Human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is present in the body of 90% of the world population. Most of its carriers are not even aware of its presence and do not find any suspicious signs in themselves. Therefore, 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 papillomavirus (HPV). On the skin it usually manifests itself in the form of cosmetic defects - warts and genital warts, in the larynx it can lead to respiratory failure, and on the mucous membranes of internal organs for bleeding and ulceration. There are 27 types of HPV - some of which are safe for health, others can develop into malignant tumors and lead to cancer.
When identifying, special attention must be paid to women, as they have a high risk of developing the cervix. Pregnant women during pregnancy have a risk of infection of the baby.
HPV is characterized by a latent (latent) course, and while 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 papillomavirus infection
Ways of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the infected person
- use of the wearer's personal belongings
- when visiting public places with high humidity and large crowds (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is the sexual transmission pathway with the virus, household pathways are rarely detected as the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
Virus activation is facilitated by:
- weakened immunity
- infectious diseases
- disturbed gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- long-term use of a variety of medications (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- severe stress
Penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtraumas, cracks, skin abrasions and other damage to the skin.
Papilloma symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of the formation and the type of HPV. The first "bell" about the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually occurring 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)
- discharge from the nipple (breast canals)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful stools (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 instrument analyzes are prescribed to obtain 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 method is papilloma removal, a biopsy of the material is performed in parallel to perform a cytological examination and determine the oncological risk.
Treatment methods
There are no drugs and methods that can completely remove HPV from the human body. The effects only occur on the consequences of the virus. General antiviral therapy is performed in cases of highly oncogenic types of virus located in the region of the anogenetic channel. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to systematically examine and apply barrier contraception so as not to infect a partner with the virus.
It is recommended to remove papillomas, as viruses in the epithelial cells cause them to multiply, new papillomas form or existing ones regenerate.
Depending on the location and symptoms of papillomas, they resort to the following removal methods:
- Laser surgery - the 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 a neoplasm is eliminated. This method is recognized as effective but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing of a neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars can remain on the site of exposure.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The procedure is quite sensitive and there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissues and getting a chemical burn.
- Surgical excision - rarely used, in case of suspicion of a malignant process.
- Folk remedies - moxibustion of foci with folk medicine (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil and others)
Vaccines are currently being developed to prevent highly oncogenic types of the virus (species 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
To prevent the disease, it is recommended to have protected sex, use personal hygiene items, strengthen the immune system and be regularly examined by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you find symptoms of HPV, it is recommended to see a doctor immediately.