More than 60% of the world's population are considered carriers of human papillomavirus infection. It is transmitted mainly by contact. The human papillomavirus (HPV) against 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 ones.
What is HPV
The human papillomavirus is one of the types of infectious pathology that provokes the appearance of neoplasms on the body. Growths are formed from epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of any age and gender.
HPV can be contracted through contact with an infected person, through the use of household items, in utero, intrapartum.
For the prevention of HPV, a vaccine is administered before the onset of sexual activity; in adulthood, control of sexual activity and personal hygiene are indicated.
For treatment, antiviral, immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed; 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 exclusively the basal layer of the dermis. Penetrating into the human body, HPV disrupts cell division, which leads to the appearance of warts.
When HPV is infected, the main thing is to determine the type of virus, since non-oncogenic strains do not pose any danger to humans, they only spoil the appearance when, when activated, they lead to the formation of papillomas on the body.
Oncogenic pathogens are dangerous for the development of malignant neoplasms.
The only way not to get infected with such papillomavirus and to prevent cervical cancer is vaccination.
The vaccine is given to girls and girls before the onset of sexual activity.
Oncogenic viruses are viruses that infect the genitals in women or men. In the first, papillomavirus, 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 of the population. About 60% of people are carriers of the virus. 30% of those infected do not even suspect that they have a dangerous disease.
Young people aged 18-28 are more likely to be affected by a viral infection. Teenage girls account for about 82% of the active sex life.
In 93% of cases of confirmed cancer affecting the anus or genitals, papillomavirus is detected. At the same time, in 60% of situations, 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 papillomavirus, 11 and 6 species are detected, which are included in the group of low-risk ones.
In addition, in about 95% of situations, experts note the independent disposal of the body from the virus for about 2 years.
Symptoms
Papillomavirus manifests itself on the body in cases where the impact of external or internal factors has led to a decrease in immunity. The nature of the clinical picture during infection with HPV depends on the strain of the latter and the localization of neoplasms.
Among the common forms of papillomavirus, genital warts stand out. It is distinguished by the following features:
- pale pink color;
- the presence of a thin leg, with which the condyloma is attached to the body.
In case of manifestation of condylomas, a liquid with an unpleasant odor is secreted. Neoplasms of this type grow painlessly.
The main area of localization of genital warts is the perineum. With lesions of the genital organs, patients are concerned about itching and burning.
Infection of the mucous membrane of the larynx leads to the appearance of flat papillomas on its surface. The development of this form of pathology is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- labored breathing;
- problems with swallowing;
- hoarse voice;
- persistent cough.
Papillomas localized on the mucous membrane of the larynx are prone to rapid growth, which causes asphyxia (suffocation).
Viral infection also manifests itself in the form of:
- Vulgar warts. Occurs due to poor hygiene. The body often suppresses the activity of this type of virus on its own.
- flat warts. The growths are small neoplasms with a diameter of up to 3 mm. More often localized on the front of the head.
The papilloma virus type 18 is considered dangerous. It develops on the genitals of men and women, provoking the appearance of many neoplasms on the surface of the mucous membrane.
The causative agent of this type, against the background of weakened immunity, quickly spreads throughout the body, affecting internal structures. In addition, HPV 18 is prone to malignancy.
The defeat of the female genital organs with papillomavirus provokes the appearance of bleeding that is not associated with menstruation. The infection often penetrates the uterine cavity and contributes to the degeneration of local cells. Approximately 98% of women with cancer of the reproductive system develop a malignant tumor due to exposure to HPV.
How is it transmitted
Infection with papillomavirus occurs in the following ways:
- Acrosshousehold items. The use of combs, towels, slippers or clothes of a person who is a carrier of the infection contributes to the spread of papillomavirus.
- Atdirect contact. This also applies to cases of sexual intimacy. The possibility of infection remains even when using condoms.
- Autoinfection. The virus is carried 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 its spread throughout the body.
The risk zone for the development of papillomas on the body includes people who are diagnosed with:
- hormonal imbalance;
- endocrine pathologies;
- chronic or acute diseases of internal organs;
- vitamin deficiency;
- pregnancy.
Mental or physical overwork, severe stress also contribute to a decrease in immunity, which increases the likelihood of infection with papillomavirus.
How to get rid
The human papillomavirus 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 arises when a malignant nature of the tumor is suspected, as well as in order to differentiate HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papillomavirus by the following methods:
- studybiological secretthe patient;
- colposcopy(used for lesions of the female genital organs);
- cytological andhistological analysismaterial taken from the surface of the condyloma;
- polymerase methodchain reaction, which allows to detect 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 action of modern antiviral drugs. Therefore, the goal of the 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 topical preparations.
Simultaneously with the local treatment of warts, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system. For this, immunomodulators or vitamin complexes are suitable.
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, narrowly focused on the papilloma, burns out its tissues in layers. After the procedure, bleeding and other unpleasant phenomena do not occur in the treatment area.
- Cryodestruction. The procedure involves the treatment of neoplasms with liquid nitrogen. The substance freezes the growth tissue, and the papilloma falls off.
- Surgical removal. It is carried out in cases where a high oncogenicity of the neoplasm is diagnosed.
The human papillomavirus often does not pose 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 regularly examined by a doctor.