Erythroplasia of Keira is a tumor from the epithelium that lines the glans and foreskin of the penis. This disease is rare. Usually these are elderly and middle-aged men who have not undergone circumcision. Keira’s erythroplasia has much in common with Bowen’s disease, but the former is more prone to malignancy and progression of the process.
Why does Keir’s disease develop?
Until now, scientists have not been able to establish the exact cause of such a pathology. However, there are a number of factors predisposing to the appearance of atypical cells:
Injuries and even minor injuries to the head of the penis
Genital herpes not treated in a timely manner
Violation of the rules of intimate hygiene
Infection with carcinogenic human papillomavirus
Chronic diseases of the genitals
What symptoms should I see a doctor for?
Soreness of the glans penis, aggravated by trauma
Changing the color of the head and foreskin to reddish, bluish or purple
Formation of a white or yellowish coating on the penis
The appearance of blood seeping through the thinned epithelium
If at least one of these symptoms appears, immediately consult a specialist!
How to reliably diagnose Keir’s erythroplasia?
On the basis of complaints and symptoms, it is possible to suspect the formation of a tumor, but not to make an accurate diagnosis. In order to make sure of the nature of the process and to start active treatment, it is necessary to conduct a histological examination of the tissue affected by the pathological process. To do this, take an area of the affected area of the penis and examine it under a microscope. After the detection of atypical cells, an individual complex of therapy is selected.
Treatment methods for Keir’s disease.
To effectively fight a tumor, an individual, comprehensive approach is required. Treatment methods are selected taking into account age, concomitant pathology and stage of development of the process.
Cryodestruction is a surgical operation using liquid nitrogen that destroys tumor cells.
With the progression of the process, additional systemic treatment is required. Usually this is radiation or chemotherapy, which are often effective, but entail serious complications in the form of systemic damage to organs and tissues.
If the process goes to the lymph nodes, then their excision is necessary. For this, a laser is used, which allows you to quickly and effectively destroy the affected lymphoid tissue.
Photodynamic therapy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photodynamic_therapy is one of the effective methods of treatment. The method involves the use of drugs – photosensitizers, which selectively accumulate in the affected cells. When a light source of a certain wavelength is exposed to a tumor, the photosensitizer breaks down to form reactive oxygen species that destroy atypical cells. This effective method allows the tumor to be destroyed without poisoning the entire body. That is why photodynamic therapy does not entail serious complications.
As an additional therapy, cytological ointments are used.
With the timely detection and treatment of Keir’s disease, complete recovery is possible. The percentage of such patients is about 90%. The main thing is to remember about personal hygiene, preventive measures and timely examinations by a specialist.