The human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is found in the bodies of 90% of the world's population. Most of its carriers are not even aware of its presence and cannot find any suspicious signs in themselves. This is why it has become 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, bleeding and ulcerations. There are 27 types of HPV - some of them are harmless to your 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 the gestation period are at risk of infection of the child.
HPV is characterized by a latent (latent) course, and although 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 several factors, the virus activates, multiplies and manifests itself clinically.
The cause of papilloma virus infection
Modes of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- contact with the skin and mucous membranes of infected people
- use of the wearer's personal items
- when visiting public places with high humidity and high traffic (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is the sexual route of virus infection, the domestic routes are rarely recorded, since the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
Activation of the virus is facilitated by:
- weakened immunity
- Infectious diseases
- upset gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic disease
- pregnancy
- long-term use of several drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol abuse
- intense stress
The penetration of HPV is facilitated by strain injuries, cracks, abrasions and other skin damage.
Symptoms of papilloma
Symptoms depend on the location of the formation 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 appear 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 (genitals)
- discharge from the nipple (breast ducts)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful stools (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 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, then a biopsy of the material is carried out in parallel to conduct a cytological study and determine the oncological risk.
Processing methods
There is no drug or method that can completely remove HPV from the human body. The impacts are only on the consequences of the virus. General antiviral therapy is carried out in cases of highly oncogenic types of the virus localized in the region of the anogenetic tract. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to systematically examine and use barrier contraception so as not to infect a partner 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 the existing ones regenerate.
Depending on the location and symptoms of papillomas, they resort to the following removal methods:
- 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 removed. This method is recognized as effective, but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing of a neoplasm with liquid nitrogen. Scars may remain at the exposure site.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The procedure is quite sensitive and there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissue and chemically burning yourself.
- Surgical excision - rarely used, if a malignant process is suspected.
- Folk remedies - moxibustion of outbreaks with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaf, castor oil and others)
Currently, vaccines have been developed to prevent the highly oncogenic types of the virus (species 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
For the prevention of the disease, it is recommended to have safe sex, use personal hygiene items, strengthen the immune system, and have regular examination by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you notice symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention.