Said doctor infectiologist, allergist-immunologist
Human papillomavirus (HPV, or HPV - human papillomavirus) is a widespread virus that causes various diseases in women and men. More than half of the world's population is infected with HPV. Some of them are simply carriers of the disease, while in others this virus is manifested by papillomatosis of the skin and mucous membranes. About 30 types cause damage to female genitalia. Sometimes this viral disease can be the causative agent of cancerous cell degeneration. The most dangerous of them are types of papillomaviruses with high oncological risk - that is, viruses that have the greatest ability to cause cancer of the genital organs, in particular cervical cancer of theuterus. According to H. zur Hausen, who received the Nobel Prize for Research, cervical cancer is caused by 16 and 18 subtypes at 95%, and all together - at 99. 8%. Human papillomavirus is the second most common viral infection (after genital herpes) of the female genital area.
Papillomaviruses are present in approximately 70% of women. Also, this benign neoplasm forms in any area of the body:
- neck
- under the chest;
- on the window;
- Face;
- under the armpits;
- on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal cavities, lips;
- on the mucous membranes of internal organs.
This infection refers to intracellular parasites that are unable to reproduce on their own, and for this they use the cells of the human body.
Transmission of the virus occurs through contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person.
Infection can occur:
- during sex (including during anal and oral sex);
- at birth. From mother to newborn as it passes through the birth canal during childbirth. The disease is detected in the early years, when papillomas may appear in the mouth (laryngeal papillomatosis) and on the skin;
- in the absence of rules of personal hygiene - when shaving or waxing;
- household manner. Due to the fact that such a virus is extremely tenacious, and especially in a humid environment, there is a risk of catching it when using public places: saunas, swimming pools, toilets, baths, sports halls. The virus enters through the smallest cuts in the skin.
Some types of viruses can be contracted even by shaking hands. If there is someone in the family who has the virus, then the risk of the rest of the family getting it is very high. This virus is very contagious.
Factors contributing to HPV infection:
- decrease in general immunity due to the influence of various carcinogens;
- overwork, the presence of stress of a different nature;
- failure in the hormonal background;
- pregnancy (due to body restructuring and changes in hormonal levels);
- the presence of diseases that cause metabolic and metabolic disorders.
If the virus enters a healthy body, with good immunity, the immune cells destroy it, and infection does not occur, it does not threaten a completely healthy person.
Important! Men are more likely to act as passive carriers of the virus, which is less dangerous for men than for women - they are much less likely to develop oncology. Children under the influence of the virus can develop warts on the skin, papillomatosis of the larynx (usually in a chronic recurrent form). Papillomatosis of the larynx causes respiratory problems, which can go as far as suffocation syndrome. Skin warts are present in 12% of schoolchildren, it is the most common dermatological disease in children. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help prevent the onset of cervical cancer caused by HPV. Since outwardly, this disease may not manifest itself.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papillomavirus:
- personal examination of the patient;
- blood test;
- colposcopy;
- Pap smear - Pap test;
- tissue histology;
PCR - polymerase chain reaction. This analysis allows not only to find out about the presence of the virus, but also to determine its type. But if the analysis is positive, it does not mean that this type of HPV will not disappear on its own. This analysis also identifies all types of papillomavirus;
- ureteroscopy;
- biopsy
To detect HPV, special HPV tests are used. The most common is PCR analysis, which allows not only to identify HPV, but also to specify its type. However, it is best to use a quantitative HPV test to assess viral load. This method allows you to determine the critical concentration of the virus, which is directly related to the risk of malignancy. Such an analysis also makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of treatment, since it is not always possible to completely get rid of the virus, however, treatment can reduce its activity.
Since HPV can cause diseases of various organs, if present, they turn to doctors of various fields: dermatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist, proctologist, oncologist. otolaryngologist, specialist in infectious diseases.
So, is HPV fully curable or not? To date, no antiviral drug capable of eliminating HPV from the body is known.
One of the methods of treatment is the removal of papillomas. The main deletion methods are:
- surgical.
- radiosurgery.
- laser. This method is contactless and bloodless. A scab remains at the site of removal, healing occurs below. electrocautery. cryocoagulation. Complete removal of papillomas occurs after several sessions. After removal, antiviral therapy and means to restore and strengthen immunity are prescribed. Another method of preventing the disease is vaccination against HPV. Vaccination is used both as prophylaxis and for treatment after surgery. It is made for boys from 9 to 17 years old, girls from 9 years old, women of childbearing age.
In our clinic, we use a combination of destructive treatment methods (diathermoelectrocoagulation, radio wave coagulation or laser removal of genital warts) with the use of antiviral drugs, which also affect the patient's immune status. The advantage of our treatment regimen for HPV infections is that we not only eliminate the warts, but also increase the body's resistance to viruses, preventing them from spreading. For each patient, we develop subsequent management schemes, including special anti-relapse treatments.
We can promise each patient who comes to our clinic a qualitative examination (including determining the amount of the type of virus), if necessary, a special study of immune reactivity and, in any case, the selection of aindividual treatment regimen, the development of effective anti-relapse therapy.
One of the latest developments in the treatment of HPV infection is a vaccine to prevent infection caused by HPV, which scientists believe should also prevent the onset of cervical cancer. The development of various types of HPV vaccines began in the early 1980s. The initial data served as the basis for large clinical trials in women of different age groups, as well as in children. Since then, significant progress has been made in improving vaccines and evidence of their efficacy and safety has been obtained. Currently, three types of vaccines have been developed.
On the territory of our country, 2 vaccines are registered: a vaccine against 4 types of HPV (16, 18, 6, 11) and a vaccine against 2 types (16, 18 types). The vaccine is intended for children from 9 years before the start of sexual activity (the greatest protective effect of the vaccine) and for women of childbearing age. in the latter case, protection is formed only against those types of viruses with which the woman did not have time to become infected.
Vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer, genital warts, and cancer of the vulva and vagina. The highest clinical efficacy and safety of vaccines have been confirmed by the analysis of 4 large clinical studies.
Dear friends, If you have papillomatosis or have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus, but you don't see any manifestations, or maybe you just want to make sure you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, an allergist-immunologist specializing in the treatment of this disease. The doctor will be able to choose the best plan for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.