Human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is found in the body of 90% of the world's population. Most of its trains are not even aware of its existence and can not find any suspicious signs in themselves. That is why it spread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign pathological tumor of viral etiology. The appearance of papillomas is caused by the action of human papillomavirus (HPV). On the skin it usually manifests itself in the form of cosmetic defects - in the form of warts and genital warts, in the throat can cause respiratory failure, and bleeding and ulceration of the mucous membranes of internal organs. There are 27 types of HPV - some of which are safe for health, some of which can turn into malignant tumors and cause cancer.
Special attention should be paid to women during identification as they have a high risk of developing cervix. Pregnant women are at risk for infection of the baby during gestation.
HPV is characterized by a latent (latent) course and as long as a person has strong immunity, the virus is not detected 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.
The cause of infection with the papilloma virus
Ways of HPV infection:
- Unprotected sex
- Contact with the patient's skin and mucous membranes
- Use of train personal belongings
- When visiting high places with humidity and crowded public places (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common sex route of infection with the virus, household routes are rarely observed because the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
Helps to activate the virus:
- Weakened immunity
- Infectious diseases
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged use of a number of medications (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. ).
- Smoking, alcohol abuse
- Severe stress
HPV penetration is facilitated by skin microtraumas, cracks, abrasions and other damage.
Symptoms of papilloma
Symptoms depend on the location of the formation and the type of HPV. The first "call" about the presence of the virus is the external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually in intimate areas) and warts (often occurring on the face, neck, limbs).
Less commonly, papillomas are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Exfoliation, itching, redness (of the skin)
- Discomfort while walking (genitals)
- Discharge from the breast (from the breast ducts)
- Difficulty breathing (larynx)
- Painful bowel movement (bowel)
Diagnosis of papillomas
The diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- Laboratory and instrumental tests are prescribed to get a complete picture of the disease:
- General and biochemical blood test
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its quantity in the body.
If the only method of treatment is removal of the papillomas, then a biopsy of the material is performed in parallel to conduct a cytological examination and to determine the oncological risk.
Treatment methods
There are no drugs or methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. Impact occurs only on the results of the virus. General antiviral therapy is given in cases of high oncogenic types of virus localized in the area of the anogenetic tract. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to be screened systematically and to use barrier contraception to avoid becoming infected with the partner virus.
Removal of papillomas is recommended because the epithelial cell virus causes them to multiply, produce new papillomas, or regenerate existing ones.
Depending on the location and symptoms of the papilloma, they resort to the following methods of removal:
- Laser surgery - Papilloma is treated with a surgical laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization and the injured area heals fairly quickly. The laser is applied to the face and visible parts of the body.
- Radiosurgery is the non-contact impact of high-frequency radio waves, under the influence of which the neoplasm is eliminated. This method is recognized as 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 sensitive and there is a high risk of contact with neighboring tissues and chemical burns.
- Surgical excision - rarely used when a malignant process is suspected.
- Folk remedies - mixing hearths with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaf, castor oil, etc. )
Vaccines are currently being developed to prevent high oncogenic types of the virus (species 16 and 18) that are used in many countries.
For the prevention of the disease, it is recommended to have safe sex, use personal hygiene products, strengthen the immune system and have regular check-ups with an immunologist-gynecologist. If you experience symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you consult your doctor immediately.