More than 60% of the world population is considered to be carriers of human papillomavirus infection. It is mainly transmitted 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.
What is HPV
Human papillomavirus is one of the types of infectious pathology that provokes the appearance of neoplasms on the body. The growths are formed from the epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of any age and gender.
HPV can be contracted through contact with an infected person, through the use of household items, in utero, during childbirth.
For the prevention of HPV, a vaccine is given before the start of sexual activity; in adulthood, the control of sexual activity and personal hygiene are indicated.
For treatment, antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed; existing skin growths are removed.
There are more than 100 types of HPV. Most viruses pose no threat to human life and health. It affects only the basal layer of the dermis. Penetrating into the human body, HPV stops 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 spoil the appearance only when, when activated, they lead to the formation of papillomas on the body.
Oncogenic pathogens are dangerous for the development of malignant neoplasms.
The only way not to be infected with this papillomavirus and to prevent cervical cancer is to vaccinate.
The vaccine is given to girls and girls before sexual activity begins.
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that infect the genitals in women or men. In the first, the papillomavirus, which manifests itself in the form of genital warts, causes cervical cancer or causes 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 of the population. About 60% of people carry the virus. 30% of infected people do not even suspect that they have a dangerous disease.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 28 are more likely to be affected by a viral infection. Teenage girls account for approximately 82% of active sex life.
In 93% of confirmed cancer cases affecting the anus or genitals, papillomavirus is detected. Furthermore, in 60% of situations, the infection occurs through accidental sexual contact.
HPV type 16 causes cancer in 41-54% of people.
Furthermore, statistics confirm that 90% of women may be active HPV carriers, 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.
In addition, in about 95% of situations, experts detect the independent disposal 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 the neoplasms.
Genital warts stand out among the common forms of papillomavirus. 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 the manifestation of condylomas, a liquid with an unpleasant odor is secreted. Neoplasms of this type grow painlessly.
The main area of localization of genital warts is the perineum. With lesions 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:
- wheezing;
- problems with swallowing;
- hoarse voice;
- persistent cough.
Papillomas located on the mucous membrane of the larynx are subject to rapid growth, which causes asphyxiation (suffocation).
Viral infection also manifests itself in the form of:
- Vulgar warts. It occurs due to poor hygiene. The body often suppresses the activity of this type of virus on its own.
- flat warts. Growths are small neoplasms with a diameter of up to 3 mm. Most often localized on the front of the head.
Type 18 papilloma virus is considered dangerous. It develops on the genitals of men and women, provoking the appearance of many neoplasms on the surface of the mucous membrane.
The causative agent of this type, against the background of weakened immunity, quickly spreads throughout the body, affecting internal structures. In addition, HPV 18 is prone to malignancy.
The defeat of the female genital organs with the papillomavirus provokes the appearance of bleeding that is not associated with menstruation. Infection often penetrates the uterine cavity and contributes to local cell degeneration. About 98% of women with cancer of the reproductive organs develop malignancy due to exposure to HPV.
How it is transmitted
Papillomavirus infection occurs in the following ways:
- Throughhousehold items. The use of combs, towels, slippers or clothes of a person who is a carrier of the infection contributes to the spread of the papillomavirus.
- TOdirect contact. This also applies to cases of sexual intimacy. The possibility of infection remains even when using condoms.
- Self-infection. The virus is carried 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 doesn't always occur.
Strong immunity suppresses the infection, preventing it from spreading throughout the body.
The risk zone for developing papillomas on the body includes people who have been diagnosed with:
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of internal organs;
- vitamin deficiency;
- pregnancy.
Mental or physical overwork, severe stress also contributes to a decrease in immunity, which increases the likelihood of papillomavirus infection.
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 further examination arises when a malignant nature of the tumor is suspected, as well as to differentiate HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papillomavirus by the following methods:
- she studiesbiological secretthe patient;
- colposcopy(used for lesions of the female genital organs);
- cytological ehistological 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 cancer cells is determined.
HPV is not "afraid" of the action of modern antiviral drugs. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to eliminate external signs of infection.
Conservative therapy is prescribed if:
- no genital wart;
- 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 carried out:
- Laser coagulation. The method is considered harmless to the body. The laser beam, narrowly focused on the papilloma, burns its tissues in layers. After the procedure, bleeding and other unpleasant phenomena do not occur in the area to be treated.
- cryodestruction. The procedure involves treating the neoplasms with liquid nitrogen. The substance freezes the growth tissue and the papilloma falls off.
- Surgical excision. It is performed in cases where a high oncogenicity of the neoplasm is diagnosed.
Human papillomavirus often does not pose a threat. It causes the appearance of warts and other neoplasms on the body. Some of these growths are prone to rebirth, so patients with such papillomas should be regularly examined by a doctor.