Parakeratosis is a condition in which pathological changes in epithelial tissues are observed, in particular keratinization. As you know, almost all organs have an epithelial layer in their composition. And in modern gynecology, such an ailment as cervical parakeratosis is often recorded. What it is? What are the symptoms associated with? Should I worry about this? What treatment methods can a gynecologist offer? Many women seek answers to these questions.
Cervical parakeratosis: what is it?
To begin with, it’s worth understanding the meaning of the term. Parakeratosis is called incomplete keratinization of epithelial tissues. The mechanism of the development of the disease is not fully understood, but, according to studies, pathological changes in cells are directly related to impaired keratogialin synthesis (this substance is a precursor of keratin protein).
The affected area of the cervix looks more coarse and shriveled. Tissues in this case lose their elasticity and ability to stretch, so they are often injured (for example, during intercourse).
If untreated, the affected areas are covered with whitish plaques and spots - these are areas of keratinization of tissues. In this case, we are talking about hyperkeratosis. The pathological process can spread to neighboring areas, as a result of which the lesion foci increase.
The main causes of the development of pathology
Parakeratosis is a pathology that in no case should be ignored. And in order to prevent the development of complications and normalize the work of the body, it is worth identifying and eliminating the cause of the development of the disease.
- First of all, it is worth mentioning the changes in the hormonal background, which affect the functioning of tissues and cell metabolism. Risk factors include improper use of hormonal drugs, diseases of the endocrine glands, constant stress.
- Sometimes parakeratosis develops against a background of a viral infection. The pathogen may be, for example, the papilloma virus.
- Bacterial lesions (chlamydia, gonorrhea) can also cause pathological changes in tissues.
- Risk factors include frequent changes in sexual partners, rough sexual acts.
- Cell keratinization is possible in the presence of injuries of the cervix (birth injuries, injuries during abortion and some other gynecological procedures, improper installation of the intrauterine device).
- The cause may be an inflammatory disease of the pelvic organs.
- Adversely on the functioning of the reproductive system is affected by non-compliance with personal hygiene rules.
- The list of reasons should also include a decrease in immune activity.
- It is proved that a deficiency of zinc in the body can also trigger a disease.
To date, the exact mechanism for the development of pathology remains unexplored. Nevertheless, the presence of one or more risk factors is a good reason to sign up for a gynecological examination.
Signs of parakeratosis and clinical features
Most often, the ailment proceeds without any visible symptoms, therefore it is detected by chance during a scheduled examination.
Sometimes there is the appearance of vaginal discharge with a characteristic unpleasant odor. In whites, blood impurities may be present. Some patients complain of pain during or after intercourse.
Diagnostic measures for parakeratosis
Parakeratosis is a pathology with a blurred clinical picture. In order to accurately determine the disease, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis.
- First, the patient is interviewed, the doctor collects an anamnesis.
- Next, a gynecological examination is necessary. During the procedure, the specialist, as a rule, manages to detect areas with altered tissues - they look like rounded plaques with seals or keratinized scales.
- Scraping is also taken for women for further cytological examination of tissues. Under a microscope, a specialist can notice pathological changes in the epithelium.
- Unfortunately, a conventional scraping does not allow checking the condition of cells from deeper layers of the mucous membrane. That is why doctors recommend a biopsy - the only way to detect malignant degeneration of tissues (if any).
- Colposcopy is also informative. During the procedure, the doctor can accurately determine the extent of tissue damage, find out the localization of foci of parakeratosis.
- During colposcopy, an iodine test is also performed, in which the doctor applies iodine solution to the tissues. Healthy epithelial tissues are stained.
- Additionally, the patient donates blood for analysis - this helps to identify the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- In addition, tests for the presence of a bacterial or viral infection are needed. The level of hormones in the blood is also determined. These tests are carried out in order to find out the cause of the onset of parakeratosis.
Drug treatment
Drug therapy is primarily aimed at eliminating the causes of pathological tissue changes. If we are talking about a viral disease, then patients are prescribed antiviral drugs, interferon. In bacterial infections, antibiotics are necessary. In order to remove the inflammatory process, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used.
In addition, it is important to monitor the state of the immune system. Patients need vitamin therapy. Doctors often recommend vitamins with zinc - for women this mineral is very important, because often its deficiency triggers the keratinization of tissues.
Elimination of foci of parakeratosis
Drug therapy can eliminate the infection and relieve inflammation. Nevertheless, the damaged tissue remains, and sometimes the doctor may decide to remove them. The choice of method in this case directly depends on the degree of tissue damage.
Quite often, in order to remove the altered epithelium, laser therapy methods (vaporization) are used, as well as cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen), coagulation. If there is a precancerous condition or an already developing cancer, then surgical intervention is necessary, during which the specialist removes pathologically altered tissues. In the most severe cases, a complete resection of the uterus may be required.
Forecasts and possible complications
With the timely detection of parakeratosis of the squamous epithelium of the cervix, it can be treated. Nevertheless, in some cases, complications, in particular neoplasia, which is considered a precancerous condition, may occur. A disease such as parakeratosis increases the risk of developing cancer. In addition, cicatricial deformities of the cervix are referred to the list of complications , which affects the further work of the reproductive system and often requires surgical treatment.
Preventative measures
Parakeratosis is a dangerous ailment that can lead to a host of dangerous consequences. That is why it is better to observe precautions. Patients, especially if they are at risk (there has been surgery and diseases of the endocrine system), should be more careful about their health.
Erratic sexual relations should be avoided, as they can lead to infection or unwanted pregnancy. All diseases of the reproductive system (including sexually transmitted diseases) must be responsive to therapy in a timely manner. Remember that you can take hormonal drugs only with the permission of a doctor, strictly following the dosage. Follow the rules of intimate hygiene, eat right, strengthen immunity, take special vitamins with zinc for women, and at the slightest deterioration in health, consult a doctor.