The human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is present in 90% of the world's population. Most of its wearers are not even aware of its presence and do not find any suspicious signs in themselves. That is why it has become widespread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign pathological derivative of viral etiology. Papillomas are caused by the action of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cosmetic defects are most common on the skin - warts and genital warts, can cause respiratory failure in the throat and bleeding and ulceration on the internal mucous membranes. There are 27 types of HPV - some of which are safe for health, others can develop into malignancies and cause cancer.
Particular attention should be paid to women as they are at high risk of developing cervix. Pregnant women are at risk of becoming pregnant during pregnancy.
HPV is characterized by a latent course, and as long as a person has strong immunity, the virus does not appear at all (the incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to several years). Under the influence of many factors, the virus becomes active, multiplies and manifests itself clinically.
Cause of papillomavirus infection
Types of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucous membranes of an infected person
- use of the wearer's personal belongings
- visiting public places with a lot of humidity and a lot of people (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is the sexual route of infection with the virus, and domestic routes are rarely recorded because the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
Virus activation is facilitated by:
- weakened immunity
- infectious diseases
- impaired gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- long-term use of many drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. ).
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- strong stress
Penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtraumas, cracks, scratches and other skin lesions.
Papilloma symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of the derivative 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 occurring in intimate areas) and warts (often formed on the face, neck, limbs).
Uncommonly, papilloma is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- walking discomfort (genitals)
- secretions from the nipple (breast ducts)
- difficulty breathing (throat)
- painful bowel movements (intestines)
Diagnosis of papillomas
Diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and interview with the patient.
- To obtain a complete picture of the disease, laboratory and instrumental tests are distinguished:
- general and biochemical blood test
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If papilloma removal is the only treatment, then a biopsy of the substance is performed in parallel to perform a cytological examination to determine the oncological risk.
Methods of treatment
There are no drugs or methods that can completely remove HPV from the human body. Only the effects of the virus are affected. General antiviral therapy is performed in the presence of highly oncogenic virus species localized in the anogenetic tract. Patients with a history of papilloma are advised to systematically test and use barrier methods of contraception to prevent the partner from becoming infected with the virus.
Removal of papillomas is recommended because the virus causes the epithelial cells to multiply, form new ones or regenerate existing ones.
Depending on the location and symptoms of the papillomas, they use the following removal methods:
- Laser surgery - Papilloma is treated with a surgical laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization, and the affected area heals fairly quickly. The laser is used on the face and visible parts of the body.
- Radiosurgery is a non-contact effect of high-frequency radio waves that removes a neoplasm. This method has been found to be effective but expensive.
- Cryodestruction is the 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, so there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissues and chemical burns.
- Surgical excision - rarely used when a malignant process is suspected.
- Folk remedies - moxibustion of fireplaces with folk preparations (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil, etc. )
Vaccines are currently being developed to prevent highly oncogenic virus species (species 16 and 18) that are used in many countries.
For the prevention of the disease, it is recommended to have protected sexual intercourse, use personal hygiene products, strengthen the immune system and check with a gynecologist regularly. It is recommended that you contact your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms of HPV.