Human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is present in the body of 90% of the world's population. Most of its carriers are not even aware of its presence and do not carry any suspicious signs in themselves. Hence it has become widespread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign pathological formation of viral etiology. The appearance of papilloma is due to the action of human papillomavirus (HPV). On the skin it usually manifests itself as cosmetic defects - warts and genital warts, in the larynx it is respiratory failureThere are 27 types of HPV - some of them are safe for health, others can develop into malignant tumors and cause cancer.
When identifying, special attention should be paid to women, as they are at high risk of developing cervicitis. Pregnant women are at risk of infection of the baby during pregnancy.
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 many factors, the virus canActivates, multiplies and is clinically manifested.
Cause of infection with papilloma virus
Methods of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- come into contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the infected
- use of personal belongings of the wearer
- When visiting public places with high humidity and high crowds (swimming pools, saunas, beaches)
The most common route of infection with the virus is sexual, with domestic routes rarely recorded, as the virus remains in the environment for a short time.
Virus activation is facilitated by:
- weak immunity
- infectious disease
- upset gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- Long-term use of multiple drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol consumption
- severe stress
The penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtraumas, cracks, abrasions and other damage to the skin.
papilloma symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of formation and the type of HPV. The first "bells" about the presence of the virus are genital warts (usually visible in intimate places) and warts (often formed on the face, neck, limbs)is an external manifestation.
Less commonly, papillomas are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- Discomfort while walking (genital)
- Discharge from the nipple (breast ducts)
- Difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (bowels)
diagnosis of papilloma
The diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist/urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and interaction with the patient.
- To obtain a complete picture of the disease, laboratory and instrumental analyzes are prescribed:
- General and biochemical blood tests
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type and amount of virus in the body.
If the only method of treatment is removal of the papilloma, then biopsy of the material is performed in parallel to conduct cytological studies and determine oncological risk.
Treatment Methods
There are no drugs and methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. Effects are made only on the consequences of the virus. General antiviral therapy is carried out in cases of highly oncogenic types of virus localized in the area of the anogenital tract. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to be systematically screened and to use barrier contraception so as not to infect a partner with the virus.
Removal of papillomas is recommended, as viruses in epithelial cells cause them to multiply, form new papillomas or regenerate existing ones.
Depending on the location and symptoms of papillomas, they resort to the following removal methods:
- Laser surgery - Papillomas are treated with a surgical laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization and the damaged area heals very quickly. 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 may remain at the site of exposure.
- Chemical Destruction - Staining with chemical acids. The process is quite sensitive and there is a high risk of touching surrounding tissues and a chemical burn.
- Surgical excision - rarely used in cases of suspicion of a malignant process.
- Folk remedies - moxibustion of foci with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaf, castor oil and others)
Currently, vaccines have been developed to prevent highly oncogenic types of virus (species 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
For disease prevention, 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, So it is advisable to see a doctor immediately.