More than 60% of the world's population are considered carriers of the human papillomavirus. It is transmitted mainly by contact. Human papillomavirus (HPV) against the background of a weakened immune system, manifests itself in the form of characteristic tumors on the skin or mucous membranes. In rare cases, such developed cells degenerate into malignancy.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is one of the infectious diseases that cause the appearance of tumors on the body. Growths are formed from epithelial tissue. The virus infects the body of people of all ages and genders.
HPV can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, through the use of household items, in utero, during childbirth.
To prevent HPV, the vaccine is given before sexual activity begins; in adulthood, the control of sexual activity and personal hygiene is indicated.
For treatment, antiviral, immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed; Existing skin growth is eliminated.
There are more than 100 types of HPV. Most viruses do not pose a threat to human life or health. It affects only the basal layer of the dermis. When entering the human body, the HPV virus disrupts the process of cell division, which leads to the appearance of warts.
When infected with HPV, the main thing is to determine the type of virus, since non-cancerous strains are not dangerous to humans, they spoil the manifestation only when, when activated, they lead to the formation of papillomas on the upper papilloma. body.
Oncogenic pathogens are dangerous for the development of malignant tumors.
The only way to not get infected with such a papillomavirus and prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated.
This vaccine is given to girls and girls before starting sexual activity.
A cancer-causing virus is a virus that infects the genitals in women or men. First, papillomavirus, which manifests itself as genital warts, causes cervical cancer or provokes the appearance of malignancies in the uterus.
Statistics
According to statistics, the prevalence of diagnosed HPV in the world is 15-50 people per 100 thousand population. About 60% of people carry the virus. 30% of those with the disease don't even suspect they have a dangerous disease.
Young adults aged 18-28 are more likely to be affected by the virus. Teenage girls make up about 82% of an active sex life.
In 93% of confirmed cancers affecting the anus or genitals, papillomavirus is detected. Furthermore, in 60% of cases, infection occurs through casual sex.
HPV type 16 causes cancer in 41-54% of people.
In addition, statistics confirm that 90% of women can be carriers of the active HPV virus, but cervical cancer is diagnosed in only 20% of patients after 5 years.
In 90% of the population with papillomavirus, 11 and 6 species were detected, which were included in the low-risk group.
In addition, in about 95% of cases, experts note an independent clearance of the body from the virus for about 2 years.
Symptom
Papillomavirus manifests on the body in case of exposure to external or internal factors that lead to a decrease in immunity. The nature of the clinical picture during HPV infection depends on the HPV strain and the localization of the tumor.
Among the common forms of papillomas, genital warts stand out. It is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- light pink;
- the presence of a skinny leg, with tumors attached to the body.
In case of symptoms of pox disease, discharge of fluid with an unpleasant odor. These tumors grow painlessly.
The main localization area of genital warts is the perineum. With lesions of the genital organs, patients are concerned about itching, burning pain.
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:
- Rapidly breath;
- problems with swallowing;
- hoarse voice;
- persistent cough.
Localized papillomas on the mucous membrane of the larynx are easy to grow rapidly, causing asphyxia (suffocation).
Viral infections also manifest as:
- Warts. Occurs due to poor hygiene. The body normally blocks the activity of this virus on its own.
- flat warts. Tumors are small tumors up to 3 mm in diameter. Usually localized in front of the head.
The type 18 papillomavirus is considered dangerous. It develops on the genitals of men and women, causes the appearance of numerous tumors on the surface of the mucous membranes.
Pathogens of this type, against the background of weakened immunity, quickly spread throughout the body, affecting internal structures. In addition, HPV 18 is susceptible to malignancy.
The defeat of the female genitalia with papillomavirus causes the appearance of bleeding unrelated to menstruation. Infection often invades the uterine cavity and contributes to the degeneration of local cells. About 98% of women with reproductive cancer develop melanoma as a result of exposure to HPV.
How is it transmitted?
Infection with the papillomavirus occurs in the following ways:
- Acrosshome tools. The use of combs, towels, slippers, or clothing worn by a carrier contributes to the spread of papillomavirus.
- Incontact directly. This also applies to cases of sexual frigidity. The potential for infection remains even when condoms are used.
- Auto Sterilization. The virus is passed from one part of the body to another.
- From mother to childacross the placenta.
The virus enters the body through open wounds or mucous membranes. However, infection does not always occur.
Strong immunity stops the infection, preventing its spread throughout the body.
Areas at risk of developing body papillomas include people diagnosed with:
- hormone imbalance;
- endocrine pathology;
- chronic or acute diseases of internal organs;
- lack of vitamins;
- pregnancy.
Mental or physical overwork, heavy stress also contributes to a decrease in immunity, increasing the likelihood of infection with the papillomavirus.
How to get rid of
Human papillomavirus has a specific clinical picture. Therefore, treatment is usually prescribed only on the basis of an examination outside the problem area.
Further testing is required when the malignant nature of the tumor is suspected, as well as to distinguish HPV from secondary syphilis.
Diagnosis of papillomavirus by the following methods:
- researchbiological secretpatient;
- colposcopy(used for lesions of the female genitalia);
- cytology andhistological analysismaterial taken from the surface of the condyloma;
- polymerase methodChain reaction, allowing to detect the presence of HPV virus in the patient's body;
- methodhybridization, with the help of determining the carcinogenic degree of tumor cells.
HPV is not "afraid" of the effects of modern antiretroviral drugs. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to eliminate external signs of infection.
Conservative therapy is prescribed if:
- no genital warts;
- the color and size of the papilloma does not change;
- growth numbers do not increase.
It is recommended to combat 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, immunomodulatory drugs or vitamin complexes are suitable.
In connection with genital warts and papillomas, prone to regeneration, other manipulations are performed:
- Laser coagulation. The method is considered harmless to the body. The laser beam, narrowly focused on the papilloma, burns its tissues in layers. After the procedure, there was no bleeding and other discomfort in the treatment area.
- Cryodestruction. This procedure involves treating the tumor with liquid nitrogen. This substance freezes the growing tissue and the papillae fall off.
- Surgical removal. It is performed in cases where the diagnosis of cancer is highly cancerous.
The human papillomavirus usually poses no threat. It causes the appearance of warts and other tumors on the body. Some of these papillomas are easy to regrow, so patients with such papillomas should be checked by their doctor regularly.