HPV

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a collective name for a group of DNA viruses that are transmitted from person to person and cause the development of benign neoplasms - papillomas. Some varieties are oncogenic (ie they increase the risk of malignant tumors). HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, which kills thousands of women worldwide each year. However, these viruses also affect the development of other types of cancer: not only in women, but also in men.

HPV does not manifest as symptoms for a long time: patients often find out only when precancerous conditions or cancer develop. HPV is a threat to patients of any gender and age, including young children. But still, its main "target audience" are people aged 15-30: they are sexually active, do not always think about precautions, and in most cases HPV is transmitted sexually.

To prevent the effect of the virus on the body from going so far, it is recommended to check your health regularly: to rule out pathologies that it can cause. There are also HPV tests to detect the presence of an oncogenic strain. Take care of your health immediately: make an appointment at the Otradnoe Polyclinic and visit a medical examination without having to wait in lines or adjust to inconvenient weather for you

What is HPV

Human papilloma viruses, entering the body by microtraumas of the skin, enter the cells of the basal layer of the epithelium. HPV can exist in any layer of the epidermis. However, its reproduction occurs exclusively in the basal layer.

Virus development takes place in 2 stages:

1. Reproductive - the virus enters a cell without affecting its chromosomes and multiplies.
2. Integrative - HPV is introduced into the genome of an infected cell.

During the second phase, the virus transforms the cells. They begin to actively divide and appear tumor formations - papillomas. These are papillary growths that protrude above the surface of the skin (that is why they are called: papilloma - from the Latin papilla - wart and Greek oma - tumor). The second phase does not always happen. In the first phase of development, the virus is able to regress (leave the body). However, even if the patient has no pathological changes, he is a carrier of HPV and is capable of infecting other people.

The incubation period can last from 3 weeks to a year. On average it is 3 months. In some cases, non-genital forms of papillomas appear first, and then neoplasms of the neoplasm.

In most cases, the body copes with the virus within 2 years. However, re-infection can occur - with the same or another strain. Also, papillomas or other manifestations on the skin can regress after 6-8 months (they gradually decrease and later disappear). This happens when the immune system suppresses the virus and "survives" it from the cells.

The HPV virus most commonly affects the skin and mucous membranes:

• Anogenital area.
• Upper respiratory tract.
• Oral cavity.
• Bronchus.
• Conjunctives.
• Rectum.
• Esophagus.

HPV types

The first human papilloma virus (HPV) was isolated in 1971. And scientist Harald zur Hausen was able to identify and prove a link between HPV and cervical cancer. He then received the Nobel Prize for his discoveries.

About 600 different strains of HPV are known to date. Some provoke the appearance of warts, others - genital warts, and the third - papillomas. Among HPV, there are also species that affect the development of cancerous tumors. They are called oncogenic. Fortunately, there are not many of them. They can have low, medium or high oncogenic potential:

1. Strains 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81 are characterized by low oncogenicity.
2. Average oncogenicity in types 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66.
3. High oncogenic potential in strains 16, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 68, 73, 82.

Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by types 16 and 18.

Help!The presence of an oncogenic type of HPV in the body does not mean that a person is "doomed" to cancer. The presence of the virus increases the risk of developing cancer, but it is not the only cause of their appearance.If a patient has an oncogenic strain of HPV, he only needs to carefully monitor his health and undergo regular preventive examinations. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy.

The reproductive system of women and men is capable of infecting about 40 types of papilloma virus. The result of their activity is not only cancer, but also genital warts or condyloma.

Help!Cancer tumors develop slowly: within 5-30 years after infection with the papilloma virus. They are preceded by precancerous conditions (benign neoplasms that can develop into malignant). That is why it is so important to undergo regular preventive checkups. Both precancerous conditions and even cancer in the early stages are perfectly treated and dangerous consequences can be avoided.

HPV transmission paths

The main “condition” for infection is the presence of micro damage (wounds, cracks, scratches) to the skin or mucous membranes. They are the "gateway" to HPV.

Virus transmission most often occurs when the skin or mucous membranes of two people come in contact. Therefore, the main route of papilloma virus is sexual contact. Moreover, the use of condoms does not exclude the possibility of infection. The virus can be transmitted through oral sex, during which contraception is not always used. In addition, a condom does not cover the entire surface of the penis and is often placed in the middle of intercourse. HPV can also be contracted by kissing.

HPV can also be transmitted:

• From mother to child as the baby passes through the birth canal.
• At home: when using other people's hygiene products (towels, toothbrushes, shaving accessories).
• In public areas: saunas, gyms, swimming pools.

Help!The survival time of papilloma virus in the external environment is short. Therefore, the risk of domestic infection, although it exists, is much lower than with sexual contact.

Self-infection is also possible: transmission of the virus from one part of the body to another during depilation, combing the skin, biting nails.

Virus contact infection does not occur in all cases. The following factors increase the risk:

• Decreased immunity.
• Bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse.
• Stress.
• Sexually transmitted infections.
• Diseases of the urinary system.
• Injuries to skin and mucous membranes.
• Immunodeficiency states.
• Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.

Help!Oncogenic strains of HPV are more dangerous for women than for men, because they are more commonly infected.

HPV: symptoms

Papilloma viruses have had absolutely no symptoms for a long time. Usually the patient learns about the presence of HPV already with the development of its consequences: the appearance of warts, papillomas, condyloma. In some cases, the following signs may indicate the presence of a virus:

• Redness, growths on the skin (most often in the genital area);
• Itching.
• Pain and other discomfort during or after intercourse.

What diseases can HPV cause?

Papilloma viruses primarily cause the growth of papillomas, warts and genital warts in patients of both sexes. All of the above neoplasms can appear on any part of the body. However, they most commonly affect the genitals and anal region. In women, they occur in the vulva, cervix and vagina. In men - scrotum, head of penis, foreskin. In patients of both sexes, neoplasms often appear in the anus.

Also, warts often appear on the soles of the feet, larynx, vocal cords. Papillomas (fleshy papillomas) do not have a “favorite spot” - they can appear on the trunk, neck, face, arms and legs. In children and adolescents, flat nipples are the most common (they are also called juvenile or juvenile). These are small (3-5 mm) dark neoplasms that protrude slightly above the surface of the skin. They most often occur on the back of the arms, face, legs.

In terms of cancer, most patients are associated with HPV, primarily cervical cancer. In fact, this pathology is very common in our time. However, in women, HPV often provokes the development of cancer of the vagina and vulva (65-70% of cases), and in men - cancer of the penis (50% of cases). Also in women and men, papilloma viruses can contribute to the development of malignant tumors:

• rectum;
• oral cavity;
• larynx.

In children, HPV is usually manifested by the growth of papillomas in the background of reduced immunity due to previous diseases, usually viral or bacterial infections. Also, papilloma viruses infect young patients who suffer from allergic reactions or frequent colds.

HPV and pregnancy

Papilloma viruses negatively affect female fertility. If they are present, the likelihood of pregnancy is halved because HPV can interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg. If the partner is also infected with the virus (which happens in 65-70% of cases), then the possibility of conception is further reduced. HPV negatively affects sperm motility.

When pregnancy occurs, the papilloma virus increases the risk of developing:

• Little or polyhydramnios.
• Chronic placental insufficiency.
• HPV can also cause miscarriage.

Therefore, pregnant women are prescribed sparing drug therapy, which can significantly reduce all the above risks.

When a baby passes through the birth canal, there is a risk of infection. Therefore, it is desirable for women with HPV to give birth by caesarean section - the risk of transmitting the virus is reduced by 5 times.

Changes in the hormonal background provoke the rapid growth of genital warts. They can grow together, which can cause difficulty urinating and defecating, provide uncomfortable walking sensations, bleeding. During childbirth, neoplasms are easily injured. They can also make it difficult for babies to pass through the birth canal. To avoid all this, genital warts are treated early in pregnancy. Methods such as cryodestruction, laser surgery, etc. are used.

Diagnostics

To diagnose HPV, first consult a doctor. Depending on the manifestations of the virus, the patient will be referred to diagnostic studies and to a narrow specialist (gynecologist, urologist, dermatologist, oncologist, proctologist, etc. ).

Both women and men can be assigned examinations such as:

• ELISA blood test - according to its results, it is impossible to determine the concentration and oncogenicity of the virus, but antibodies to it can be detected, the method is ideal for early diagnosis, when the symptoms have not yet appeared.
• PCR diagnostics - allows you to detect HPV DNA, ie allows you to know exactly whether there is a virus in the body or not; blood, saliva, genital discharge, etc. are taken for analysis.
• Digene-test - allows you to assess the degree of oncogenicity of the strain, to determine the amount of virus in the body; biomaterial is a piece of tissue that scrapes from the cervical canal, vagina, or urethra.

Women are prescribed the following types of examinations:

• Cytological examination (PAP test) - examination of vaginal smears under a microscope to identify virus-altered cells.
• Colposcopy - examination of the cervix using a colposcope device, this procedure is prescribed to the patient if altered cells are found according to the results of cytological examination.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HPV (ie aimed at destroying it). However, you can take steps to suppress the activity of the virus and increase the likelihood of self-healing. The patient was prescribed:

• Vitamins.
• Immunomodulators.
• Antiviral drugs.

Symptomatic treatment is also performed - removal of neoplasms. Under no circumstances should you try to treat warts, papillomas and warts with folk remedies. There is a risk of provoking the development of a secondary infection or degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one.

The following methods are used to remove tumors:

• Scalpel removal.
• Cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen).
• Removal with radio knife.
• Laser removal.
• Electrocoagulation.

The method is chosen by the doctor depending on the nature and location of the tumor, as well as the condition of the patient's body.

Prevention

Preventive methods include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly boosting immunity through a complete and varied diet, moderate physical activity and quality rest. It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, and not to use other people's accessories. To avoid the risk of infection, you should refrain from casual sex and use barrier contraception.

There is also the possibility of vaccination against some highly oncogenic strains of HPV today. Vaccinations are recommended between the ages of 9 and 26 (optimal age is 11-12 years). Women can be vaccinated after the age of 26, but only if the gynecologist believes there is evidence. It should be borne in mind that vaccination does not cure a virus that is already present in the body, but prevents infection with some of its particularly dangerous species.