More than 60% of the world's population is considered to be infected with the human papillomavirus. It is transmitted mainly by contact. Human papillomavirus (HPV) on the background of a weakened immune system manifests itself in the form of characteristic neoplasms on the skin or mucous membranes. In rare cases, the cells of such growths degenerate into malignant.
What is HPV
Human papillomavirus is one of the types of infectious pathology that provokes the appearance of neoplasms on the body. Growths are formed from epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of all ages and genders.
HPV can be contracted through contact with an infected person, through the use of household items, in utero, intranatally.
To prevent HPV, a vaccine is given before sexual activity begins; control of sexual activity and personal hygiene is shown in adulthood.
Antiviral, immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed for treatment; existing skin growths are removed.
There are more than 100 types of HPV. Most viruses do not pose a threat to human life and health. It exclusively affects the basal layer of the dermis. By penetrating the human body, HPV disrupts cell division, leading to the appearance of warts.
When HPV is infected, the main thing is to determine the type of virus, because non-oncogenic strains do not pose any danger to humans, they only spoil the appearance when, when activated, lead to the formation of papillomas on the body.
Oncogenic pathogens are dangerous for the development of malignant neoplasms.
The only way to prevent such a papillomavirus and prevent cervical cancer is through vaccination.
The vaccine is given to girls before the start of sexual activity.
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that infect the genitals in women or men. In the first papilloma virus, which manifests itself in the form of genital warts, it causes cancer of the cervix or provokes the appearance of a malignant tumor in the uterus.
Statistics
According to statistics, the incidence of HPV in the world is diagnosed in 15-50 people per 100 thousand population. About 60% of people are carriers of the virus. 30% of those infected do not even suspect that they have a dangerous disease.
Young people aged 18-28 are more likely to be affected by a viral infection. Teenage girls make up about 82% of active sex life.
Papillomavirus is found in 93% of confirmed cancers of the anus or genitals. In addition, in 60% of situations, the infection occurs through casual sexual contact.
HPV type 16 causes cancer in 41-54% of people.
Statistics also confirm that 90% of women may be carriers of active HPV, but cervical cancer is diagnosed in only 20% of patients after 5 years.
In 90% of the population with papillomavirus are found 11 and 6 species, which are included in the group of low-risk.
In addition, in about 95% of situations, experts note the independent elimination of the body from the virus for about 2 years.
Symptoms
Papillomavirus manifests itself on the body in cases where exposure to external or internal factors has led to a decrease in immunity. The nature of the clinical picture during HPV infection depends on the strain of the latter and the location of neoplasms.
Among the most common forms of papillomavirus are genital warts. It has the following characteristics:
- pale pink color;
- the presence of a thin leg with which the wart is attached to the body.
When warts occur, a liquid with an unpleasant odor is released. Neoplasms of this type grow painlessly.
The main area of localization of genital warts is the perineum. With genital lesions, patients are concerned about itching and burning.
Infection of the laryngeal mucosa leads to the appearance of flat papillomas on its surface. The development of this form of pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing;
- swallowing problems;
- Husky voice;
- persistent cough.
Papillomas located on the laryngeal mucosa tend to grow rapidly, causing asphyxia (suffocation).
Viral infection also manifests itself in the form of:
- Vulgar warts. Occurs due to poor hygiene. The body often suppresses the activity of this type of virus alone.
- flat warts. The growths are small neoplasms up to 3 mm in diameter. It is more often located in the front of the head.
Papilloma virus type 18 is considered dangerous. It develops on the genitals of men and women, provoking the appearance of many neoplasms on the surface of the mucosa.
The causative agent of this type, against the background of weakened immunity, spreads rapidly in the body, affecting internal structures. In addition, HPV 18 is prone to malignancy.
Defeat of the female genitals with papillomavirus provokes bleeding that is not related to menstruation. The infection often penetrates the uterine cavity and contributes to the degeneration of local cells. Approximately 98% of women with reproductive cancer develop a malignant tumor due to HPV exposure.
How it is transmitted
Papillomavirus infection occurs in the following ways:
- Throughhousehold appliances. The use of combs, towels, slippers or clothing of a person who is a carrier of the infection contributes to the spread of the papilloma virus.
- INdirect contact. This also applies to cases of sexual intimacy. The possibility of infection remains even when using condoms.
- Autoinfection. The virus is transmitted from one part of the body to another.
- From mother to childthrough the placenta.
The virus enters the body through open wounds, mucous membranes. However, infection does not always occur.
Strong immunity suppresses the infection, preventing it from spreading in the body.
The risk zone for the development of papillomas on the body includes people who have been diagnosed with:
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of the internal organs;
- vitamin deficiency;
- pregnancy.
Mental or physical overload, severe stress also contribute to reduced immunity, which increases the likelihood of papillomavirus infection.
How to get rid of
The human papillomavirus has a specific clinical picture. Therefore, treatment is often prescribed only on the basis of the results of an external examination of the problem area.
The need for additional research arises when the malignancy of the tumor is suspected, as well as to distinguish HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papilloma virus by the following methods:
- studybiological secretthe patient;
- colposcopy(used for female genital lesions);
- cytologically andhistological analysismaterial taken from the surface of the wart;
- polymerase methodchain reaction, which allows to detect the presence of HPV in the patient's body;
- methodhybridization, which are used to determine the level of oncogenicity of tumor cells.
HPV is not "afraid" of modern antiviral drugs. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the external signs of infection.
Conservative therapy is prescribed if:
- no genital warts;
- the color and size of the papilloma remain unchanged;
- the number of growths does not increase.
It is advisable to fight the manifestations of the virus with the help of topical preparations.
Strengthening the immune system is recommended at the same time as topical treatment of warts. Immunomodulators or vitamin complexes are suitable for this.
In relation to genital warts and papillomas prone to rebirth, other manipulations are performed:
- Laser coagulation. The method is considered harmless to the body. The laser beam, closely focused on the papilloma, burns its tissues in layers. Bleeding and other unpleasant phenomena do not appear in the treatment area after the procedure.
- Cryodestruction. The procedure involves treating neoplasms with liquid nitrogen. The substance freezes the growth tissue and the papilloma falls off.
- Surgical removal. It is performed in cases when high oncogenicity of the neoplasm is diagnosed.
The human papillomavirus is often not a threat. Causes warts and other neoplasms on the body. Some of these growths are prone to rebirth, so patients with such papillomas should be examined regularly by a doctor.