Human papillomavirus is one of the most prevalent and is present in the body of 90% of the world's population. Most of its bearers are not even aware of its presence and do not find any suspicious sign in itself. This is why 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 human papillomavirus (HPV). On the skin it usually manifests itself in the form of cosmetic defects - warts and genital warts, in the larynx can lead to respiratory failure, and in the mucosa of internal organs up to bleeding and ulcers. There are 27 types of HPV - some of them are safe for health, others can develop into malignant tumors and lead to cancer.
During identification, special attention should be paid to women, as they have a high risk of developing cervix. Pregnant women during pregnancy have a risk of infecting the baby.
HPV is characterized by a latent (latent) course and while a person has strong immunity, the virus does not manifest 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 appears clinically.
Cause of papilloma virus infection
Ways of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucosa of the infected
- use of user's personal belongings
- when visiting public places with high humidity and large crowds (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is the sexual route of infection with the virus, domestic routes are rarely recorded, 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 drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- severe stress
HPV penetration is facilitated by microtrauma, cracks, scratches and other skin damage.
Symptoms of papilloma
Symptoms depend on the location of the formation and the type of HPV. The first "bell" for the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually appearing in intimate places) and warts (often formed on the face, neck, limbs).
Rarely, papillomas are associated with symptoms such as:
- skin, itching, redness (skin)
- discomfort while walking (genital)
- nipple discharge (breast canals)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (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 instrumental tests are prescribed to obtain a complete picture of the disease:
- general and biochemical analysis of blood
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If the only method of treatment is papilloma removal, then a biopsy of the material is performed in parallel to perform a cytological study and determine the oncological risk.
Treatment methods
There are no drugs and methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. Impacts are made only on the consequences of the virus. General antiviral therapy is performed in cases of highly oncogenic strains of the virus localized in the region of the anogenetic tract. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to examine and use barrier contraception systematically so as not to infect their partner with the virus.
Removal of papillomas is recommended, as the virus in the epithelial cells causes them to multiply, new papillomas form, or existing ones to regenerate.
Depending on the location and symptoms of the papilloma, they use the following removal methods:
- Laser surgery - Papilloma is treated with laser surgery. 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 known to be effective but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - the freezing of a neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Marks may remain at the site of exposure.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The procedure is quite sensitive and there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissue and getting a chemical burn.
- Surgical excision - rarely used, in cases of suspected malignant process.
- Folk remedies - mixing hearths with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil and others)
Currently, vaccines have been developed to prevent highly oncogenic strains of the virus (types 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
For the prevention of the disease it is recommended to perform protected sex, use of personal hygiene items, strengthen the immune system and regular examination by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you find symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you see a doctor immediately.