Human papillomavirus

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, 35 of which infect the human urogenital tract, causing damage to the integumentary epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals.

Every sixth person carries the papillomavirus - this is indicated in WHO data.The infection caused by the papilloma virus consists of warts (condyloma) and belongs to the group of viral infectious diseases 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 genitals.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:

1. During sex.According to the International Medical Association, papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, accounting for more than 60% of cases.
2. At birth.The infection can be transmitted at birth from mother to newborn, which then leads to infection with papillomavirus or laryngeal papillomatosis.
3. With self-inoculation.Self-infection can occur if basic hygiene rules are not followed: hair removal or shaving.
4. By everyday means.The human papilloma virus has high survivability and can survive for a long time in the warm and humid environment of public places, such as toilets, baths, gymnasiums and swimming pools.Infection occurs through various skin lesions directly through contact, through the 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, urinary tract (51%);
• 10% of clinically healthy women carry HPV;
• In 85% of patients with typical genital warts of the external genital organs, examination reveals additional foci of HPV infection of 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 group at high risk of developing cervical intraepithelial carcinoma.

Ranking

The following classification applies:

1. HPV, the manifestations of which are different types of warts (HPV 1-5):
2. Plantar warts (appearance resembles a callus), these are HPV types 1 to 4;
3. Flat warts are HPV types 3, 10, 28, 49;
4. Common warts are HPV 27 type.
5. HPV types that affect the vulva, vagina, genitals, cervix, and respiratory tract are HPV types 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35.
6. HPV, the lesion of which in the form of rashes is associated with the state of a precancerous disease (HPV with high oncogenic risk), is HPV 39 and other types.

As you can see, these benign tumors can form on any part of the body:

• neck;
• confront; confront;
• under the chest;
• in the armpits;
• on the genitals;
• on the mucous membranes of internal organs, oral and nasal cavities.

The need for treatment for human papillomavirus is due to the following fact.The strain is an intracellular parasite incapable of reproducing independently.For these purposes, it uses the cells of the human body.The virus can parasitize for quite a long time, introducing its own DNA into human chromosomes.Its noticeable activation is observed against the 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 hidden (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 increased, and the disease enters the phase of clinical manifestations.

In most cases (up to 90%), self-healing occurs within 6-12 months, in other cases there is a long-term chronic recurrent course with possible malignancy of the process (depending on the type of virus).

Symptoms of human papilloma virus

The human immune system is strong enough to defeat the virus in the early stages 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 an HPV infection.

There are several groups of diseases most often caused by HPV:

1. WartsThey are round growths, more rigid than the body, with a diameter of 2 mm to 1 cm.The boundaries of the warts are very clearly defined and irregularly shaped warts are found.They are rough to the touch and can be different colors.Most often, they form in places where the skin is most damaged: on the hands, knees or elbows.
2. Plantar warts.They develop when infected with type 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.
3. Condyloma acuminatum– particular warts which appear, as a general rule, on the mucous membranes and the skin of the genitals: the head of the penis and the skin of the foreskin in men, the skin of the lips in women.They can also appear in the bladder, urethra, cervix, vagina, skin around the anus and in the mouth.Outwardly, 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.
4. Bowenoid papulosis.Small patches of flat warts (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals.It develops more often in men who constantly change sexual partners.Called by types – 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.

Any viral infection constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of them) is activated only when immunity decreases.

Human papillomavirus: photo

To find out what the human papilloma virus looks like in various manifestations, we have prepared a photo.

Symptoms of human papilloma virus in women

The infection can occur in a latent form or cause the development of genital papillomas.Genital warts are mainly seen in women aged 15 to 30.

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 26 years on average.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 late stages, during which the effectiveness of treatment is significantly reduced.

Symptoms of human papilloma virus in men

For men, the human papilloma virus is less dangerous than for women.They are most often passive carriers.The likelihood of developing cancer is much lower.

HPV in men can cause genital warts to appear on the foreskin, glans or frenulum.Such trainings need to be urgently eliminated, as they interfere not only with personal hygiene, but also with sexual activity.

Prevention

We list the main directions for the prevention of 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, fruit juices;
• only one sexual partner (ideally);
• use a condom during sex.

There are currently vaccines against the human papillomavirus.

Human Papilloma Virus Treatment

Currently, there is not a single antiviral drug that would cause the human papilloma virus to disappear from the body.

Various interferons and interferonogens can reduce existing warts, but do not reduce the frequency of new ones.Therefore, the main method of treating human papilloma virus remains the removal of condyloma by chemical or surgical methods.

Here are the main methods for removing papilloma tissue:

1. Radiosurgery.The radio wave electrode cuts the tumor and coagulates the vessels.An antiseptic dressing is then necessary.
2. Laser.Contactless and bloodless method.At the site of the removed papilloma, a crust remains, under which healing takes place.Disadvantages: risk of relapse, high cost, need to polish remaining scars.
3. Electrocoagulation.In terms of effectiveness, results and price, the method is similar to the two previous methods.
4. Surgical.This is an operation under local anesthesia.

Before starting treatment, be sure to ask your doctor:

1. What treatments are available at the clinic where you are being treated?
2. How much does each type of treatment cost and what are the possible complications?
3. Will the operation be painful?

It should be emphasized that the removal of papillomas should not be considered a complete cure for human papilloma virus infection, since in this case the person does not cease to be a carrier of the virus, that is, papillary polyps can reappear after several years.That is why, for the purpose of prevention, doctors recommend improving the health of the whole body.

Cryocoagulation

Cryocoagulation (liquid nitrogen cauterization) is a quick and effective method of treating genital warts.The procedure can be slightly painful and unpleasant, but is rarely very bothersome for patients.

Cryocoagulation of condyloma is carried out in several sessions spread over several weeks.Complete elimination of condyloma is observed in 75-80% of patients who have undergone all procedures.

Recommendations for patients

You should not try to diagnose and treat human papilloma virus yourself.

1. First of all, you need to choose the right method.
2. Second, 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 the period of treatment for papillomavirus is stopped until complete recovery.It is necessary to examine and, if necessary, treat the partner.