More than 60% of the world population is considered to be a carrier of the human papillomavirus infection. It is transmitted mainly by contact. Human papillomavirus (HPV) against 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 cells.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is one of the types of infectious pathology that provokes the appearance of neoplasms in the body. Growths are formed from epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of any age and sex.
HPV can be contracted through contact with an infected person, through the use of household items, in the womb, during childbirth.
For the prevention of HPV, a vaccine is administered before the onset of sexual activity, in adulthood control of sexual activity and personal hygiene is indicated.
For treatment, antiviral immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed; 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. Getting into the human body, HPV disrupts cell division, which leads to the appearance of warts.
When HPV is infected, the main thing is to determine the type of virus, since non-oncogenic strains do not pose any danger to humans, they only spoil the appearance when, upon activation, they give rise to the formation of papillomas on the body.
Oncogenic pathogens are dangerous for the development of malignant neoplasms.
The only way not to get infected with said papilloma virus and prevent cervical cancer is vaccination.
The vaccine is given to girls and girls before the start of sexual activity.
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that infect the genitals in women or men. In the first, the papilloma virus, which manifests itself in the form of genital warts, causes cervical cancer 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 inhabitants. 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 between the ages of 18 and 28 are most likely to be affected by a viral infection. Teenage girls account for about 82% of sexually active lives.
In 93% of confirmed cancer cases involving the anus or genitalia, papillomavirus is detected. Furthermore, in 60% of situations, infection occurs through accidental sexual contact.
HPV type 16 causes cancer in 41-54% of people.
Also, statistics confirm that 90% of women can 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, 11 and 6 species are detected, which are included in the low-risk group.
Moreover, in about 95% of situations, experts note the independent elimination of the virus from the body for about 2 years.
Symptoms
Papillomavirus manifests itself in the body in cases where exposure to external or internal factors has caused a decrease in immunity. The nature of the clinical picture during HPV infection depends on the strain of the latter and the location of the neoplasms.
Among the common forms of papillomavirus, genital warts stand out. It is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- pale pink color;
- the presence of a thin leg, with which the condyloma is attached to the body.
In case of manifestation of condylomas, a liquid with an unpleasant odor is secreted. Neoplasms of this type grow without pain.
The main area of location of genital warts is the perineum. With injuries of the genital organs, patients are worried about itching and burning.
Infection of the mucous membrane of the larynx 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;
- trouble swallowing;
- hoarsely;
- persistent cough
Papillomas located on the mucous membrane of the larynx are prone to rapid growth, leading to suffocation (asphyxiation).
Viral infection also manifests itself in the form of:
- common warts. It is caused by lack of hygiene. The body often suppresses the activity of this type of virus on its own.
- flat warts. The growths are small neoplasms with a diameter of up to 3 mm. Most often located in the front of the head.
Papillomavirus type 18 is considered dangerous. It develops in the genitalia of men and women, causing the appearance of numerous neoplasms on the surface of the mucosa.
The causative agent of this type, against the background of weakened immunity, quickly spreads throughout the body, affecting the internal structures. Also, HPV 18 is prone to malignancy.
The defeat of the female genital organs with papillomavirus provokes the appearance of bleeding that is not associated with menstruation. The infection often penetrates into the uterine cavity and contributes to the degeneration of local cells. Approximately 98% of women with cancer of the reproductive organs develop a malignant tumor due to exposure to HPV.
how is it transmitted
Papillomavirus infection occurs in the following ways:
- ViaHome furniture. The use of combs, towels, slippers or clothing of a person carrying the infection contributes to the spread of the papillomavirus.
- Indirect contact. This also applies to cases of sexual intimacy. The possibility of infection remains even when condoms are used.
- Autoinfection. The virus is carried from one part of the body to another.
- From mother to sonacross 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 throughout the body.
The risk zone for the development of papillomas on the body includes people who are diagnosed with:
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of the internal organs;
- vitamin deficiency;
- the pregnancy.
Mental or physical overwork, severe stress also contribute to a decrease in immunity, which increases the likelihood of infection with the papillomavirus.
How to get rid
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 examination arises when the malignant nature of the tumor is suspected, as well as to differentiate HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papillomavirus by the following methods:
- studybiological secretthe patient;
- colposcopy(used for injuries of the female genital organs);
- cytological andhistological analysismaterial taken from the surface of the condyloma;
- polymerase methodchain reaction, which allows to detect the presence of HPV in the patient's body;
- methodhybridization, with the help of which the level of oncogenicity of tumor cells is determined.
HPV is not "afraid" of the action 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 recommended to combat the manifestations of the virus with the help of topical preparations.
Simultaneously with the local treatment of warts, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system. For this, immunomodulators or vitamin complexes are suitable.
In connection with genital warts and papillomas, prone to rebirth, other manipulations are performed:
- laser coagulation. The method is considered harmless to the body. The laser beam, narrowly focused on the papilloma, burns its layered tissues. After the procedure, bleeding and other unpleasant phenomena do not occur in the treatment area.
- Cryodestruction. The procedure consists of treating neoplasms with liquid nitrogen. The substance freezes the growth tissue and the papilloma falls off.
- surgical removal. It is performed in cases where a high oncogenicity of the neoplasm is diagnosed.
The human papillomavirus often does not pose a threat. It provokes the appearance of warts and other neoplasms on the body. Some of these growths are prone to recur, so patients with such papillomas should be regularly examined by a doctor.