More than 60% of the world's population are known to be carriers of human papillomavirus infection. It is mainly transmitted by contact. The human papillomavirus (HPV) against the background of a weakened immune system is manifested in the form of characteristic neoplasms on the skin or mucous membranes. 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. Growths are formed from epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of all ages and genders.
HPV can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, through use of household items, in the womb, or during childbirth.
Vaccination is given before sexual activity begins to prevent HPV, and sexual activity control and personal hygiene are indicated in adulthood.
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. It affects only the basal layer of the dermis. HPV enters the human body and interferes with cell division, which leads to the appearance of warts.
With HPV infection, the main thing is to determine the type of virus, since non-oncogenic strains do not pose a threat to humans, they only disturb the appearance, if 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 get infected with such a papillomavirus and prevent cervical cancer is vaccination.
The vaccine is given to girls and girls before the start of sexual activity.
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that infect the genitals of women or men. In the first case, the papillomavirus, which manifests itself 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 at 15-50 people per 100, 000 people. About 60% of people are carriers of the virus. 30% of those infected do not even suspect that they have a dangerous disease.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 28 are more likely to get a viral infection. Teenage girls account for about 82% of active sex life.
Papillomavirus is detected in 93% of confirmed cancers affecting the anus or genitals. In addition, 60% of the time, infection occurs through accidental sexual contact.
HPV type 16 causes cancer in 41-54% of people.
Statistics also confirm that 90% of women can be carriers of active HPV, but only 20% of patients are diagnosed with cervical cancer after 5 years.
In 90% of the population with papillomavirus, 11 and 6 species belonging to the group of low-risk are detected.
In addition, in about 95% of cases, experts note the independent disposal of the body from the virus for about 2 years.
symptoms
Papillomavirus manifests itself in 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 infection with HPV depends on the load of the latter and the localization of neoplasms.
Among the most common forms of the papillomavirus, genital warts stand out. It is characterized by the following features:
- pale pink color;
- the presence of a thin leg, with which the condyloma is attached to the body.
When condylomas appear, 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 concerned 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:
- labored breathing;
- trouble swallowing;
- hoarse voice;
- persistent cough.
Papillomas, localized on the mucous membrane of the larynx, tend to grow rapidly, which leads to asphyxia (suffocation).
Viral infections also manifest themselves 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 new growths, up to 3 mm in diameter. More commonly located on the front of the head.
Type 18 papillomavirus is considered dangerous. It develops on the genitals of both men and women, provoking the appearance of many neoplasms on the surface of the mucous membrane.
The causative agent of this species, against the background of weakened immunity, quickly spreads throughout the body and affects internal structures. In addition, HPV 18 is susceptible to malignancy.
The defeat of the female genital organs with papillomavirus provokes the appearance of bleeding not associated with menstruation. Infection often penetrates the uterine cavity and contributes to the degeneration of local cells. About 98% of women with reproductive cancer will develop a malignancy as a result of exposure to HPV.
How is it transmitted
Infection with the papilloma virus occurs in the following way:
- Overhousewares. 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.
- At thedirect contact. This also applies to cases of sexual intimacy. The possibility of infection remains even when using condoms.
- auto infection. The virus is carried from one part of the body to another.
- From mother to childthrough the placenta.
The virus penetrates the body through open wounds, mucous membranes. However, infection does not always occur.
Strong immunity suppresses the infection and prevents it from spreading throughout the body.
The risk zone for the development of papillomas on the body includes people who are diagnosed with:
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of internal organs;
- vitamin deficiency;
- Pregnancy.
Mental or physical overwork, severe stress also contribute to a decrease in immunity, which increases the likelihood of infection with the papilloma virus.
How to get rid of
The 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 a malignant nature of the tumor is suspected, as well as to distinguish HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papillomavirus by the following methods:
- to learnbiological secretthe patient;
- colposcopy(used for lesions of the female genital organs);
- cytological andhistological analysismaterial 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 degree of oncogenicity of tumor cells is determined.
HPV is not "afraid" of the effects of modern antiviral drugs. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the outward signs of infection.
Conservative therapy is prescribed when:
- no genital warts;
- The color and size of the papilloma remain unchanged;
- the number of growths does not increase.
It is recommended to fight 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. Immunomodulators or vitamin complexes are suitable for this.
With regard to genital warts and papillomas, prone to rebirth, other manipulations are performed:
- laser coagulation. The method is considered safe for the body. The laser beam, which is narrowly focused on the papilloma, burns its tissue in layers. After the procedure, there is no bleeding and other unpleasant phenomena in the treatment area.
- cryo destruction. The procedure involves treating neoplasms with liquid nitrogen. The substance freezes the growth tissue, and the papilloma falls off.
- surgical removal. It is carried out in cases when 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.