More than 60% of the world's population is considered to be carriers of the human papilloma virus. It is transmitted mainly by contact. Human papilloma virus (HPV) on 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.
What is HPV?
Human papilloma virus is one of the types of infectious pathology that causes the appearance of neoplasms on the body. Outgrowths 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, the use of household items, in utero, intrapartum.
For the prevention of HPV, the vaccine is given before the beginning of sexual activity, and in adulthood, control of sexual activity and personal hygiene are indicated.
Antiviral, immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed for treatment; existing skin growths are removed.
There are more than 100 types of HPV. Most viruses do not pose a threat to human life and health. It affects only the basal layer of the dermis. By penetrating the human body, HPV disrupts cell division, leading to the appearance of warts.
When HPV is infected, the main thing is to determine the type of virus, because non-oncogenic strains do not pose any danger to humans, they only spoil the appearance when activated and lead to the formation of papillomas on the body.
Oncogenic pathogens are dangerous for the development of malignant neoplasms.
The only way to avoid getting such a papilloma virus and prevent cervical cancer is vaccination.
The vaccine is given to girls and girls before sexual activity begins.
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that infect the genitals in women or men. In the first, the papilloma virus, which manifests itself in the form of genital warts, causes cervical cancer 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 thousand population. About 60% of people are carriers of the virus. 30% are infected and have no suspicion of having a dangerous disease.
Young people aged 18-28 are more likely to be affected by a viral infection. Teenage girls make up about 82% of active sex life.
In 93% of cases of confirmed cancer involving the anus or genitals, the papilloma virus is detected. Moreover, in 60% of situations, the infection occurs through accidental sexual contact.
HPV type 16 causes cancer in 41-54% of people.
Also, statistics confirm that 90% of women can be carriers of active HPV, but cervical cancer is diagnosed only in 20% of patients after 5 years.
In 90% of the population with papilloma virus, 11 and 6 species belonging to the group of low-risk were detected.
In addition, in about 95% of situations, experts note the independent removal of the body from the virus for about 2 years.
Symptoms
Papilloma virus 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 localization of the neoplasm.
Among the common forms of papilloma virus, genital warts stand out. It has the following characteristics:
- pale pink;
- the presence of a thin leg, by which the condyloma is attached to the body.
In case of condyloma, an unpleasant-smelling fluid is secreted. Neoplasms of this type grow painlessly.
The main area of localization of genital warts is the perineum. With genital lesions, patients are concerned about itching and tingling.
Infection of the laryngeal mucosa leads to the appearance of flat papillomas on its surface. The development of this form of pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing;
- swallowing problems;
- hoarse voice;
- persistent cough.
Papillomas localized on the laryngeal mucosa tend to grow rapidly, causing asphyxia (suffocation).
Viral infection also manifests itself in the form of:
- Vulgar nipples. It is caused by poor hygiene. The body often suppresses the activity of this type of virus on its own.
- straight nipples. The growths are small neoplasms up to 3 mm in diameter. More often localized on the front of the head.
Papilloma virus type 18 is considered dangerous. It develops on the genitals of men and women, causing the appearance of many neoplasms on the surface of the mucosa.
The causative agent of this species, on the background of weakened immunity, spreads rapidly throughout the body, affecting internal structures. In addition, HPV 18 is prone to malignancy.
Defeat of the female genital organs by the papilloma virus causes bleeding that is not related to menstruation. The infection often penetrates the uterine cavity and contributes to the degeneration of local cells. Approximately 98% of women with reproductive cancer develop a malignant tumor due to HPV exposure.
How it is transmitted
Papilloma virus infection occurs in the following ways:
- Across the streethousehold items. The use of combs, towels, slippers, or clothing from an infected person contributes to the spread of the papilloma virus.
- Atdirect contact. This also applies to cases of sexual intimacy. The possibility of infection remains even when using a condom.
- Autoinfection. The virus is transmitted 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 the infection, preventing it from spreading throughout the body.
The risk zone for the development of papillomas on the body includes people who have been diagnosed with:
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of internal organs;
- vitamin deficiency;
- pregnancy.
Mental or physical overload, severe stress also contribute to reduced immunity, which increases the likelihood of papilloma virus infection.
How to get rid of
Human papilloma virus 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 occurs when the malignant nature of the tumor is suspected, as well as to distinguish HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papilloma virus using the following methods:
- studybiological secretpatient;
- colposcopy(used for female genital lesions);
- cytological andhistological analysismaterial taken from the surface of the condyloma;
- polymerase methodchain reaction, which allows the detection of 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 effects of modern antiviral drugs. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the external signs of infection.
Conservative therapy 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 fight the manifestations of the virus with the help of local preparations.
Simultaneously with the local treatment of warts, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system. Immunomodulators or vitamin complexes are suitable for this.
In relation to genital warts and papillomas, prone to rebirth, other manipulations are performed:
- Laser coagulation. The method is considered harmless to the body. The laser beam, closely focused on the papilla, burns its tissues in layers. After the procedure, there is no bleeding and other unpleasant phenomena in the treatment area.
- Cryodestruction. The procedure involves treating the neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. The substance freezes the growth tissue and the papilloma falls off.
- Surgical removal. It is performed in cases when high oncogenicity of the neoplasm is diagnosed.
The human papilloma virus is often not a threat. It causes 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 examined regularly by a doctor.