The human papilloma virus is one of the most common and found in 90% of the world's population. Most of its carriers are not even aware of its presence and do not find any suspicious signs. Therefore, it has become widespread.
What is a papilloma?
Papilloma is a benign pathological formation of a viral etiology. Papillomas are 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 can cause respiratory failure, but on the mucous membranes of the internal organs - bleeding and ulceration. 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 during identification, as they are at high risk of developing cervix. Pregnant women are at risk of becoming infected during pregnancy.
HPV is characterized by a latent course and, as long as a person has strong immunity, the virus does not manifest at all (the incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to several years). Due to several factors, the virus is activated, multiplied 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 user's personal belongings
- visiting public places with high humidity and a large number of people (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is the sexual route of virus infection, 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 several drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, excessive alcohol consumption
- severe stress
The penetration of HPV is facilitated by microtraumas, cracks, abrasions and other skin lesions.
Papilloma symptoms
Symptoms depend on the site of onset and the type of HPV. The first "call" for the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually appearing in intimate areas) and warts (often formed on the face, neck, extremities).
Uncommonly, papillomas are accompanied by symptoms such as:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- discomfort while walking (genitals)
- discharge from the nozzle (thoracic ducts)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (gut)
Diagnosis of papillomas
The diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual inspection and conversation with the patient.
- To get a complete picture of the disease, laboratories and instrumental tests are prescribed:
- general and biochemical blood analysis
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If papilloma removal is the only treatment, a material biopsy is performed in parallel to perform a cytological examination and determine the oncological risk.
Treatment methods
There are no drugs or methods that can completely remove HPV from the human body. The effect is only on the effects of the virus. General antiviral therapy is given for highly oncogenic virus types localized to the anogenetic tract. In patients with pre-existing papillomas, systematic contraception and barrier contraception are recommended to prevent infection of the partner with the virus.
Removal of papillomas is recommended because the virus causes the epithelial cells to multiply, form new papillomas or regenerate existing ones.
Depending on the location and symptoms of the papillomas, they use 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 fairly quickly. The laser is used on the face and visible parts of the body.
- Radiosurgery is the exposure to non-contact high-frequency radio waves that eliminate neoplasms. This method is found to be effective but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing of the tumor 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 touching the adjacent tissues and getting a chemical burn.
- Surgical excision - rarely used in cases of suspected malignancy.
- Folk remedies - moxibucure of foci with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil and others)
Vaccines are currently being developed to prevent the highly oncogenic types of the virus (species 16 and 18) used in many countries.
For the prevention of diseases, it is recommended to have sexual intercourse, use personal hygiene products, strengthen the immune system and visit an immunologist and gynecologist regularly. If you experience symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you contact your doctor immediately.