More than 60% of the world's population are considered to be carriers of 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 in the skin or mucosa. In rare cases, the cells of such growths degenerate into malignant ones.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is one of the types of infectious pathology that provokes the appearance of neoplasms in the body. The growths are formed by epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of all ages and genders.
HPV can be infected through contact with an infected person, through the use of household items, in utero, intrapartum.
For the prevention of HPV, the vaccine is administered before the onset of sexual activity; in adulthood, sexual activity control and personal hygiene are 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. Exclusively affects the basal layer of the dermis. By penetrating the human body, HPV disrupts cell division, leading to the appearance of warts.
When infected with HPV, the main thing is to determine the type of virus, as non-oncogenic strains pose no risk to humans, they spoil the appearance only when, when activated, they lead to the formation of papillomas in the body.
Oncogenic pathogens are dangerous for the development of malignant neoplasms.
The only way to avoid becoming infected with such a papillomavirus and to prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated.
The vaccine is given to girls and girls before the onset of sexual activity.
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that infect the genitals of women or men. In the first, papillomavirus, which appears 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 population. About 60% of people are carriers of the virus. 30% of those infected do not even suspect 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 their active sex life.
In 93% of cases of confirmed cancer affecting the anus or genitals, papillomavirus is detected. Moreover, in 60% of situations, the 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 group of those at low risk.
Moreover, in about 95% of situations, experts note the body's independent removal from the virus for about 2 years.
Symptoms
Papillomavirus appears in the body in cases where exposure to external or internal factors has led to decreased 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 are distinguished. 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 condyloma, an unpleasant-smelling fluid is secreted. 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:
- disturbed breathing;
- swallowing problems;
- hoarse voice;
- persistent cough.
Papillomas located in the laryngeal mucosa are prone to rapid growth, which causes asphyxia.
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 itself.
- flat warts. The growths are small neoplasms up to 3 mm in diameter. Most often it is located in the front of the head.
Papilloma virus type 18 is considered dangerous. It develops in 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 throughout the body, affecting the internal structures. In addition, HPV 18 is prone to malignancy.
Damage to the female genitals with papillomavirus provokes the appearance of bleeding that is not associated with 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 exposure to HPV.
How it is transmitted
Papillomavirus infection occurs in the following ways:
- Beyondhousehold items. The use of combs, towels, slippers or clothes of a person who is a carrier of the infection contributes to the spread of papillomavirus.
- 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 throughout the body.
The area of risk for developing papillomas in the body includes people who have been diagnosed with:
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of the internal organs;
- lack of vitamins;
- pregnancy.
Excessive mental or physical work, severe stress also contribute to decreased immunity, which increases the chance of papillomavirus infection.
How to save
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 malignant nature of the tumor is suspected, as well as to differentiate HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papillomavirus by the following methods:
- surveybiological secretpatients;
- colposcopy(used for female genital lesions);
- cytological andhistological analysismaterial taken from the surface of the condyloma;
- Polymerase methodchain reaction, which allows the detection of 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 outward signs of infection.
Conservative therapy is prescribed if:
- no genital warts;
- the color and size of the papilloma remain unchanged;
- the number of increases does not increase.
It is recommended to fight the manifestations of the virus with the help of local preparations.
Simultaneously with the local treatment of warts, strengthening of the immune system is recommended. For this, immunomodulators or vitamin complexes are suitable.
In connection with genital warts and papillomas, prone to regeneration, other manipulations are performed:
- Laser coagulation. The method is considered harmless to the body. The laser beam, narrowly focused on the papilloma, burns its tissue in layers. After the procedure, bleeding and other unpleasant occurrences do not occur in the treatment area.
- Cryodestruction. The procedure involves treating the 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.
Human papillomavirus often poses no threat. Causes the appearance of warts and other neoplasms on the body. Some of these growths are prone to regeneration, so patients with such papillomas should be examined regularly by a physician.