Human papillomavirus is one of the most common viruses and is present in 90% of the world's population. Most of its bearers are not even aware of its existence and do not find any suspicious signs in themselves. Therefore, it is widespread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign pathological formation of viral etiology. The appearance of papillomas is caused by the action of human papillomavirus (HPV). It usually manifests itself in the form of cosmetic defects on the skin - warts and genital warts, which can lead to respiratory failure in the larynx, and bleeding and ulcers in the mucous membranes of internal organs. There are 27 types of HPV - some of them are safe for health, others can turn into malignant tumors and cause cancer.
Special attention should be paid to women when determining, because they are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Pregnant women are at risk of infecting their babies during pregnancy.
HPV is characterized by a latent course, and the virus does not manifest itself in any way when a person has strong immunity (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 infection with papilloma virus
Ways of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucous membranes of an infected person
- use of the owner's personal belongings
- when visiting public places with high humidity and high crowds (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common form of the virus is sexually transmitted, and domestic 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
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- long-term use of a number of drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- severe stress
The penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtrauma, cracks, abrasions and other skin damage.
Papilloma symptoms
Symptoms depend on the site of formation and the type of HPV. The first "call" for the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually seen in intimate areas) and warts (often on the face, neck, limbs).
In rare cases, papillomas are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- discomfort while walking (genitals)
- discharge from the breast (breast ducts)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (bowel)
Diagnosis of papillomas
The diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- Laboratory and instrumental tests are prescribed to get a complete picture of the disease:
- general and biochemical blood test
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If the only treatment is removal of the papilloma, a biopsy of the material is performed in parallel to perform a cytological examination and determine the risk of oncology.
Methods of treatment
There are no drugs or methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. Affects are made only on the results of the virus. General antiviral therapy is performed in cases of highly oncogenic strains of the virus localized in the region of the anogenetic tract. Patients with a previously diagnosed papilloma are advised to use systematic screening and barrier contraception to avoid infecting their 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, the following methods of removal are used:
- Laser surgery - papilloma is treated surgically with a laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization and the injured area heals quickly enough. The laser is applied to the visible parts of the face and body.
- Radiosurgery is the non-contact exposure to high-frequency radio waves, under the influence of which the neoplasm is removed. This method is considered effective, but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing of a neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars may remain at the site of exposure.
- Chemical destruction - catering with chemical acids. The procedure is very sensitive and the risk of touching adjacent tissues and chemical burns is high.
- Surgical excision - rarely used in case of suspicion of a malignant process.
- Folk remedies - with folk remedies of hearths (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil, etc. )
Vaccines have been developed to prevent high oncogenic strains of the virus (types 16 and 18) currently used in many countries.
To prevent the disease, it is recommended to have protected sexual intercourse, use personal hygiene products, strengthen the immune system and be regularly examined by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you have symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you see a doctor immediately.