Says infectious doctor, allergist-immunologist
Human papillomavirus (HPV, or HPV - human papilloma virus) is a widespread 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 types cause damage to female genital organs Sometimes this viral disease can be the causative agent of cancerous cell degeneration. The most dangerous are the types of papilloma virus with high oncological risk, i. e. viruses that have the greatest ability to cause cancer of the genital organs, especially cervical cancer. According to H. zur Hausen, who received the Nobel Prize for research, cervical cancer is caused by 16 and 18 subtypes in 95%, and all together - in 99. 8%. Human papillomavirus is the second most common viral infection (after genital herpes) of the female genital area.
Papillomaviruses are found in about 70% of women. Also, this benign neoplasm forms in any area of the 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 are unable to reproduce on their own and for this 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 types of sexual intercourse);
- at birth. From mother to newborn as it passes through the birth canal during delivery. 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 epilation;
- home way. 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, gyms. The virus penetrates through the smallest breaks in the skin.
Some types of viruses can also be contracted by shaking hands. If there is someone in the family who is a carrier of the virus, the risk that the rest of the family will be sick with 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 on the hormonal background;
- pregnancy (due to the 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, 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 can develop warts on the skin, papillomatosis of the larynx (usually in a chronic relapsing form). Papillomatosis of the larynx causes breathing problems, up to the suffocation syndrome. Skin warts are present in 12% of schoolchildren, this 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 externally this disease may not manifest itself.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papillomavirus:
- personal examination of the patient;
- blood analysis;
- colposcopy;
- smear cytology - Pap smear;
- tissue histology;
PCR - polymerase chain reaction. This analysis allows not only to discover the presence of the virus, but also to determine its type. But if the analysis is positive, it doesn't mean that this type of HPV won't go away on its own. This analysis also identifies all types of papillomaviruses;
- 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 clarify 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. This analysis also allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, since it is not always possible to completely eliminate the virus, however, the treatment can reduce its activity.
Due to the fact that HPV can be the cause of 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, there is no known antiviral drug capable of removing HPV from the body.
One of the methods of treatment is the removal of papillomas. The main methods of removal are as follows:
- surgical.
- radiosurgical.
- laser. This method is contactless and bloodless. A scab remains at the site of removal, healing occurs under it. electrocoagulation. cryocagulation. Complete removal of papillomas occurs after several sessions. After removal, antiviral treatment and means for restoring and strengthening 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 carried out for boys aged 9 to 17, girls aged 9, 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 remove warts, but also increase the body's resistance to viruses, preventing them from spreading. For each patient, we develop schemes for further management, including special anti-relapse treatment courses.
We can promise every patient who comes to our clinic a qualitative examination (including determination of the amount of the virus type), if necessary, a special study of immune reactivity and, in any case, the selection of an individual therapeutic regimen, the development of an effective anti-relapse pathway.
One of the latest developments in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine to prevent infection caused by HPV, which, according to the scientists, 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 various 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. Three types of vaccines have currently 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 of age before the start of sexual activity (the main protective effect of the vaccine) and for women of childbearing age. in the latter case, protection is formed only against those types of viruses from 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 maximum clinical efficacy and safety of the vaccines was 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 in good health, make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, an allergist-immunologist who specializes in treating of this disease. The doctor will be able to choose the best plan for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.