Says an infectious disease doctor, allergist-immunologist
Human papillomavirus (HPV, or HPV - human papillomavirus) is a widespread virus that causes various 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. Approximately 30 species cause damage to the female genitals. Sometimes this viral disease can cause cancerous cell degeneration. The most dangerous of these are types of papilloma virus with a high risk of cancer - ie viruses that have the greatest ability to cause cancer of the genital organs, especially cervical cancer. According to H. zur Hausen, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for research, cervical cancer is caused by 16 and 18 subspecies in 95%, and all together - in 99, 8%. Human papillomavirus is the second most common viral infection of the female genitalia (after genital herpes).
Papillomaviruses are found in about 70% of women. In addition, this benign neoplasm forms in any area of the body:
- door
- 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 are unable to reproduce on their own and therefore 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 sexual intercourse (including through anal and oral sexual intercourse);
- at birth. From mother to newborn baby as it passes through the birth canal during birth. 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 hair removal;
- household way. Due to the fact that such a virus is extremely persistent and especially in humid environments, there is a risk of catching it when using public places: saunas, swimming pools, toilets, baths, gyms. The virus penetrates the smallest fractures of the skin.
Some types of viruses can be infected even by shaking hands. If there is someone in the family who is a carrier of the virus, then the risk of the rest of the family getting it is very high. This virus is highly contagious.
Factors contributing to HPV infection:
- reduction of general immunity due to the influence of various carcinogens;
- overload, the presence of stress of various kinds;
- failure in the hormonal background;
- pregnancy (due to restructuring of the body and changes in hormone levels);
- the presence of diseases that cause metabolic and metabolic disorders.
If the virus enters a healthy body with good immunity, then the immune cells destroy it and the 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 may develop warts on the skin, papillomatosis of the larynx (usually in a chronic recurrent form). Papillomatosis of the larynx causes breathing problems, up to suffocation syndrome. Skin warts occur in 12% of students, it is the most common dermatological disease in children. Remember! Regular check-ups with your doctor can help prevent HPV-related cervical cancer. Because externally this disease may not manifest itself.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papillomavirus:
- personal examination of the patient;
- blood test;
- colposcopy;
- smear cytology - Pap test;
- tissue histology;
PCR - polymerase chain reaction. This analysis allows not only to determine the presence of the virus, but also to determine its type. But if the test is positive, it does not mean that this type of HPV will 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 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 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, as it is not always possible to completely get rid of the virus, but treatment can reduce its activity.
Due to the fact that HPV can cause diseases of various organs, if any, they turn to doctors in various fields: dermatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist, proctologist, oncologist. otolaryngologist, specialist in infectious diseases.
So, is HPV completely curable or not? To date, no antiviral drug is known to remove HPV from the body.
One of the methods of treatment is the removal of papillomas. The main removal methods are as follows:
- surgically.
- radiosurgical.
- laser. This method is non-contact and bloodless. A crust remains at the place of removal, healing occurs under it. electrocoagulation. cryocoagulation. Complete removal of papillomas occurs after a few 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 as a prophylaxis and for treatment after surgery. It is performed for boys aged 9-17, girls aged 9, women of childbearing age.
In our clinic we use a combination of destructive methods of treatment (diathermoelectrocoagulation, radiowave coagulation or laser removal of genital warts) with the use of antiviral drugs that also affect the patient's immune status. The advantage of our HPV treatment regimen is that we not only remove warts, but also increase the body's resistance to viruses, preventing them from spreading. For each patient we develop schemes for further treatment, including special courses of treatment against relapse.
We can promise each patient who comes to our clinic, a quality examination (including quantification of the type of virus), if necessary, a special study of immune reactivity and in any case the choice of individual treatment, development of an effective courseagainst relapse.
One of the latest developments in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine to prevent HPV infection, which scientists say should also prevent cervical cancer. The development of various types of HPV vaccines began in the early 1980s. Initial data served as a basis for large clinical trials in women of different age groups, as well as in children. Significant progress has since been made in improving vaccines and evidence of their efficacy and safety has been obtained. Three types of vaccines are currently being developed.
There are 2 vaccines registered on the territory of our country: vaccine against 4 types of HPV (16, 18, 6, 11) and vaccine against 2 types (16, 18 types). The vaccine is intended for children from 9 years of age before the onset of sexual activity (the greatest protective effect of the vaccine) and women of childbearing potential. in the latter case, protection is formed only against those types of viruses with which the woman has not had 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 was confirmed by the analysis of 4 large clinical trials.
Dear friends, If you suffer from papillomatosis or are diagnosed with human papillomavirus, but you do not see any symptoms or maybe you just want to make sure you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, allergist-immunologist who specializes in treating this disease. . The doctor will be able to choose the best plan for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.