HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a collective term for a group of DNA viruses that are transmitted from person to person and that provoke the development of benign neoplasms - papillomas. Some strains are oncogenic (that is, 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 types of cancer: not only in women, but also in men.

HPV does not manifest itself as a symptom for a long time: Patients often only experience it when cancer precursors or cancer develop. HPV is a threat to patients of all sexes and ages, including young children. However, the main target audience is people aged 15-30: they are sexually active, don't always think about precautions, and in most cases, HPV is sexually transmitted.

In order to prevent the effects of the virus on the body from going that far, it is recommended that you regularly check your health to rule out possible pathologies. There are also tests for HPV to detect the presence of oncogenic strains. Take care of your health now: make an appointment at the Otradnoye Polyclinic and see a doctor without having to stand in line or prepare for a time that is inconvenient for you

What is HPV?

Human papilloma viruses, which enter the body via microtraumas of the skin, are introduced into the cells of the base layer of the epithelium. HPV can be present in any layer of the epidermis. However, reproduction takes place exclusively in the base layer.

The virus develops in two phases:

1. Reproductive - the virus enters the cell without affecting the chromosomes and reproduces.
2. Integrative - HPV is introduced into the genome of an infected cell.

In the second phase, the virus transforms cells. They begin to actively divide, and tumor-like formations - papillomas - appear. These are papillary growths that protrude above the surface of the skin (this is why they are called: papilloma - from the Latin papillary nipple and Greek grandma - tumor). The second stage does not always occur. The virus is in the early stages of development and can regress (leave the body). Even if the patient does not show any pathological changes, they are carriers of HPV and can infect other people.

The incubation period can be between 3 weeks and a year. The average is 3 months. In some cases, non-genital forms of papillomas appear first, and then neoplasms appear on the genitals.

In most cases, the body can cope with the virus within 2 years. However, re-infection can occur - with the same or a different strain. Papillomas or other skin manifestations can also recede after 6-8 months (gradually decrease and then disappear). This happens when the immune system suppresses the virus and it "survives" from the cells.

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

• Anogenital area.
• Upper respiratory tract.
• oral cavity.
• bronchus.
• subjunctive.
• rectum.
• esophagus.

HPV types

The first human papillomavirus (HPV) was isolated in 1971. And the scientist Harald zur Hausen was able to identify and prove the connection between HPV and cervical cancer. He then received the Nobel Prize for his discoveries.

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

1. The strains 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81 are characterized by a 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 a type of oncogenic HPV in the body does not mean that a person is "sentenced" to cancer. The presence of the virus increases the risk of developing cancer, but it is not the only cause of its occurrence.When a patient has a strain of oncogenic HPV, all they need to do is closely monitor their health and get regular preventive exams. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate therapy for him.

The reproductive system of women and men can infect around 40 types of papillomavirus. Their activity leads not only to oncological diseases, but also to genital warts or condylomas.

Help!Cancer tumors develop slowly: within 5 to 30 years after infection with papillomavirus. They are preceded by precancerous lesions (benign neoplasms that can degenerate into malignant ones). That is why it is so important to undergo regular preventive exams. Precancerous diseases and even early-stage cancer are perfectly treatable and dangerous consequences can be avoided.

HPV transmission paths

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

Most of the time, the virus is transmitted when the skin or mucous membranes of two people come into contact. Therefore, the main route of papillomavirus is sexual contact. In addition, the use of condoms does not rule out the possibility of infection. The virus can be transmitted through oral sex, but contraceptives are not always used. In addition, the condom does not cover the entire surface of the penis and is often put on in the middle of sexual intercourse. HPV can also be contracted through kissing.

HPV can also be transmitted:

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

Help!The survival time of papilloma viruses in the external environment is short. Therefore, the risk of infection at home, although there is, is much lower than with sexual contact.

Self-infection is also possible: transmission of the virus from one part of the body to another during depilation, scratching of the skin, nail biting.

Infection through 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.
• disorders of the urinary system.
• Injuries 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 because they are more likely to be infected with them.

HPV: symptoms

Papilloma viruses can cause absolutely no symptoms for a long time. As a rule, already with the development of its consequences, the patient learns about the presence of HPV: the appearance of warts, papillomas, genital warts. In some cases, the following may indicate the presence of a virus:

• redness, skin growth (most often in the genital area);
• itching.
• Pain and other discomfort during or after intercourse.

What diseases can HPV cause?

Papilloma viruses first of all provoke the growth of papillomas, warts and genital warts in patients of both sexes. All of the above-mentioned neoplasms can appear on any part of the body. Most often, however, they affect the genitals and anal area. In women, they occur in the vulva, cervix, and vagina. In men - the scrotum, the head of the penis, the foreskin. Neoplasms in the anus are common in patients of both sexes.

Also, warts often appear on the soles, larynx, and vocal cords. Papillomas (flesh-colored papillary formations) do not have a "favorite place" - they can appear on the trunk, neck, face, arms and legs. Flat warts are most common in children and teenagers (they are also known as teenage or adolescent). These are small (3-5 mm) dark neoplasms that protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. Most often they occur on the back of the hands, face, and legs.

In cancer, most patients are associated with HPV, especially cervical cancer. In fact, this pathology is very common in our time. In women, however, HPV often leads to the development of vaginal and vulvar cancer (65-70% of cases), in men to penile cancer (50% of cases). Papilloma viruses can also contribute to the occurrence of malignant tumors in women and men:

• rectum;
• oral cavity;
• larynx.

In children, HPV is usually manifested by the growth of papillomas against a background of a decrease 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

Papilloma viruses have a negative effect on female fertility. If they are present, the chances of pregnancy are cut in half because HPV can interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg. If the partner is also infected with the virus (which happens 65-70% of the time), the chance of conception decreases even more. HPV has a negative effect on sperm motility.

When pregnancy occurs, the papillomavirus increases the risk of developing it:

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

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

If a child passes through the birth canal, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, it is preferable that women with HPV give birth to a caesarean section - the risk of transmitting the virus is reduced five times.

Changes in the hormonal background lead to rapid growth of genital warts. They can grow together, which can cause difficulty urinating and defecating, and causing uncomfortable sensations when walking and bleeding. During childbirth, neoplasms can be 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 like cryodestruction, laser surgery, etc. are used.

Diagnosis

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

Both women and men can be assigned exams, e. g. B. :

• 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 an early diagnosis when no symptoms have yet appeared.
• PCR Diagnostics - Allows the detection of HPV DNA, which means you can know exactly whether there is a virus in the body or not. Blood, saliva, discharge from the genitals, etc. are taken for analysis.
• Digen Test - Allows assessment of the degree of oncogenicity of a strain in order to determine the amount of virus in the body. The biomaterial is a piece of tissue that is scraped off the cervical canal, vagina, or urethra.

Women are prescribed the following types of examinations:

• Cytological examination (PAP test) - examination of a smear from the vagina under a microscope to identify cells changed by the virus.
• Colposcopy - examination of the cervix with a colposcope. This procedure is assigned to the patient if altered cells were found according to the results of the cytological examination.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HPV (that aims to destroy it). However, you can take steps to suppress the activity of the virus and make it more likely to heal itself. The patient is prescribed:

• vitamins.
• immunomodulators.
• antiviral drugs.

Symptomatic treatment is also carried out - the removal of neoplasms. In no case should you try to treat condylomas, 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:

• Removal with a scalpel.
• Cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen).
• Distance with a radio knife.
• laser removal.
• electrocoagulation.

The method is selected by the doctor depending on the type and location of the neoplasm, as well as the condition of the patient's body.

Prevention

Preventive methods include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly strengthening 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 and not use other people's accessories. To avoid the risk of infection, avoid occasional sex and use contraception.

Even nowadays there is the possibility of vaccination against some strongly oncogenic HPV strains. Vaccinations are recommended between 9 and 26 years of age (the 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 rather prevents infection with some of its particularly dangerous types.