HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common name for a group of DNA viruses transmitted from person to person and provoking the development of benign neoplasms - papillomas. Some varieties are oncogenic (ie increase the risk of malignant tumors). HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, which kills thousands of women worldwide each year. However, these viruses affect the development of other cancers: not only in women but also in men.

HPV does not appear as symptoms for a long time: patients often learn about it only when they develop precancerous conditions or cancer. HPV is a threat to patients of all genders and ages, including young children. However, its main "target audience" is people aged 15-30: they are sexually active, do not always think about precautions and in most cases HPV is sexually transmitted.

To prevent the virus from affecting the body so far, it is advisable to check your health regularly: to rule out pathologies that it can cause. There are also tests for HPV to detect the presence of oncogenic strains. Take care of your health right now: make an appointment at the Otradnoe polyclinic and visit a doctor without having to wait in queues or adjust to inconvenient times for you

What is HPV

Human papillomaviruses that enter the body through microtraumas of the skin are introduced into the cells of the basal layer of the epithelium. HPV can exist in any layer of the epidermis. However, its reproduction occurs exclusively in the basal layer.

The virus develops in two stages:

1. Reproductive - the virus enters the cell without affecting its chromosomes and multiplies.
2. Integrative - HPV is introduced into the genome of an infected cell.

During the second stage, the virus transforms the cells. They begin to actively divide and appear tumor-like formations - papillomas. These are papillary growths protruding above the surface of the skin (so they are called: papilloma - from the Latin papilla - grain and Greek oma - tumor). The second stage does not always happen. The virus, which is in the first stage of development, is able to regress (leave the body). However, even if the patient has no pathological changes, he is a carrier of HPV and is able to infect other people.

The incubation period can last from 3 weeks to one year. The average is 3 months. In some cases, genital forms of papillomas appear first, and then neoplasms appear on the genitals.

In most cases, the body handles the virus within 2 years. However, re-infection can occur - with the same or different strain. Also, papillomas or other skin manifestations are able to regress after 6-8 months (gradually decrease and then disappear). This happens when the immune system suppresses the virus and "survives" it from the cells.

The HPV virus most commonly affects the skin and mucous membranes:

• Anogenital area.
• Upper respiratory tract.
• Oral cavity.
• Bronch.
• Unions.
• Rectum.
• Esophagus.

HPV types

The first human papillomavirus (HPV) was isolated in 1971. And scientist Harald Zur Hausen was able to identify and prove the link between HPV and cervical cancer. He later received the Nobel Prize for his discoveries.

About 600 different HPV strains are known to date. Some provoke the appearance of warts, others - genital warts, and others - papillomas. Among HPV, there are also species that affect the development of cancerous tumors. They are called oncogenic. Fortunately, not many of them. They may have low, medium or high oncogenic potential:

1. Strains 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81 are characterized by low oncogenicity.
2. Mean oncogenicity in types 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66.
3. High oncogenic potential in strains 16, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 68, 73, 82.

Cervical cancer is mostly caused by types 16 and 18.

Help!The presence of an oncogenic type of HPV in the body does not mean that a person is "doomed" to cancer. The presence of the virus increases the risk of developing cancer, but it is not the only reason for their appearance.If the patient has an oncogenic strain of HPV, he just needs to closely monitor his health, to undergo regular preventive examinations. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy for him.

The reproductive system of women and men is able to infect about 40 types of papilloma viruses. The result of their activity is not only cancer, but also genital warts or warts.

Help!Cancerous tumors develop slowly: within 5-30 years after infection with papillomavirus. They are preceded by precancerous conditions (benign neoplasms that can degenerate into malignant). That is why it is so important to have regular check-ups. And pre-cancerous conditions and even cancer in the early stages are completely curable and dangerous consequences can be avoided.

HPV transmission paths

The main "condition" for infection is the presence of microdamages (wounds, cracks, scratches) on the skin or mucous membranes. These are the "gates" for HPV.

Most often, transmission of the virus occurs when the skin or mucous membranes of two people come into contact. Therefore, the main route of papillomaviruses is sexual contact. In addition, the use of condoms does not rule out the possibility of infection. The virus can be transmitted through oral sex, during which contraception is not always used. In addition, the condom does not cover the entire surface of the penis and is often placed in the middle of intercourse. HPV can also be contracted through kissing.

HPV can also be transmitted:

• From mother to child as the baby passes through the birth canal.
• At home: when you use other people's hygiene products (towels, toothbrushes, shaving accessories).
• In public areas: saunas, gyms, swimming pools.

Help!The survival time of papillomaviruses in the external environment is short. Therefore, the risk of home infection, although present, is much lower than with sexual contact.

Self-infection is also possible: transfer of the virus from one part of the body to another during depilation, scratching the skin, biting nails.

Virus infection does not occur in all cases. The following factors increase the risk:

• Decreased immunity.
• Bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse.
• Stress.
• Sexually transmitted infections.
• Diseases of the urinary system.
• Injuries to the skin and mucous membranes.
• Immunodeficiency conditions.
• Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.

Help!Oncogenic HPV strains are more dangerous for women than for men because they become infected more often.

HPV: symptoms

Papillomaviruses can show absolutely no symptoms for a long time. Usually the patient learns about the presence of HPV with the development of its consequences: the appearance of warts, papillomas, genital warts. In some cases, the following signs may indicate the presence of a virus:

• Redness, skin growths (most often in the genital area);
• Itching.
• Pain and other discomfort during or after intercourse.

What diseases can HPV cause?

Papillomaviruses primarily provoke the growth of papillomas, warts and genital warts in patients of both sexes. All of the above tumors can appear on any part of the body. Most often, however, they affect the genitals and anal area. In women, they appear in the vulva, cervix and vagina. In men - the scrotum, the head of the penis, the foreskin. Patients of both sexes often develop neoplasms in the anus.

Also, warts often appear on the soles, larynx, vocal cords. Papillomas (body-colored papillomas) do not have a "favorite place" - they can appear on the trunk, neck, face, arms and legs. In children and adolescents, flat warts are the most common (they are also called juvenile warts). These are small (3-5 mm) dark neoplasms that protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. Most often they appear on the back of the hands, face, legs.

When it comes to cancer, most patients are associated with HPV, primarily cervical cancer. In fact, this pathology is very common in our time. In women, however, HPV often provokes the development of cancer of the vagina and vulva (65-70% of cases), in men - cancer of the penis (50% of cases). Also in women and men, papillomaviruses can contribute to the appearance of malignant tumors:

• rectum;
• oral cavity;
• larynx.

In children, HPV is usually manifested by an increase in papillomas against a background of reduced immunity due to previous illnesses, usually viral or bacterial infections. Also, papillomaviruses infect young patients suffering from allergic reactions or frequent colds.

HPV and pregnancy

Papillomaviruses negatively affect women's fertility. If they are present, the chance of pregnancy is halved, as HPV can prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. If the partner is also infected with the virus (which happens in 65-70% of cases), then the possibility of conception decreases even more. HPV has a negative effect on sperm motility.

When pregnancy occurs, the papilloma virus increases the risk of developing:

• Low or high water.
• Chronic placental insufficiency.
• HPV can also cause miscarriage.

Therefore, pregnant women are prescribed gentle drug therapy, which can significantly reduce all the above risks.

When a child passes through the birth canal, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, women with HPV are more likely to give birth by caesarean section - the risk of transmitting the virus is reduced 5 times.

Changes in the hormonal background provoke the rapid growth of genital warts. They can grow together, which can cause difficulties in the acts of urination and defecation, deliver unpleasant sensations when walking, bleeding. During birth, tumors are easily injured. They can also make it difficult for the baby to pass through the birth canal. To avoid all this, genital warts are treated in early pregnancy. Methods such as cryodestruction, laser surgery, etc. are used.

Diagnostics

To diagnose HPV, first consult a doctor. Depending on the manifestations of the virus, he will refer the patient to diagnostic tests and to a narrow specialist (gynecologist, urologist, dermatologist, oncologist, proctologist, etc. ).

Both women and men can be scheduled for examinations such as:

• blood ELISA test - according to its results it is impossible to determine the concentration and oncogenicity of the virus, but antibodies to it can be detected, the method is ideal for early diagnosis when symptoms have not yet appeared.
• PCR diagnostics - allows you to detect HPV DNA, ie allows you to know exactly whether there is a virus in the body or not; blood, saliva, genital discharge, etc. are taken for analysis.
• Digene-test - allows you to assess the degree of oncogenicity of the strain, to determine the amount of virus in the body; the biomaterial is a piece of tissue that is scraped from the cervical canal, vagina or urethra.

Women are prescribed the following types of examinations:

• Cytological examination (PAP test) - examination of a cytosmear from the vagina under a microscope to identify cells altered by the virus.
• Colposcopy - examination of the cervix using a colposcope device, this procedure is assigned to the patient if altered cells are found according to the results of cytological examination.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HPV (ie aimed at eradicating it). However, you can take steps to suppress the activity of the virus and increase the likelihood of self-medication. The patient is prescribed:

• Vitamins.
• Immunomodulators.
• Antiviral drugs.

Symptomatic treatment is also performed - removal of neoplasms. Under no circumstances should you try to treat warts, papillomas and warts with folk remedies. There is a risk of provoking the development of secondary infection or degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one.

The following methods are used to eliminate tumors:

• Removal with a scalpel.
• Cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen).
• Removal with a radio knife.
• Laser removal.
• Electrocoagulation.

The method is chosen by the doctor depending on the nature and location of the tumor, as well as the condition of the patient's body.

Prevention

Preventive methods include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly strengthening the immune system through a complete and varied diet, moderate physical activity and quality rest. It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, not to use other people's accessories. To avoid the risk of infection, you should refrain from casual sex and use barrier contraception.

There is also the possibility of vaccination against some highly oncogenic strains of HPV. Vaccinations between 9 and 26 years of age are recommended (optimal age is 11-12 years). Women can be vaccinated after the age of 26, but only if the gynecologist believes there is evidence. It should be borne in mind that vaccination does not cure a virus already present in the body, but prevents infection with some of its particularly dangerous species.