Says infectologist, allergist-immunologist
Human papilloma virus (HPV, or HPV - human papilloma virus) is a widespread virus that causes a number 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. Approximately 30 species cause damage to the female genital organs, and sometimes this viral disease can be the cause of carcinogenic cell degeneration. The most dangerous of them are the types of papilloma virus with a high oncological risk - ie. viruses that have the greatest ability to cause genital cancer, especially cervical cancer. According to H. zur Hausen, who won the Nobel Prize for research, cervical cancer causes 16 and 18 subtypes in 95%, and all together - in 99, 8%. Human papilloma virus is the second (after genital herpes) most common viral infection of the female genital area.
Papilloma viruses are found in about 70% of women. In addition, this benign neoplasm forms in any part of the body:
- neck
- below the chest;
- on the stomach;
- face;
- in the armpit;
- on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal cavities, lips;
- on the mucous membranes of internal organs.
This infection refers to intracellular parasites that cannot reproduce on their own, and for that 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 sexual intercourse (including anal and oral types of sexual intercourse);
- 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 can appear in the mouth (laryngeal papillomatosis) and on the skin;
- in the absence of rules of personal hygiene - when shaving or epilating;
- home mode. Due to the fact that such a virus is extremely resistant, especially in a humid environment, there is a risk of infection when using public places: saunas, swimming pools, toilets, baths, gyms. The virus penetrates the smallest cracks in the skin.
Some types of viruses can be infected even by handling. If there is someone in the family who is a carrier of the virus, then the risk that the rest of the family is sick with 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;
- overwork, the presence of stress of various natures;
- failure in 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 organism, with good immunity, then the immune cells destroy it, and the infection does not occur, it does not threaten a completely healthy person.
Bitan! 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, laryngeal papillomatosis (usually in a chronic relapsing form). Laryngeal papillomatosis causes breathing problems, all the way to suffocation syndrome. Skin warts are present in 12% of schoolchildren, this is the most common dermatological disease in children. Remember! Regular check-ups with your doctor can help prevent HPV-related cervical cancer. Because this disease may not manifest itself externally.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papilloma virus:
- personal examination of the patient;
- blood test;
- colposcopy;
- swab cytology - 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 papilloma virus;
- ureteroscopy;
- biopsy
Special HPV tests are used to detect HPV. The most common is PCR analysis, which allows not only the identification of HPV, but also the clarification of 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 allows to assess the effectiveness of treatment, because it is not always possible to completely get rid of the virus, but treatment can reduce its activity.
Since HPV can be a cause of diseases of various organs, if it is present, they turn to doctors in various fields: dermatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist, proctologist, oncologist. otorhinolaryngologist, infectologist.
So, is HPV completely curable or not? To date, no antiviral drug is known to remove HPV from the body.
One method of treatment is papilloma removal. The main removal methods are as follows:
- surgically.
- radiosurgical.
- laser. This method is contactless and bloodless. The bark remains at the site of removal, healing occurs below it. electrocoagulation. cryocoagulation. Complete removal of the papilloma comes after a few sessions. After removal, antiviral treatment and means to restore and strengthen immunity are prescribed. Another method of disease prevention 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 office 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 affect the immune status of the patient. 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. We develop further treatment schemes for each patient, including special courses of treatment against relapse.
We can promise every patient who comes to our clinic a qualitative examination (including determining the amount of the virus type), if necessary, a special study of immune reactivity and, in any case, choosing an individual treatment regimen, developing an effective course against relapse.
One of the latest achievements in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine for the prevention of HPV infection, which, according to scientists, should also prevent the development 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.
Two vaccines have been 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 the age of 9 before the beginning of sexual activity (the greatest protective effect of the vaccine) and for women of reproductive age. in the latter case, protection is formed only from those types of viruses with which the woman has not had time to become infected.
Vaccines are effective in preventing cancer of the cervix, genital warts and cancer of the vulva and vagina. The greatest clinical efficacy and safety of vaccines was confirmed by the analysis of 4 large clinical studies.
Dear friends, if you suffer from papillomatosis or you have been diagnosed with human papilloma virus, and you do not see any manifestations, or maybe you just want to make sure you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectologist, 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.