The human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is found in the body of 90% of the world's population. Many of its carriers are unaware of its existence and cannot find any suspicious markings in themselves. 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). It often manifests itself in the form of cosmetic defects on the skin - warts and genital warts, which can cause respiratory failure in the larynx and bleeding and ulceration of the mucous membrane of the internal organs. There are 27 types of HPV - some 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 a cervix. During pregnancy, pregnant women are at risk of infection by the child.
HPV is characterized by a latent (latent) course and a person has strong immunity, while the virus does not manifest itself 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 manifests itself clinically.
Cause of infection with papilloma virus
Ways of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucous membranes of an infected person
- use of personal belongings of the user
- when visiting public places with high humidity and crowded (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is sexual transmission of the virus, home 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 gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- long-term use of a number of drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- severe stress
The penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtrauma, cracks, abrasions and other damage to the skin.
Papilloma symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of the occurrence and the type of HPV. The first "bell" about the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually appearing in intimate places) and warts (usually formed on the face, neck, limbs).
Less commonly, papillomas are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- discomfort when walking (genital)
- discharge from the nipple (breast ducts)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (bowel)
Diagnosis of papillomas
Diagnosis is carried out by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- To obtain a complete picture of the disease, laboratory and instrumental analyzes are prescribed:
- general and biochemical blood test
- PCR test (Polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If the only method of treatment is removal of papillomas, a biopsy of the material is carried out in parallel to conduct a cytological study and determine the oncological risk.
Treatment methods
There are no drugs and methods that can completely eradicate HPV from the human body. Effects are made only on the results of the virus. General antiviral therapy is carried out in cases of viruses of a highly oncogenic type, localized in the region of the anogenetic system. Patients previously diagnosed with papilloma are advised to systematically study and use barrier contraception in order not to infect a partner with the virus.
Removal of papillomas is recommended, as it causes virus proliferation in epithelial cells, formation of new papillomas or re-formation of existing ones.
Depending on the location and symptoms of papillomas, they resort to the following methods of removal:
- Laser surgery - the papilloma is surgically treated with a laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization, and the damaged area heals quite quickly. The laser is used on the visible parts of the face and body.
- Radiosurgery is a non-contact exposure to high-frequency radio waves, under the influence of which a neoplasm is eliminated. This method is considered effective, but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing of a neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars may remain at the site of exposure.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The procedure is quite delicate and there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissues and getting a chemical burn.
- Surgical excision - rarely used in case of suspicion of a malignant process.
- Folk remedies - cauterization of foci 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 (types 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
For the prevention of the disease, it is recommended to have protected sex, use personal hygiene items, strengthen the immune system and be regularly examined by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you find signs of HPV, it is recommended that you see a doctor immediately.