HPV

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

HPV does not manifest itself for a long time as symptoms: patients often only discover it when precancerous conditions or cancer develop. HPV is a threat to patients of any sex and age, including young children. However, its main "target audience" is people between the ages of 15 and 30: they are sexually active, don't always think about precautions, and in most cases HPV is sexually transmitted.

To prevent the impact of the virus on the body from going so far, it is advisable to regularly check your health: 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 away: make an appointment at the Otradnoe Polyclinic and visit a medical consultation without having to wait in line or adjust to an uncomfortable time for you

What is HPV

Human papillomaviruses, which enter the body through skin microtraumas, 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 development of the virus occurs in 2 phases:

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

It is during the second stage that the virus transforms cells. They begin to actively divide and tumor-like formations appear - papillomas. These are papillary growths that protrude above the surface of the skin (that is why they are called: papilloma - from the Latin papilla - nipple and Greek oma - tumor). The second stage does not always occur. The virus, being 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 capable of infecting other people.

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

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

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

• Anogenital area.
• Upper respiratory tract.
• Oral cavity.
• Bronco.
• Subjunctive.
• Right.
• Esophagus.

Types of HPV

The first human papilloma virus (HPV) was isolated in 1971. And scientist Harald zur Hausen was able to identify and demonstrate the connection between HPV and cervical cancer. Subsequently, he received the Nobel Prize for his discoveries.

To date, about 600 different strains of HPV are known. Some provoke the appearance of warts, others - genital warts, and others - papillomas. There are also types of HPV that influence the development of cancerous tumors. They are called oncogenes. Fortunately, there aren't many. They can have low, medium or high oncogenic potential:

1. Strains 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81 have low oncogenicity.
2. Average 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 mainly 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 cause of their occurrence.If a patient has an oncogenic HPV strain, he only needs to carefully monitor her health, regularly undergo preventive examinations. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy.

The reproductive system of women and men is capable of infecting about 40 types of papillomaviruses. The result of their activity is not only cancer, but also genital warts or warts.

Help!Cancer tumors develop slowly: within 5-30 years of papillomavirus infection. They are preceded by precancerous conditions (benign neoplasms that can degenerate into malignant). That is why it is so important to undergo regular preventive examinations. And precancerous conditions and even cancer in the early stages are perfectly treatable and dangerous consequences can be avoided.

HPV transmission paths

The main "condition" of the infection is the presence of microdamages (wounds, cracks, scratches) of the skin or mucous membranes. They are the "doors" to HPV.

Very 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. Furthermore, the use of condoms does not exclude the possibility of infection. The virus can be transmitted through oral sex, during which contraception is not always used. Also, the condom does not cover the entire surface of the penis and is often worn during intercourse. HPV can also be contracted by kissing.

HPV can also be transmitted:

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

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

Self-infection is also possible: the transfer of the virus from one part of the body to another during hair removal, scratches on the skin, nail bites.

Contact infection with a virus 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.
• Injury to the skin and mucous membranes.
• Immunodeficiency states.
• Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.

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

HPV: symptoms

Papillomaviruses are able to have absolutely no symptoms for a long time. Usually, the patient learns about the presence of HPV already 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, first of all, cause the growth of papillomas, warts and genital warts in patients of both sexes. All of the above neoplasms can occur on any part of the body. However, they most often affect the genitals and the anal region. In women, they occur in the vulva, cervix, and vagina. In men: the scrotum, the head of the penis, the foreskin. In patients of both sexes, neoplasms often appear in the anus.

In addition, warts often appear on the soles of the feet, larynx, vocal cords. Papillomas (flesh-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 more common (they are also called juvenile or juvenile). These are small dark neoplasms (3-5 mm) that protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. Most often they occur on the back of the hands, face, legs.

Regarding cancer, most patients are associated with HPV, primarily cervical cancer. Indeed, this pathology is very common in our time. However, in women, HPV also often causes the development of cancer of the vagina and vulva (65-70% of cases), in men - cancer of the penis (50% of cases). Furthermore, in both women and men, papillomaviruses can contribute to the onset of malignant tumors:

• straight;
• oral cavity;
• larynx.

In children, HPV, as a rule, is manifested by the growth of papillomas against the background of a decrease in immunity due to previous diseases, usually viral or bacterial infections. In addition, papillomaviruses infect young patients who suffer from allergic reactions or frequent colds.

HPV and pregnancy

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

When pregnancy occurs, papillomavirus increases the risk of developing:

• Little or polyhydramnios.
• Chronic placental insufficiency.
• HPV can also cause miscarriage.

Therefore, sparing drug therapy is prescribed to pregnant women, which can significantly reduce all the above risks.

When a baby passes through the birth canal, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, women with HPV are preferable to give birth by caesarean section: the risk of transmission of the virus is reduced by 5 times.

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

Diagnostics

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

Both women and men can receive exams such as:

• ELISA blood test: based on its results, it is impossible to determine the concentration and oncogenicity of the virus, but it is possible to detect antibodies, the method is ideal for early diagnosis, when symptoms are notstill appeared.
• PCR diagnostics: it allows to detect the HPV DNA, that is to know exactly if there is a virus in the body or not; blood, saliva, discharge from the genitals, etc. are taken for analysis.
• Digene-test - allows you to evaluate the degree of oncogenicity of a strain, to establish the amount of virus in the body; biomaterial is a piece of tissue, which scrapes from the cervical canal, vagina or urethra.

Women are prescribed the following types of tests:

• Cytology examination (PAP test) - examination of a vaginal smear 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 have been found based on the results of the cytology examination.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HPV (i. e. aimed at destroying it). However, steps can be taken to suppress the activity of the virus and increase the likelihood of self-healing. The patient is prescribed:

• Vitamins.
• Immunomodulators.
• Antiviral drugs.

Symptomatic treatment is also carried out: removal of neoplasms. In no case should you try to treat condylomas, papillomas and warts with folk remedies. There is a risk of causing the development of a secondary infection or the degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one.

The following methods are used to eliminate neoplasms:

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

The method is chosen by the doctor based on the nature and location of the neoplasm, as well as the state of the patient's body.

Prevention

Preventive methods include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular strengthening of immunity with the help of 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, it is necessary to refrain from casual sex and use barrier contraception.

The possibility of vaccination against some highly oncogenic HPV strains also exists today. Vaccinations are recommended between 9 and 26 years (the optimal age is 11-12 years). Women can be vaccinated after 26 years, but only if the gynecologist thinks 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 types.