The human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is found in the body of 90% of the world's population. Most of its wearers are not even aware of its presence and do not find any suspicious signs on themselves. That is why it is 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, in the larynx it can lead to respiratory failure and on the mucous membrane of internal organs it can lead to bleeding and ulcers. There are 27 types of HPV - some of them are harmless to health, others can develop into malignant tumors and lead to cancer.
When identifying, special attention should be paid to women as they are at high risk of developing the cervix. Pregnant women during pregnancy are at risk of infection for 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, multiplied and manifested clinically.
The cause of the infection with the papillomavirus
Ways of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- Contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the infected person
- Use of the wearer's personal effects
- when visiting public places with high humidity and crowds (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common route of infection with the virus is sexual; household routes are seldom recorded because the virus only lives in the environment for a short time.
Virus activation is facilitated by:
- weakened immunity
- Infectious diseases
- Gastrointestinal tract disturbed
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- long-term use of a number of drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- Smoking, alcohol abuse
- severe stress
HPV penetration is facilitated by microtraumas, tears, abrasions, and other skin damage.
Papilloma Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the HPV was formed and what type of HPV it was. The first "bell" about the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (which usually appear in intimate places) and warts (often formed on the face, neck, limbs).
Less often, papillomas are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- Discomfort when walking (genitals)
- Discharge from the nipple (chest tract)
- Difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (bowel)
Diagnosis of papillomas
The diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist, or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and discussion with the patient.
- Laboratory and instrumental analyzes are prescribed to get a complete picture of the disease:
- general and biochemical blood test
- 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 papillomas, a biopsy of the material is performed in parallel to conduct a cytological examination and determine the oncological risk.
Treatment methods
There are no drugs or methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. The effects only relate to the aftermath of the virus. General antiviral therapy is carried out for strongly oncogenic virus types that are localized in the area of the anogenetic tract. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to systematically study and use barrier contraception so as not to infect a partner with the virus.
It is recommended to remove papillomas as the viruses multiply in the epithelial cells, new papillomas develop 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 quite 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 cleared. This method is recognized to be effective but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing a neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars can remain at the exposure site.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The procedure is very delicate and there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissue and getting burned.
- Surgical excision - rarely used when a malignant process is suspected.
- Folk remedies - moxibustion of flocks with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil and others)
Vaccines are currently being developed to prevent highly oncogenic types of viruses (species 16 and 18) which are used in many countries.
To prevent the disease, it is recommended to have sheltered sex, use personal care items, boost the immune system, and get regular checkups by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you experience HPV symptoms, it is recommended that you see a doctor right away.