Human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is present in the body of 90% of the world population. Most of its bearers are not even aware of its presence and do not find any suspicious signs in them. That's why it became widespread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign pathological formation of viral etiology. The appearance of papillomas is caused by the action of the human papillomavirus (HPV). On the skin it usually manifests itself in the form of cosmetic defects - warts and genital warts, on the larynx it can lead to respiratory failure, and on the mucous membrane of internal organs to bleeding and ulceration. There are 27 types of HPV - some of them are safe for health, others can develop into malignant tumors and lead to cancer.
In identification, special attention should be given to women, as they are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Pregnant women during the period of gestation are at risk of infection of the child.
HPV is characterized by a latent (latent) course, and although a person has strong immunity, the virus does not manifest itself at all (the incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to several years). Under the influence of various factors, the virus is activated, multiplies and clinically manifests itself.
The cause of infection with the papilloma virus
Types of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the infected
- use of user's personal items
- when visiting public places with high humidity and high crowds (pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is the sexual route of infection by the virus, domestic routes are rarely recorded, as the virus lives for a short time in the environment.
Virus activation is facilitated by:
- weakened immunity
- infectious diseases
- upset the gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- prolonged use of various medications (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- severe stress
The penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtraumas, cracks, abrasions and other damage to the skin.
Symptoms of Papilloma
Symptoms depend on the location of the formation and the type of HPV. The first "bell" about the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (they usually appear in intimate places) and warts (often formed on the face, neck, limbs).
Less commonly, papillomas are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- discomfort when walking (genitals)
- nipple discharge (breast ducts)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (gut)
Papilloma diagnosis
Diagnosis is performed by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist, or gynecologist/urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- Laboratory and instrumental analyzes are prescribed to obtain a complete picture of the disease:
- general and biochemical blood test
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test - determines the type of virus and its quantity in the body.
If the only method of treatment is the removal of papillomas, 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 in the aftermath of the virus. General antiviral therapy is performed in cases of highly oncogenic types of the virus located in the region of the anogenetic tract. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to systematically screen and use barrier contraception so as not to infect a partner with the virus.
It is recommended to remove papillomas, as the virus in the epithelial cells causes them to multiply, form new papillomas, or regenerate existing ones.
Depending on the location and symptoms of papillomas, they resort to the following methods of removal:
- Laser surgery - the papilloma is treated with a surgical laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization and the damaged area heals quickly. The laser is used on the face and visible parts of the body.
- Radiosurgery is 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 a neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars 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 suffering a chemical burn.
- Surgical excision - rarely used, in cases of suspected malignant process.
- Folk remedies - foci moxibustion with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaf, castor oil and others)
Currently, vaccines have been developed to prevent highly oncogenic types of the virus (species 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
For disease prevention, it is recommended to have safe sex, use personal hygiene items, strengthen the immune system and be regularly examined by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you encounter symptoms of HPV, it is recommended to see a doctor immediately.