Says infectious disease doctor, allergist and immunologist
Human papillomavirus (HPV, or HPV - human papillomavirus) is a common virus that causes a variety of diseases in both 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 manifests itself as papillomatosis of the skin and mucous membranes. About 30 species cause damage to the female genital organs. Sometimes this viral disease can be the causative agent of cancerous degeneration of cells. The most dangerous of them are types of papillomaviruses with a high oncological risk - i. H. Viruses, which are most likely to cause cancer of the genitals, especially cervical cancer. According to H. zur Hausen, Nobel Prize-winning researcher, 95% of cervical cancer is caused by 16 and 18 subtypes, and 99. 8% by all together. Human papilloma viruses are (after genital herpes) the second most common viral infection of the female genital area.
Papillomaviruses occur in about 70% of women. In addition, this benign neoplasm is formed in any area of \u200b\u200bthe body:
- neck
- under the breast;
- on the stomach;
- Face;
- in the armpits;
- on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal cavities, lips;
- on the mucous membranes of the internal organs.
This infection refers to intracellular parasites that cannot reproduce themselves and use the cells of the human body to do so.
Transmission of the virus occurs through contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person.
Infection can happen:
- during sexual intercourse (including through anal and oral forms of intercourse);
- at birth. From mother to newborn as it passes through the birth canal during delivery. The disease is recognized in the early years, when papillomas can appear in the mouth (larynx papillomatosis) and on the skin;
- in the absence of personal hygiene rules - when shaving or epilating;
- household manner. Due to the fact that such a virus is extremely persistent and especially in a humid environment, there is a risk of catching it when using public places: saunas, swimming pools, toilets, baths, gyms. The virus penetrates through the smallest cracks in the skin.
Some types of viruses can even be transmitted by shaking hands. If there is someone in the family who is a carrier of the virus, then the risk that the rest of the family will get it is very high. This virus is highly 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 the restructuring of the body and changes in hormonal levels);
- the presence of diseases that cause metabolic and metabolic disorders.
When the virus enters a healthy body with good immunity, it is destroyed by immune cells, and infection does not occur, it does not threaten a completely healthy person.
Important! Men act more as passive carriers of the virus, which is less dangerous for men than for women - they develop oncology much less often. Children under the influence of the virus can develop warts on the skin, papillomatosis of the larynx (usually in a chronic recurrent form). Laryngeal papillomatosis causes breathing problems up to and including suffocation syndrome. Skin warts occur in 12% of school children, this is the most common dermatological disease in children. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV from developing. Since this disease should not manifest itself externally.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papillomavirus:
- personal examination of the patient;
- blood analysis;
- colposcopy;
- Swab cytology - pap test;
- tissue histology;
PCR - polymerase chain reaction. This analysis allows not only to find out 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 does not go away on its own. This analysis also identifies all types of papillomavirus;
- ureteroscopy;
- biopsy
Special HPV tests are used to detect HPV. The most common is the PCR analysis, which allows not only to identify HPV, but also to clarify its type. However, it is better to use a quantitative HPV test to determine 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 allows evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment, since it is not always possible to completely eliminate the virus, but treatment can reduce its activity.
Due to the fact that HPV can be the cause of diseases of various organs, if it is present, they turn to doctors of various specialties: a dermatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist, proctologist, oncologist. ENT doctor, specialist in infectious diseases.
So, is HPV completely curable or not? To date, there is no known antiviral drug that can remove HPV from the body.
One of the methods of treatment is the removal of papillomas. The main removal methods are as follows:
- surgical.
- radiosurgical.
- Laser. This method is non-contact and bloodless. A crust remains at the site of removal, under which healing occurs. electrocoagulation. cryocoagulation. Complete removal of papillomas occurs after several sessions. After removal, antiviral treatment and means to restore and strengthen immunity are prescribed. Another method of preventing the disease is HPV vaccination. Vaccination is used both for prophylaxis and for treatment after surgery. It is carried out for boys aged 9-17 years, girls from 9 years old and 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 infection is that we not only remove warts, but also increase the body's resistance to viruses and prevent their spread. For each patient we develop schemes for further management, including special anti-relapse treatment courses.
We can promise each patient who comes to our clinic a qualitative examination (including determination of the type of virus), if necessary, a special study of immunoreactivity, and in each case the selection of an individual treatment regimen, the development of an effective anti-relapse course.
One of the latest developments in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine to prevent infection caused by HPV, which scientists say will also prevent cervical cancer from occurring. Development of various types of HPV vaccines began in the early 1980s. Initial data served as the basis for large clinical studies in women of different age groups and in children. Since then, significant strides have been made in improving vaccines and providing evidence of their effectiveness and safety. Three types of vaccines have currently been developed.
2 vaccines are registered on the territory of our country: 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 of age before the start of sexual activity (the vaccine provides the highest level of protection) and women of childbearing potential. 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 has been confirmed by the analysis of 4 large clinical studies.
Dear friends, if you suffer from papillomatosis or have been diagnosed with the human papillomavirus, but do not see any manifestations, or maybe you just want to be sure that you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, an allergist. Immunologist who specializes in treating this disease. The doctor can choose the best plan for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.