More than 60% of the world's population are considered carriers of human papillomavirus infection. It is transmitted mainly by contact. The human papilloma virus (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 cells.
What is HPV
Human papillomavirus is one of the types of infectious pathology that provokes the appearance of neoplasms on the body. Growths are formed from epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of all ages and genders.
HPV can be contracted through contact with an infected person, through the use of household items, in utero, intrapartum.
For HPV prevention, a vaccine is given before sexual activity begins; in adulthood, control of sexual activity and personal hygiene are indicated.
For treatment, antiviral and immunomodulating drugs are prescribed; existing skin growths are removed.
There are over 100 types of HPV. Most viruses do not pose a threat to human life and health. It exclusively affects the basal layer of the dermis. Penetrating into the human body, HPV disrupts 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 formationpapillomas 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 vaccination.
The vaccine is given to girls and girls before the start of sexual activity.
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 cancer of the cervix 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, 000 inhabitants. About 60% of people are carriers of 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 cases of cancer affecting the anus or genitals, the papillomavirus is detected. In addition, in 60% of cases, infection occurs through accidental sexual contact.
HPV type 16 causes cancer in 41-54% of people.
In addition, 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 papillomaviruses, 11 and 6 species are detected, which are included in the group of low-risk species.
In addition, in about 95% of situations, experts note the independent elimination from the body of the virus for about 2 years.
Symptoms
The 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.
Among the common forms of papillomavirus, genital warts stand out. 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 the event of a manifestation of condyloma, an unpleasant-smelling liquid is secreted. Neoplasms of this type develop without pain.
The main location of genital warts is the perineum. With damage to the genitals, 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:
- difficult breathing;
- swallowing problems;
- hoarsely;
- persistent cough.
Papillomas localized on the mucous membrane of the larynx are prone to rapid growth, which causes asphyxia (suffocation).
Viral infection also manifests as:
- common warts. Occurs due to poor hygiene. The body often suppresses the activity of this type of virus on its own.
- flat warts. Growths are small tumors with a diameter of up to 3 mm. More often localized on the front of the head.
Papillomavirus type 18 is considered dangerous. It grows on the genitals of both men and women, causing the appearance of numerous 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. Additionally, 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. The infection often penetrates the uterine cavity and contributes to the degeneration of local cells. About 98% of women with cancer of the reproductive system develop a malignancy as a result of exposure to HPV.
How is it transmitted
Papillomavirus infection occurs in the following ways:
- On the other sidehousehold items. The use of combs, towels, slippers or clothes of a person carrying the infection contributes to the spread of the papillomavirus.
- ATdirect contact. This also applies to cases of sexual intimacy. The possibility of infection remains even when using condoms.
- Autoinfection. 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 does not always occur.
Strong immunity suppresses infection, preventing its spread throughout the body.
The risk zone for the development of papillomas on the body includes people diagnosed with:
- Hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of internal organs;
- vitamin deficiency;
- pregnancy.
Mental or physical overstrain, severe stress also contribute to a decrease in immunity, which increases the likelihood of infection with papillomavirus.
How to get rid
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 differentiate HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of HPV by the following methods:
- to studybiological secretthe patient;
- colposcopy(used for lesions of the female genital organs);
- cytological andhistological analysismaterial taken from the surface of the condyloma;
- polymerase methodchain reaction, which can detect 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 external signs of infection.
Conservative treatment is prescribed if:
- no genital warts;
- 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.
With regard to genital warts and papillomas, which are prone to rebirth, further manipulations are performed:
- Laser Coagulation. The method is considered harmless to the body. The laser beam, narrowly focused on the papilloma, burns its layered tissues. After the procedure, bleeding and other unpleasant phenomena do not occur in the treatment area.
- cryodestruction. The procedure involves the treatment of neoplasms with liquid nitrogen. The substance freezes the growth tissue and the papilloma falls off.
- Surgical removal. It is carried out in cases where a strong oncogenicity of the neoplasm is diagnosed.
The human papilloma virus often does not pose a threat. It provokes 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.