Human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is present in the body of 90% of the world's population. Most of its bearers are not even aware of its presence and do not find any suspicious signs in themselves. That is why it has become widespread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign pathological formation of viral etiology. The appearance of papillomas is caused by the action of the human papilloma virus (HPV). On the skin it usually manifests itself in the form of cosmetic defects - warts and genital warts, in the larynx can lead to respiratory failure, and on the mucous membranes of internal organs to bleeding and ulcers. There are 27 types of HPV - some of which are safe for health, others can develop into malignant tumors and lead to cancer.
Special attention should be paid to women in the identification, as they are at high risk of developing cervix. Pregnant women are at risk of infecting their baby during pregnancy.
HPV is characterized by a latent course, and as long as a person has strong immunity, the virus does not manifest itself in any way (the incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to several years). Under the influence of a number of factors, the virus is activated, multiplies and manifests itself clinically.
The cause of papilloma virus infection
Ways of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the infected
- use of the user's personal belongings
- when visiting public places with high humidity and large crowds (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is the sexual route of infection with the virus, household routes are rarely recorded, because the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
Activation of the virus is facilitated by:
- weakened immunity
- infectious diseases
- upset gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- long-term use of a number of drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- severe stress
HPV penetration is facilitated by microtraumas, cracks, abrasions and other skin damage.
Symptoms of papilloma
Symptoms depend on the location and type of HPV. The first "bell" for the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually appear in intimate places) and warts (often formed on the face, neck, limbs).
Less commonly, papillomas are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- discomfort when walking (genitals)
- nipple secretion (chest canals)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements
Diagnosis of papillomas
The diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- To obtain a complete picture of the disease, laboratory and instrumental analyzes are prescribed:
- general and biochemical blood test
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If the only method of treatment is the removal of papillomas, then a biopsy of the material is performed in parallel to conduct cytological examination and determine the risk of cancer.
Methods of treatment
There are no drugs or methods to completely eliminate HPV from the human body. The impact is only on the effects of the virus. General antiviral therapy is performed in highly oncogenic types of virus located in the anogenic tract. Patients with pre-diagnosed papillomas are advised to systematically examine and use barrier contraception to avoid infecting a partner with the virus.
Removal of papillomas is recommended because the virus in the epithelial cells causes them to multiply, form new papillomas, or regenerate existing ones.
Depending on the location and symptoms of papillomas, they resort to the following methods of removal:
- Laser surgery - papilloma is treated with a surgical laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization and the damaged area heals fairly quickly. The laser is used on the face and visible parts of the body.
- Radiosurgery is a non-contact exposure to high frequency radio waves, under the influence of which the neoplasm is eliminated. This method is recognized as effective, but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing the neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars may remain at the site of exposure.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The procedure is quite sensitive and there is a high risk of touching neighboring tissues and getting chemical burns.
- Surgical excision - rarely used when a malignant process is suspected.
- Folk remedies - moxibustion of outbreaks with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil, etc. )
Vaccines are currently being developed to prevent highly oncogenic virus types (species 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
Protective sexual intercourse, use of personal hygiene products, strengthening of the immune system and regular examinations by an immunologist and gynecologist are recommended to prevent the disease. If you find symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you see a doctor immediately.