Human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is present in the body of 90% of the world's population. Most of the operators are not even aware of its existence and find no signs of anything suspicious in them. That's why it has become widespread.
What is a papilloma?
Papilloma is a benign pathological formation of a 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 cause respiratory failure, and on the mucous membranes of internal organs to bleeding and ulceration. There are 27 types of HPV - some of which are safe for health, others can develop into malignant tumors and cause cancer.
When identifying, special attention should be paid to women, as they have a high risk of developing a cervix. Pregnant women during pregnancy have a risk of infection in the child.
HPV is characterized by a latent (latent) course and while a person has strong immunity, 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.
Papillomavirus infection causes
How to get HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with infected skin and mucous membranes
- use of the wearer's personal belongings
- when visiting public places with high humidity and high crowds (swimming pools, saunas, beaches)
The most common is the sexual route of viral infection, the domestic route is rarely recorded, because the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
Virus activation is facilitated by:
- weakened immunity
- infectious diseases
- digestive tract disorders
- exacerbation of chronic disease
- pregnancy
- long-term use of a number of medications (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- heavy stress
The penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtrauma, cracks, abrasions and other skin breakdown.
Papilloma Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the site of formation and the type of HPV. The first "bells" about the presence of the virus are external manifestations in the form of genital warts (usually appearing 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 (genital)
- discharge from the nipple (breast duct)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (bowel)
Papilloma diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist/urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- Laboratory and instrumental analyzes are prescribed to get a complete picture of the disease:
- general blood test and biochemistry
- PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) test - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If the only method of treatment is the removal of the papilloma, then a biopsy of the material is carried out in parallel to carry out a cytological study and determine the oncological risk.
Treatment method
There are no drugs or methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. The impact made only on the consequences of the virus. Antiviral therapy is common in cases of highly oncogenic viral strains localized in the region of the anogenetic tract. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to systematically check and use barrier contraception so as not to infect their partners with the virus.
It is recommended to remove papillomas, because the virus in the epithelial cells causes them to multiply, new papillomas are formed or existing ones regenerate.
Depending on the location and symptoms of the papilloma, they use the following methods of removal:
- Laser surgery - papillomas are treated with a surgical laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization and the damaged area heals fairly quickly. Lasers are 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 the neoplasm is removed. This method is recognized as effective, but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing of the neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars may remain at the site of exposure.
- Chemical crushing - cauterization with chemical acids. This procedure is quite sensitive and there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissue and getting a chemical burn.
- Surgical excision - rarely used, in case of suspicion of a malignant process.
- Folk remedies - focused moxibustion with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaf, castor oil and others)
Currently, vaccines have been developed to prevent highly oncogenic viral strains (species 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
For the prevention of diseases, it is recommended to have protected sex, use items of personal hygiene, strengthen the immune system and be regularly examined by immunologists and gynecologists. If you find symptoms of HPV, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor.