Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly human-specific infection of the Papovaviridea family, which has the ability to infect and transform epithelial cells.More than a hundred types of HPV have been identified, of which 35 infect the human urogenital tract, causing damage to the integumentary epithelium of the skin and the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
Every sixth person is a carrier of the papillomavirus - this is indicated in the WHO data.The infection caused by the papilloma virus is warts (condylomas) and belongs to the group of infectious viral diseases that are characterized by the appearance of papillomatous formations on the skin and mucous membranes.HPV is characterized by its chronic form with constant relapses.
Reasons
Why does the human papillomavirus develop and what is it?The causative agent is a virus that affects the upper layer of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs.Transmission of these viruses is only possible from person to person;Infection occurs through contact with the skin or mucous membranes of a sick person.
Human papillomavirus infection can occur:
- During sexual intercourse.According to the International Medical Association, papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, accounting for more than 60% of cases.
- At birth.The infection can be transmitted at birth, from mother to newborn, which subsequently leads to papillomavirus infection or laryngeal papillomatosis.
- With self-inoculation.Self-infection can occur if basic hygiene rules are not followed: waxing or shaving.
- By everyday means.Human papillomavirus has high survivability and can survive for a long time in the hot and humid environment of public places such as bathrooms, bathtubs, gyms and swimming pools.Infection occurs through various skin lesions directly through contact, use of personal hygiene items or in public places.
Different types of HPV cause or are involved in the development of:
- cervical dysplasia (62%);
- pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer (38%);
- genital warts of the urinary tract (51%);
- 10% of clinically healthy women carry HPV;
- In 85% of patients with typical genital warts of the external genitalia, examination reveals additional foci of HPV infection in the vagina and cervix in severe and mild forms.
These data allow us to consider patients with human papillomavirus infections of the genital tract as a high-risk group for developing cervical intraepithelial carcinoma.
Classification
The following classification applies:
- HPV, the manifestation of which is various types of warts (HPV 1-5):
- Plantar warts (the appearance resembles a callus), are HPV types 1-4;
- Flat warts are HPV types 3, 10, 28, 49;
- Common warts are HPV type 27.
- The types of HPV that affect the vulva, vagina, genitals, cervix, and respiratory tract are HPV types 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35.
- HPV, whose lesion in the form of skin rashes is associated with precancerous disease (HPV with high oncogenic risk), is HPV 39 and other types.
As you can see, these benign neoplasms can form anywhere on the body:
- neck;
- face;
- under the chest;
- in the armpits;
- in the genitals;
- on the mucous membranes of internal organs, oral and nasal cavities.
The need for treatment of human papillomavirus is due to the following fact.The strain is an intracellular parasite incapable of independent reproduction.To do this, it uses cells from the human body.The virus can parasitize for a long time, introducing its own DNA into human chromosomes.Its noticeable activation is observed against a background of reduced immunity.
Incubation period
The incubation period is long: from half a month to several years.Human papillomavirus infection is characterized by a latent (latent) course.A person can be infected with several types of papillomavirus at the same time.Under the influence of various factors, the virus is activated, its reproduction increases and the disease enters the phase of clinical manifestations.
In most cases (up to 90%), self-healing occurs within 6 to 12 months;in other cases, there is a long-term chronic relapsing course with possible malignancy of the process (depending on the type of virus).
Human papillomavirus symptoms
The human immune system is strong enough to overcome the virus at an early stage of its development.And in most cases the disease does not develop.However, over time, months, years or even decades, people may experience some symptoms of HPV infection.
There are several groups of diseases most frequently caused by HPV:
- WartsThey are round protuberances, more rigid than the body, with a diameter of 2 mm to 1 cm.The boundaries of the warts are clearly defined and irregularly shaped warts are found.They are rough to the touch and can be of different colors.Most often, they form in places where the skin is most damaged: on the hands, knees or elbows.
- Plantar warts.They develop when infected with types 1 and 2 viruses in places where shoes rub or press on the feet.The skin at the site of the wart becomes thicker and the warts do not have clear boundaries.
- Condylomata acuminata– peculiar warts that appear, as a rule, on the mucous membranes and skin of the genital organs: the head of the penis and the skin of the foreskin in men, the skin of the labia in women.They can also appear on the bladder, urethra, cervix, vagina, skin around the anus, and in the mouth.Externally, these genital warts look like small convex formations, their edges are uneven (they look like cauliflower).This disease is caused by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11.
- Bowenoid papulosis.Small patches of flat warts (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals.It develops more frequently in men who constantly change sexual partners.Called by types – 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.
Any viral infection that is constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of them) is only activated when immunity decreases.
Human papillomavirus: photo
To find out what the human papillomavirus looks like in its various manifestations, we have prepared a photo.
Human papillomavirus symptoms in women
The infection can occur latently or cause the development of genital papillomas.Genital warts are mainly seen in women aged 15 to 30 years.
The main danger of developing a disease caused by types 16 and 18 is the development of cervical cancer.Cervical cancer reduces life expectancy by an average of 26 years.From the point of view of cancer development, only the virus that remains in the body for more than a year becomes dangerous.
Unfortunately, these diseases in women are often asymptomatic until the final stages, in which the effectiveness of treatment is significantly reduced.
Human papillomavirus symptoms in men
For men, the human papillomavirus is less dangerous than for women.Most of the time they are passive carriers.The likelihood of developing cancer is much lower.
HPV in men can cause genital warts to appear on the foreskin, glans penis or frenulum.Such formations must be removed urgently, as they interfere not only with personal hygiene, but also with sexual activity.
Prevention
We list the main guidelines for preventing human papillomavirus infection:
- personal hygiene measures in public places;
- a healthy lifestyle that maintains immunity at a high level;
- correct work and rest schedule;
- moderate physical training;
- take vitamins, fruits, juices;
- only one sexual partner (ideally);
- use a condom during sexual intercourse.
There are currently vaccines against human papillomavirus.
Human papillomavirus treatment
Currently, there is no single antiviral medication that can cause the human papillomavirus to disappear from the body.
Various interferons and interferonogens can reduce existing condylomas, but do not reduce the frequency of formation of new ones.Therefore, the main method of treating human papillomavirus remains the removal of condylomas using chemical or surgical methods.
Here are the main methods for removing papilloma tissue:
- Radiosurgery.The radio wave electrode cuts the tumor and coagulates the vessels.An antiseptic dressing is then necessary.
- laser.Contactless and bloodless method.At the site of the removed papilloma, a crust remains, under which healing occurs.Disadvantages: risk of recurrence, high cost, need to polish remaining scars.
- Electrocoagulation.In terms of efficiency, results and prices, the method is similar to the previous two methods.
- Surgical.This is an operation under local anesthesia.
Before starting treatment, ask your doctor:
- What treatments are available at the clinic where you are being treated?
- How much does each type of treatment cost and what are the possible complications?
- Will the surgery be painful?
It should be noted that the removal of papillomas should not be considered a complete cure for human papillomavirus infection, as in this case the person does not cease to be a carrier of the virus, that is, papillary polyps may reappear within a few years.That is why, for the purpose of prevention, doctors recommend improving the health of the entire body as a whole.
Cryoagulation
Cryoagulation (liquid nitrogen cauterization) is a quick and effective method of treating genital warts.The procedure can be somewhat painful and unpleasant, but it rarely bothers patients.
Cryoagulation of condylomas is performed in several sessions over several weeks.Complete elimination of condylomas is observed in 75-80% of patients undergoing all procedures.
Recommendations for patients
You should not attempt to diagnose and treat human papillomavirus on your own.
- First, you need to choose the right method.
- Secondly, there is always a risk of confusing genital warts with a malignant tumor.
It is better not to take risks and entrust your health to professionals - this will guarantee you a long and happy sex life.Sexual activity during papillomavirus treatment is stopped until complete recovery.It is necessary to examine and, if necessary, treat the partner.