goal is to prevent the degeneration of pathology into squamous cell cancer. If suspicious spots appear on the penis, you should immediately consult a doctor. A cytological examination is a guarantee of the timely detection of atypical elements.