Says infectious disease doctor, allergist-immunologist
Human papillomavirus (HPV, or HPV - human papillomavirus) is a widespread virus that causes a variety of diseases in 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 types cause damage to the female genitals. Sometimes this viral disease can be the causative agent of cancerous degeneration of cells. The most dangerous of these are the types of papilloma virus with a high oncological risk - that is, viruses that have the greatest capacity to cause cancer of Organs genital organs, in particular cancer of the cervix. 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 is formed in any area of the body:
- neck
- under the chest;
- in the stomach;
- face;
- in the armpits;
- on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal cavities, lips;
- on the mucous membranes of internal organs.
This infection refers to intracellular parasites that are unable to reproduce on their own, 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 intercourse (including through anal and oral intercourse);
- at birth. From the mother to the newborn baby, who 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 waxing;
- domestic way. Due to the fact that this virus is extremely tenacious, and especially in a humid environment, there is a risk of contracting it when using public places: saunas, swimming pools, bathrooms, baths, gyms. The virus penetrates through the smallest cracks in the skin.
Some type of virus can be contracted even 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 is very high. This virus is highly contagious.
Factors that contribute to HPV infection:
- decrease in general immunity due to the influence of various carcinogens;
- overwork, presence of stress of a different nature;
- hormonal background failure;
- 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, immune cells destroy it and 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 it is for women - they are much less likely to develop oncology. Children under the influence of the virus can develop skin warts, laryngeal papillomatosis (usually in a chronic relapsing form). Laryngeal papillomatosis causes breathing problems, even asphyxia syndrome. Skin warts are present in 12% of schoolchildren, this is the most common skin disease in children. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV from developing. 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 makes it possible not only to discover the presence of the virus, but also to determine its type. But if the analysis is positive, this does not mean that this type of HPV does not 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 the PCR analysis, which allows not only to identify the HPV, but also to clarify its type. However, it is best to use a quantitative HPV test to assess viral load. This method makes it possible 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, as it is not always possible to completely get rid of 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 present, they turn to doctors in various fields: dermatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist, proctologist, oncologist. otolaryngologist, specialist in infectious diseases.
So is HPV totally curable or not? To date, there is no known antiviral drug that can remove HPV from the body.
One of the treatment methods is the removal of papillomas. The main removal methods are as follows:
- surgical.
- radiosurgical.
- laser. This method is contactless and bloodless. A crust remains at the removal site, healing takes place under it. 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 vaccination against HPV. Vaccination is used both as prophylaxis and for treatment after surgery. It is performed for boys from 9 to 17 years old, girls from 9 years old, 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 that 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 have developed regimens for further treatment, including special courses of anti-relapse treatment.
We can promise each patient who comes to our clinic a qualitative examination (including determination of the amount of virus type), if necessary, a special immunoreactivity study and, in any case, the selection of an individual treatment regimen, the development of an effective anti-relapse course.
One of the latest innovations in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine to prevent infection caused by HPV, which, according to scientists, should also prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer. Development of various types of HPV vaccines began in the early 1980s. Early data formed 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. Currently, three types of vaccines have been developed.
In 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 9 years of age and older before sexual activity begins (the greatest protective effect of the vaccine) and women of childbearing age. in the latter case, protection is formed only against the types of virus that 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 greater clinical efficacy and safety of the vaccines was confirmed by the analysis of 4 large clinical studies.
Dear friends, If you suffer from Papillomatosis or have been diagnosed with Human Papilloma Virus but do not see any manifestations, or perhaps just want to make sure you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, an allergist. immunologist specializing in the treatment of this disease. The doctor will be able to choose the best plan for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.