Human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to the growth of skin epithelium, mucosa of the anogenital region and upper respiratory tract. Rarely affects the internal organs - esophagus, bronchi, rectum, bladder. As a result of the activity of the virus, various forms of neoplasms are formed. Some of them are quite benign in nature, and some carry the threat of cancerous tumors. In which cases does papilloma require special attention and removal? The article will tell about it.
Route of infection
Infection occurs after contact with a carrier of the virus, as well as with a sick person or animal. It is worth noting that an infected person may completely miss the clinical manifestations of papillomatosis. He sometimes does not even know about his infection. Penetration of the virus into the human body occurs through micro-damages to the skin or mucous membranes. A single viral particle is sufficient for the development of an infectious process. The virus is able to maintain its stability in the environment. This is why self-infection is also possible during hygiene procedures and in daily life (shaving, waxing, skin combing, self-injections). Baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc. , are considered the main public resorts for the transmission of infection. Massive diseases have been recorded in school children. A newborn can become a carrier of human papillomavirus infection when it passes through the mother's birth canal.
Types of HPV
Currently, scientists have identified about 180 types of HPV, of which 29 strains are considered oncogenes. Depending on the oncogenic potential, they are divided into viruses:
- low oncoactivity rate (types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81),
- average oncoactivity rate (types 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66)
- high degree of oncoactivity (16, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 68. 73, 82).
According to the latest data, one or another type of human papillomavirus can be found in the blood of about 80% of the world's population. However, this does not mean that all infected people have papillomatosis. What factors provoke the development of the disease?
Immunity and papilloma
Why does the virus disappear from the body of some people without leaving a trace, in others it remains for life without consequences and in others it leads to the formation of papillomas? HPV is an infection that is quite capable of suppressing the immune system. In healthy people and in carriers of the virus, a strong immune system is observed that suppresses the multiplication of a foreign agent. The special role of cellular immunity has been confirmed. Blocks the persistence of the virus at its level (ability to stay active for a long time outside the acute phase) and in some cases contributes to the regression of lesions. Spontaneous regression of papillomatosis occurs within six months. However, not everyone's body's defense is at such a high level and then latent HPV infection turns into an open (manifest) form. Papilloma is formed under the influence of factors such as:
- debauched sex life, frequent change of partners;
- contact with a partner with a history of genital papillomatosis;
- the presence of sexually transmitted concomitant infections;
- immunodeficiency conditions in vitamin deficiency, atopic dermatitis, pregnancy, AIDS;
- frequent colds and SARS;
- hormonal contraception;
- autoimmune diseases;
- smoking and alcohol.
The skin, which has damage or tendency to inflammation, becomes a powerful provocative factor, it ceases to perform a protective function. Therefore, people with inflammatory skin diseases (acne, rash), eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis are at risk.
Respiratory papillomatosis
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is the most common benign tumor of the larynx. In the respiratory tract, papilloma appears in any area - from the nasopharynx to the lung parenchyma. But most often it attacks the mucous membrane of the larynx. The severity of the disease is determined by the presence of growths in the narrowest area, which contributes to obstruction of breathing, up to asphyxia. In adults, it is considered a mandatory precancer due to a high degree of malignancy (degeneration into a malignant tumor). The main symptom of the disease is usually hoarseness, which then develops into a loss of vocal sound. The patient remains able to speak in whispers. In the first stage, the manifestation of respiratory papillomatosis is sometimes confused with acute laryngitis. Therefore, it is impossible to prescribe treatment without endoscopic examination. Various physiotherapy procedures in the laryngeal area lead to rapid papilloma growth.
Baby warts
Warts are benign epidermal growths that are mainly encountered by children and adolescents. They develop on the face, hands, neck, often causing their owners a lot of emotional problems. However, more than 70% of these types of papillomas disappear without leaving a trace within 1, 5 - 2 years. Therefore, doctors turn to their removal only in extreme cases, because with the completion of hormonal changes, it is quite possible for the body to cope with HPV infection on its own. Additional risk factors in childhood are the frequent stress associated with studying and passing exams, overwork, lack of sleep, malnutrition, delicate skin in infants, acne in adolescents.
Is it necessary to remove papillomas on the skin
Some neoplasms degenerate into malignant. This process can not be bypassed if one is attentive to oneself. It is necessary to sound the alarm if one of the symptoms is found:
- papilloma varies in size and configuration (it grows rapidly, the edges are blurred, additional growths and seals are formed);
- the color of the neoplasm changes towards darkening;
- the inflammatory process merges, the skin flakes, cracks, exudates flow;
- pain appears.
All of the above are indications for the removal of growths. It is also worth resorting to a radical method of problem solving if the papilloma is located in accessible places for daily injuries (in the neck, armpits, waist area, etc. ). Continuous grazing and rubbing can initiate the oncological process and also contribute to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms.
Methods for removal of neoplasms
Destructive methods of treating skin growths are divided into:
- chemicals (80-90% trichloroacetic acid and other drugs);
- physical (plasma coagulation, cryodestruction, laser therapy, electrosurgery).
If removal is expected in adolescents or pregnant women, then only laser therapy is used. After destruction, the use of local antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs is indicated.
But the main method of eliminating laryngeal papillomas is endolaringeal surgery under anesthesia using either microinstruments or a surgical laser, after which stable remission is recorded in only one-third of patients. In practice, a combined approach is used: additional cryodestruction is performed (with a local form of the disease), local antitumor drugs are prescribed. The most common is inhalation with a special solution.