Human papillomavirus is one of the most common viruses and is found in 90% of the world's population. Most of its bearers are unaware of its existence and do not find any suspicious signs in it. That is why it is so widespread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign form of viral etiology. Papillomas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). On the skin, it often appears in the form of cosmetic defects - warts and genital warts, which can lead to shortness of breath in the throat, bleeding in the mucous membranes of internal organs and ulcers. There are 27 types of HPV - some of which are unhealthy and others that can turn into cancerous growths and cause cancer.
Women should be given special attention in the diagnosis, as they have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Pregnant women are at risk of infecting their baby during pregnancy.
HPV is characterized by a latent course, and if the person's immunity is strong, the virus does not show itself in any form (incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to several years). Under the influence of a number of factors, the virus becomes active, multiplies and manifests itself clinically.
Causes of papilloma virus infection
Ways of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- Contact with skin and mucous membranes of patients
- Use of the owner's personal belongings
- visiting public places with high humidity and crowds (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common of these infections is sexually transmitted, which is rarely recorded because the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
The following can help to activate the virus:
- Weakened immunity
- infectious diseases
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- pregnancy
- Long-term use of a number of drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. ).
- smoking and alcohol abuse
- severe stress
The penetration of PPV is facilitated by microtrauma, cracks, abrasions and other skin damage.
Symptoms of papilloma
Symptoms depend on where they occur and the type of HPV. The first "bell" about the presence of the virus is the appearance of genital warts (usually on the intimate areas) and warts (usually on the face, neck and legs).
Papillomas are usually accompanied by the following symptoms:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- discomfort in walking (genitals)
- breast discharge (breast canals)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful bowel movements (bowel)
Diagnosis of papillomas
Diagnosis is made by a venereologist, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- Laboratory and instrumental tests are prescribed to obtain a complete picture of the disease:
- general and biochemical blood analysis
- PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its number in the body.
If the only treatment is papilloma removal, a parallel material biopsy is performed to perform a cytological examination and determine the risk of cancer.
Methods of treatment
There are no drugs or methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. Effects are limited to the effects of the virus. General antiviral therapy is performed in highly oncogenic forms of the virus localized in the anogenetic tract. Patients with a history of papilloma are advised to have regular check-ups and use a contraceptive barrier to prevent transmission of the virus to their partner.
Removal of papillomas is recommended because the virus in the epithelial cells leads to their proliferation, new papillomas appear or existing ones are regenerated.
Depending on the location and symptoms of papillomas, they resort to the following methods of removal:
- Laser surgery - papilloma is treated with a surgical laser beam. This method does not require hospitalization and the injured area heals quickly. The laser is applied to the face and visible areas of the body.
- Radiosurgery is the non-contact treatment of high-frequency radio waves, under which the tumor is removed. This method is recognized as effective but expensive.
- Cryodestruction is the freezing of a tumor with liquid nitrogen. Scars may remain in the affected area.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The procedure is very sensitive and there is a high risk of contact with adjacent tissues and chemical burns.
- Surgical incision is rarely used in cases of suspicion of a malignant process.
- Folk remedies - infusion of tricks with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil, etc. )
Vaccines have been developed to prevent highly oncogenic strains of the virus (types 16 and 18) and are used in many countries.
To prevent the disease, it is recommended to have safe sex, use personal hygiene products, strengthen the immune system and be regularly examined by an immunologist and gynecologist. If you notice any symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you see a doctor immediately.