Says the infectious disease 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 the world's population is infected with HPV. Some of them are simply carriers of the disease, while in others this virus appears 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 them are the types of papilloma virus with high oncological risk - d. m. th. viruses that have the greatest potential to cause genital cancer, particularly cervical cancer. According to H. zur Hausen, who was awarded 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 (after genital herpes) viral infection of the female genital area.
Papillomaviruses are found in about 70% of women. In addition, this benign neoplasm forms in any area of the body:
- NECK
- under the chest;
- in the stomach;
- face;
- in the armpit;
- in the mucosa of the mouth, nasal cavities, lips;
- in the mucosa of internal organs.
This infection refers to intercellular 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 mucosa of an infected person.
Infection can occur:
- during sexual intercourse (including anal and oral types of sexual intercourse);
- in the east. From mother to newborn baby as it passes through the birth canal during birth. The disease is detected in the first years, when papillomas can appear in the mouth (laryngeal papillomatosis) and on the skin;
- in the absence of personal hygiene rules - during shaving or waxing;
- home way. Due to the fact that such a virus is extremely strong, 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 smaller fractures into the skin.
One type of virus can also be infected 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 becoming infected 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 body restructuring and changes in hormonal 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, 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 skin warts, laryngeal papillomatosis (usually in a chronic recurrent form). Papillomatosis of the larynx causes breathing problems, up to choking syndrome. Skin warts are present in 12% of school children, this is the most common dermatological disease in children Remember! Regular checkups with your doctor can help prevent the onset of HPV-induced cervical cancer. Since from the outside this disease may not appear.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papillomavirus:
- personal examination of the patient;
- blood tests;
- colposcopy;
- smear cytology - Pap test;
- tissue histology;
PCR - polymerase chain reaction. This analysis allows you not only to detect 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 assay also identifies all types of papillomavirus;
- ureteroscopy;
- biopsy
Special HPV tests are used to detect HPV. The most common is PCR analysis, which allows you to not only identify HPV, but also 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 cancer. Such an analysis also makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, as it is not always possible to get rid of the virus completely, however, the treatment may reduce its activity.
For the fact that HPV can be the cause of diseases of various organs, if it is present, they turn to doctors of different fields: dermatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist, proctologist, oncologist. otolaryngologist, infectologist.
So is HPV completely curable or not? To date, no antiviral drug is known to remove HPV from the body.
One of the treatment methods is papilloma removal. The main removal methods are as follows:
- surgical.
- radiosurgical.
- laser. This method is contactless and bloodless. A crust remains at the site of removal, healing occurs beneath it. electrocoagulation. kriokagulimi. Complete removal of papillomas occurs after several sessions. After removal, antiviral treatment and tools to restore and strengthen immunity are prescribed. Another way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination is used for both prophylaxis and postoperative treatment. It is realized for boys aged 9-17 years, girls from 9 years old, women of reproductive age.
In our clinic we use a combination of destructive treatment methods (diathermy electrocoagulation, 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 the warts, but also increase the body's resistance to viruses, preventing them from spreading. For each patient, we develop schemes for further management, including specific anti-relapse treatment courses.
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 an individual regimen. treatment, development. of an effective course against relapse.
One of the latest developments in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine to prevent HPV-induced infection, which, according to scientists, should also prevent the occurrence of cervical cancer. The development of different types of HPV vaccines began in the early 1980s. 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 has been obtained for their effectiveness and safety. Currently, three types of vaccines have been developed.
In the territory of our country are registered 2 vaccines: one vaccine against 4 types of HPV (16, 18, 6, 11) and one 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 greatest protective effect of the vaccine) and women of reproductive age. in the latter case, protection is formed only against those types of virus with which the woman did not have time to become infected.
Vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer, genital warts and vulvar and vaginal cancers. The clinical efficacy and higher safety of vaccines was confirmed by the analysis of 4 large clinical studies.
Dear friends, if you suffer from papillomatosis or have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus, but do not see any manifestation, or maybe you just want to make sure you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectologist, an allergist - immunologist specializing in the treatment of this disease. The doctor will be able to choose the best plan for diagnosing and treating this disease.