Human papillomavirus (HPV or HPV) is a group of papilloma viruses that cause damage to the skin and mucous membranes. HPV ranks first among sexually transmitted viral infections. Infection peaks occur between the ages of 18 and 30. According to national statistics, 80 to 90% of people are infected with the HPV virus. But don't panic first. Our immune system can kill pathogens, and not bring disease.
How is the human papilloma virus spread?
Source of infection - carriers and clinical manifestations of HPV.
The virus is only transmitted from person to person.
It is present in urine, saliva and genital secretions.
Infections enter the body in three ways:
- Contact and household. Infection occurs by touching the skin and mucous membranes of an infected person. The risk of infection with the papillomavirus virus in humans is especially high if there are cuts, cuts, wounds, or abrasions in the contact area. The virus has the ability to persist for a while in the outside environment, so it is possible to infect public showers, swimming pools, baths, clothes, dishes, toiletries;
- Sex. This is the main route of infection. Infection occurs with any form of sex: genital, anal, oral - genital. The probability of infection for a single contact with an infected partner is 60%;
- During childbirth, during pregnancy. An infected mother can infect her baby in the uterus and through the birth canal.
Human papillomavirus infection is characterized by an underlying process. After infection, the virus does not manifest itself until a certain point in time. We may not even be aware of its presence in the body. Normally, the immune system fights against the human papillomavirus, gradually destroying it, preventing the development of pathology.
This self-healing process takes from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the characteristics of the body. But if the immune system is weak, then the virus enters the active phase, which begins to manifest itself. The chances of self-recovery decrease with age; 80% for those under 30 years old. The first symptoms of the presence of HPV in the body may appear weeks or decades later. It all depends on the body's resistance and the type of papilloma virus it is infected with.
Types of HPV
Approximately 200 or more types of human papillomavirus are known. They were divided into 4 groups according to cancer risk. Each type is indicated by a number assigned to it in the order of opening.
Defines the types of HPV:
- never causes cancer (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49);
- very rarely causes cancer (6, 11, 13, 32, 40 - 44, 51, 72);
- has an average cancer risk (26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 56, 58, 65);
- typically causes malignant transformation (16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73).
The last group most dangerous to health.
Among high-risk human papillomaviruses, types 16, 18, 31, 33, 52, 58 are the most common.
HPV accounts for 7-8% of all cancers. That's why:
- 99% of women with cervical cancer;
- 93% of anal cancers;
- 51% of vulvar cancers;
- 36% of penile cancers;
- 63% of oropharyngeal cancers.
Human papillomaviruses have been registered since 2003.
| Species name 2003—2010. | Other types (strains) found in species | Species name from 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Human papillomavirus 1 (HPV1) | - | Mupapillomavirus 1 |
| Human papillomavirus 2 (HPV2) | HPV27, HPV57 | Alphapapillomavirus 4 |
| Human papillomavirus 4 (HPV4) | HPV65, HPV95 | Gammapapillomavirus 1 |
| Human papillomavirus 5 (HPV5) | HPV8, HPV12, HPV14, HPV19, HPV20, HPV21, HPV25, HPV36, HPV47 | Betapapillomavirus 1 |
| Human papillomavirus 6 (HPV6) | HPV11, HPV13, HPV44, HPV74, PcPV | Alphapapillomavirus 10 |
| Human papillomavirus 7 (HPV7) | HPV40, HPV43, HPV91 | Alphapapillomavirus 8 |
| Human papillomavirus 9 (HPV9) | HPV15, HPV17, HPV22, HPV23, HPV37, HPV38, HPV80 | Betapapillomavirus 2 |
| Human papillomavirus 10 (HPV10) | HPV3, HPV28, HPV29, HPV77, HPV78, HPV94 | Alphapapillomavirus 2 |
| 16 human papillomavirus (HPV16) | HPV31, HPV33, HPV35, HPV52, HPV58, HPV67 | Alphapapillomavirus 9 |
| Human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) | HPV39, HPV45, HPV59, HPV68, HPV70, HPV85 | Alphapapillomavirus 7 |
| Human papillomavirus 26 (HPV26) | HPV51, HPV69, HPV82 | Alphapapillomavirus 5 |
| Human papillomavirus 32 (HPV32) | HPV42 | Alphapapillomavirus 1 |
| Human papillomavirus 34 (HPV34) | HPV73 | Alphapapillomavirus 11 |
| Human papillomavirus 41 (HPV41) | - | Nupapillomavirus 1 |
| Human papillomavirus 48 (HPV48) | - | Gammapapillomavirus 2 |
| Human papillomavirus 49 (HPV49) | HPV75, HPV76 | Betapapillomavirus 3 |
| Human papillomavirus 50 (HPV50) | - | Gammapapillomavirus 3 |
| Human papillomavirus 53 (HPV53) | HPV30, HPV56, HPV66 | Alphapapillomavirus 6 |
| Human papillomavirus 54 (HPV54) | - | Alphapapillomavirus 13 |
| Human papillomavirus 60 (HPV60) | - | Gammapapillomavirus 4 |
| Human papillomavirus 61 (HPV61) | HPV72, HPV81, HPV83, HPV84, HPVcand62, HPVcand86, HPVcand87, HPVcand89 | Alphapapillomavirus 3 |
| Human papillomavirus 63 (HPV63) | - | Mupapillomavirus 2 |
| Human papillomavirus 71 (HPV71) | - | deleted |
| Human papillomavirus 88 (HPV88) | - | Gammapapillomavirus 5 |
| Candid human papillomavirus (HPVcand90) | - | Alphapapillomavirus 14 |
| Human papillomavirus (HPVcand92) | - | Betapapillomavirus 4 |
What are the symptoms of a human papillomavirus infection?
During the transition to its active form, HPV affects the skin, mucous membranes of the genitals, anal area, larynx, and nasopharynx. This is supported by:
- reduced immunity;
- smoke, drink alcohol;
- hypothermia;
- vitamin deficiency;
- is pregnant;
- hormonal disorders;
- other sexually transmitted diseases;
- started sexual activity early;
- changes sexual partners often.
HPV manifests as developed papules, papules on the skin and mucous membranes, called papillomas. They are divided into two groups: warts and seborrheic tumors. Other symptoms are also noted depending on the location of the papilloma. For example, if they are located in the larynx above the vocal cords, the voice is hoarse, if in the nose, it can be difficult to breathe, if in the ureter there is a violation of the flow of urine.
Warts
Warts are the most common manifestation of a human papillomavirus infection on the skin.
These are circles with clear boundaries and a rough surface. Their size usually does not exceed 10 mm.
The human papillomavirus causes the following types of warts:
- Ordinary or vulgar. Most common. They protrude on the skin in a dense form of greyish-yellow color with a thick, curvaceous surface. Form on the back of the hand, on the fingers, between the fingers. They tend to merge with each other;
- Flat or youthful. They usually occur in children and teenagers. These are flat shapes of flesh or light brown in color, slightly protruding from the surface of the skin. They usually appear on the face, neck, shoulders, and arms in groups;
- Plantar. Forms on the feet where most pressure is applied: on the heels, under the toes. Unlike other warts, their growth is directed inward. On the surface, they look like calluses, but they have a rough surface instead of being smooth, they destroy skin tissue. Plantar warts cause pain when pressing, pain when walking;
- Threaded. These are elongated, soft to the touch, on one foot up to 4 mm long. Their color ranges from flesh to dark brown. Formed in the neck, eyelid skin, armpits, groin, under the mammary glands.
Warts
Condylomas are papillomas that form on the mucous membranes of the reproductive system, oral cavity, and upper respiratory tract.
Are pointed and flat:
- Cursor. They are soft conical growths with fleshy papillae or pink. Formed in the genital area, on the mucous membranes of the external and inner genitalia, anus, rarely in the oral cavity. May appear as a rash of multiple warts joined together, forming something outwardly resembling a colony. Genital warts are susceptible to sexual intercourse, gynecological examination, douching;
- Flat. They look like small blisters, located in the deep layer of mucous membranes. It is almost impossible to detect them with just a simple examination. Flat warts are more dangerous than genital warts, especially if they are on the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix. They grow in depth and breadth, and tend to degenerate into a cancerous tumor.
Human papillomavirus infection in women
The human papillomavirus is especially dangerous in the gynecological field, as it causes cervical cancer in women.
In 99% of cases, with the development of the tumor process, one of the highly carcinogenic HPV types is found.
The greatest threat comes from HPV types 16 and 18. These pathogens account for 70% of all cervical and precancerous cancers.
The first step in a malignant tumor is to change the structure in the cells, thicken and proliferate the mucous membranes. This condition is called cervical dysplasia. The dysplastic changes are not serious and can be reversed if treatment is started at the right time. The main thing is not to let the situation go its way.
According to the size and depth of the affected area, 3 degrees of dysplasia are distinguished:
- lightweight; means
- ;
- heavy.
The higher the degree of dysplasia, the higher the risk of degeneration of cells transformed into tumors. Mild levels usually go away on their own, and if not treated, severe levels have a very high chance of turning into cancer.
In the early stages of cervical dysplasia in women, caused by the human papilloma virus, there are no symptoms. There was no interruption of the menstrual cycle, abdominal pain, discomfort, bleeding. Diagnosis can be made only after an examination. With severe degree of dysplasia, which can be accompanied by a secondary infection, an inflammatory process develops in the vagina (inflammation of the cervix) and the cervix (inflammation of the cervix).
Inflammatory signs include:
- itching, burning;
- pain, dullness during intercourse;
- bad vaginal discharge;
- pain in the lower abdomen.
Cervical dysplasia caused by papilloma virus, if left untreated, will turn into a malignant tumor within 10 to 12 years. But this is average data. The behavior of altered cells is unpredictable and largely depends on the state of the immune system and the presence of risk factors.
Human papillomavirus in men
Infection with the human papilloma virus is rare in men. However, a man who is infected with the HPV virus mainly jeopardizes the woman he is having an intimate relationship with. He has a high chance of infecting his partner even if he has no symptoms.
Among the manifestations of HPV, there are genital warts on the foreskin, tip of the penis, in the urethral area, around the anus. Their appearance is due to a strong weakening of the immune system, hypothermia, chronic nervous tension, overwork. Condoms often cause pain during sex, causing itching.
Complications of HPV in men include: development of the foreskin stenosis (a stenosis that prevents the foreskin to cut out), malignant tumors in the penis, anal area, tangleserectile dysfunction. The risk group includes homosexual, bisexual and immunocompromised people.
Diagnosis
When you have genital warts or warts, you should be examined and tested for the human papilloma virus. Only an expert can determine the nature of the formation, establish their cause. Depending on the location of the papilloma, you may need to consult a dermatologist, dermatologist, dermatologist, urologist, gynecologist, doctor. ENT doctor.
Before the risk of cervical cancer, women should have regular gynecological examinations to detect the pathogen in time and cure the smallest changes caused by the disease in the early stage.
The following tests are used to validate HPV:
- Check for problem area;
- Gynecological examination in a mirror (for women);
- cancer smear. It is performed on gynecological and urological examination from the surface of the mucous membrane with a special brush (Papanicolaou test or PAP test). The test allows you to evaluate the shape, size, and nature of the position of cells under a microscope. Identify changes, damage, dysplasia, or tumor alterations of an epithelial cell;
- Smear for PCR analysis. Analysis of this human papillomavirus allows you to detect the DNA of the pathogen, determine its type and quantity;
- Colposcopy (examining the cervix with optical equipment). It is done when it is found that the HPV virus causes high cancer and abnormalities in cytology. In this study, the doctor examined the surface of the cervix in detail due to multiple increases;
- Histological examination (biopsy). It is performed when suspicious tissue sites are detected during colposcopy. A small tissue area (up to 5 mm) is taken for examination under a microscope.
How is the treatment done?
The fight against human papillomavirus infection is carried out exclusively with the participation of a doctor. The use of alternative methods, such as treating papillae with icycium, iodine, treating papillae with oil, treating with laundry soap, are often ineffective. In addition, such methods of eliminating warts can worsen the condition, cause complications and damage the surrounding healthy skin. It is not recommended to use them at your own risk. You must first consult a specialist.
Modern treatment includes observing, taking medicine, surgery and preventing complications. Unfortunately, there are no specific drugs today that kill the HPV virus.
The treatment is done comprehensively in three fields:
- surgery;
- strengthens the immune system;
- the use of topical and systemic antivirals.
Removal of papillae is done by hardware and method of operation:
- laser technology
- ;
- cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen); Remove
- with a scalpel; radio wave surgery
- (radio knife excision);
- electro-coagulation (burning the moxide with electric current);
- heats moxide with strong chemicals.
The specific method is chosen taking into account the type, location and size of the system. Removal of the papilloma does not remove 100% of the virus, and is not a guarantee that the papilloma will not appear in the future.
Among systemic drugs for papillomavirus infection, immunostimulants, antivirals are prescribed. They are used to locate various papillomas, which help activate the body's defenses in the fight against infection. Any HPV medication should be prescribed by a doctor. During treatment, repeated studies are carried out to evaluate its effectiveness.
Characteristics of papilloma treatment by location
Treatment of papillomas in the mouth includes removal of papillomas and adjuvant therapy. The need to eliminate foci of growth in the oral cavity is associated with constant feelings of discomfort, high sensitivity of the mucous membranes, susceptibility to damage during chewing food, speech defects and the risk of cancer transformation. letters.
For the treatment of papillomas on eyelids, systemic immunostimulants, topical ointments and gels as well as surgical methods are used. Tumors in the eye must be removed if they are easily overgrowth, impaired vision, and impaired vision. Human papillomavirus infection of the eye is often accompanied by other infectious lesions of bacterial origin, leading to inflammation of the eyelids and mucous membranes. To remove papillomas, laser therapy, cryotherapy, coagulation are used.
HPV types that damage the skin are usually harmless. Treatment of papillae on the face and body is carried out mainly for cosmetic purposes to remove defects. In addition, convex formation is inconvenient. They can be easily touched with clothing, jewelry, causing injury. In some cases, there is no need to treat papillomas on the skin, as they go away on their own.
The most dangerous papillomas of the genital area. Treatment of manifestations of human papillomas in men and women in the genital area is carried out by hardware and surgical methods in combination with oral medications to create immunity. For each patient, the method of therapy is selected individually.
When treating papillomas in children, immunologists and pediatricians prescribe immunostimulating drugs, vitamins to enhance defense. Usually this step is enough for the formation to disappear without surgery. If it is necessary to remove the papilloma, cryotherapy and laser are used as the safest, uncomplicated methods.
How can I prevent HPV infection?
A large number of people carry the virus around which is dangerous for everyone. How to avoid infection, prevent the appearance of papillomas on the skin or mucous membranes?
Vaccination is considered the most effective method. It should be done in adolescents (11-12 years old) before starting sexual activity, because sex is the main route of infection. The human papillomavirus vaccine can be given afterward until age 45, but it will only work if there is no HPV in the body.
The Papilloma virus vaccine provides almost 100% protection against infection and cancer.
Three vaccines have been developed and applied successfully in practice:
- protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18;
- also protects against types of HPV 31, 33, 45, 52, 58;
- is effective against HPV types 16 and 18.
Routine HPV vaccinations are available in 55 countries. Among them are USA, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Norway.
In addition to vaccinations, methods of preventing HPV include:
- quit bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
- healthy nutrition balanced by vitamins;
- delay the initiation of sexual activity in adolescents;
- a frequent partner;
- periodic examination and examination by a gynecologist.
To prevent warts, it is recommended to wear closed shoes in public swimming pools, showers, and changing rooms. These actions will reduce the risk of infection not only with HPV, but also with nail fungus (onychomycosis).
Specialists will help you cure the warts caused by the HPV virus and other warts on the feet and hands, remove calluses, calluses that cause pain, and quickly cure onychomycosis. They perform hardware medical pedicure, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care.
If you are concerned about any problem with the skin on the feet or nails, see your doctor for advice, find out the cause of the discomfort, find out about methods to removeit.