HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a collective name for a group of DNA viruses that are transmitted from person to person and provoke 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 worldwide each year. However, these viruses also affect the development of other cancers: not only in women but also in men.

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

To prevent the impact of the virus on the body going so far, it is recommended to check your health regularly: to rule out the pathologies it can cause. There are also tests for HPV to detect the presence of oncogenic strains. Take care of your health now: make an appointment at the Otradnoe Polyclinic and visit the doctor's consultation without having to wait in line or adjust at a time inconvenient for you

What is HPV

Human virus papyrus, which enters the body through skin microtraumas, enters 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.

Virus development occurs in 2 stages:

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

during the second stage that the virus transforms cells. They begin to actively divide and appear tumor-like formations - papilloma. These are papillary growths that appear on the surface of the skin (hence they are called: papilloma - from the Latin papilla - nipple and Greek oma - tumor). The second stage does not always happen. 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 able to infect 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 appear first, and then neoplasms appear in the genitals.

In most cases, the body copes with the virus within 2 years. However, re-infection can occur - with the same or a different type. Also, papillomas or other skin manifestations are able to regress after 6-8 months (gradually diminishing and then disappearing). 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.
• Mouth cavity.
• Bronchus.
• Connectors.
• Rectum.
• Esophagus.

types of HPV

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

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

1. Types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81 are characterized by low oncogenicity.
2. Average oncogenicity in species 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66.
3. High oncogenic potential in species 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 simply needs to closely monitor his health, undergoing regular preventive examinations. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate therapy for her.

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 after infection with the papilloma virus. They are preceded by precancerous conditions (benign neoplasms that can degenerate into malignant). This is why it is so important to have regular preventive examinations. And precancerous conditions, and even cancer in the early stages are perfectly curable, and dangerous consequences can be avoided.

HPV transmission pathways

The main "condition" for infection is the presence of micro-damages (wounds, cracks, scratches) on the skin or mucous membranes. They are the "gateways" to HPV.

Most often, virus transmission occurs when the skin or mucous membranes of two people come in contact. Therefore, the main route of papilloma viruses is sexual contact. Moreover, 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 put in between sex. HPV can also be contracted by kissing.

HPV can also be transmitted:

• From mother to baby 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 papillomatous viruses in the external environment is short. Therefore, the risk of infection in the family, although it exists, 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 waxing, scratching the skin, biting the nails.

Infection from contact 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.
• Damage to the skin and mucous membranes.
• Immune deficiency conditions.
• Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.

Help!HPV oncogenic strains are more dangerous for women than men, as they are more often infected with them.

HPV: symptoms

Papyrus viruses are absolutely unable to have 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, enlargement of the skin (most often in the genital area);
• Itching.
• Pain and other discomfort during or after intercourse.

What diseases can HPV cause?

Papillomaviruses, first of all, provoke the growth of papillomas, warts and genital warts in patients of both sexes. All of the above neoplasms can occur in any part of the body. However, more often they affect the genitals and the anal region. In women, they occur in the vulva, cervix and vagina. In men - scrotum, head of the penis, foreskin. In patients of both sexes, neoplasms often appear in the anus.

Also, warts often appear on the heel, larynx, vocal cords. Papillomas (flesh-colored papillomas) do not have a "favorite spot" - they can appear on the trunk, neck, face, arms and legs. In children and adolescents, flat warts are most common (they are also called juveniles or juveniles). 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, feet.

In terms of cancer, most patients are associated with HPV, first and foremost, with cervical cancer. Indeed, this pathology is very common in our time. However, in women, HPV also often provokes the development of cancer of the vagina and vulva (65-70% of cases), in men - penile cancer (50% of cases). Also, in both women and men, papillomavirus viruses can contribute to the appearance of malignant tumors:

• rectum;
• oral cavity;
• larynx.

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

HPV and pregnancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diagnosis

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

Both women and men can be assigned exams such as:

• ELISA blood 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 - lets you detect HPV DNA, that is, lets you 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 assess the degree of oncogenicity of a species, to determine the amount of virus in the body; biomaterial is a piece of tissue, which cleans from the cervical canal, vagina or urethra.

The following types of examination are prescribed to women:

• Cytological examination (PAP test) - examination of the vaginal stain under a microscope in order to identify cells changed by the virus.
• Colposcopy - examination of the cervix using a colposcopy device, this procedure is prescribed to the patient if altered cells are found in accordance with the results of cytological examination.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HPV (ie it aims to destroy it). However, you can take steps to suppress virus activity and increase the likelihood of self-healing. The patient is described:

• 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 a secondary infection or the degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one.

The following methods are used to eliminate neoplasms:

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

The method is chosen by the doctor depending on the nature and location of the neoplasm, as well as the condition 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 equipment. 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 HPVs nowadays. Vaccinations are recommended between the ages of 9 and 26 (optimal age is 11-12 years). Women can be vaccinated after 26 years, 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 types.