Infectious disease specialist, allergist-immunologist says
Human papillomavirus (HPV, or HPV - human papilloma virus) 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 the virus manifests itself as papillomatosis of the skin and mucous membranes. About 30 types of female genitals are damaged. Sometimes this viral disease can cause cancerous degeneration of cells. The most dangerous of them are the types of papilloma virus with a high oncological risk - ie. viruses that have the greatest potential to cause genital cancer, especially cervical cancer. According to Nobel laureate H. zur Hausen, cervical cancer occurs in 95% of cases of subtypes 16 and 18, all together in 99. 8%. Human papillomavirus is the second most common viral infection of the female genital area (after genital herpes).
Papillomaviruses are found in about 70% of women. In addition, this benign neoplasm can form anywhere on the body:
- neck
- under the breast;
- in the stomach;
- face;
- in the armpits;
- in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal cavities, lips;
- in the mucous membranes of internal organs.
This infection refers to intracellular parasites that cannot reproduce on their own, using cells from 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 sex);
- at birthTo a newborn baby born through the birth canal at birth. The disease is detected in the first years, papillomas can appear in the mouth (laryngeal papillomatosis) and on the skin;
- in the absence of rules of personal hygiene - during shaving or epilation;
- way of life. Due to the extreme resistance of such a virus, and especially in a humid environment, there is a risk of catching it when using it in public places: saunas, swimming pools, toilets, baths, gyms. The virus penetrates the smallest wrinkles on the skin.
Some types of viruses can be transmitted even by shaking hands. If there is someone in the family who carries the virus, then the rest of the family is at high risk of contracting the virus. This virus is very contagious.
Factors causing HPV infection:
- reduction of general immunity as a result of exposure to various carcinogens;
- overwork, stress of a different nature;
- hormonal background failure;
- pregnancy (due to the reconstruction of the body and changes in hormonal levels);
- the presence of diseases that cause metabolic and metabolic disorders.
If the virus has a healthy body, good immunity, the immune cells destroy it, and if the infection does not occur, it does not threaten a completely healthy person.
It is important! Men are more likely to be passive carriers of the virus, which is less dangerous for men than women - they are less prone to oncology. Children exposed to the virus may develop skin warts and laryngeal papillomatosis (usually a chronic relapse). Papillomatosis of the larynx causes respiratory problems ranging from choking syndrome. Skin warts occur in 12% of schoolchildren and are the most common dermatological disease in children. Don't forget! Regular check-ups with your doctor can help prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. Apparently, this disease may not manifest itself.
The following research methods are used to diagnose human papillomavirus:
- individual examination of the patient;
- blood test;
- colposcopy;
- smear cytology - Pap test;
- tissue histology;
PCR - polymerase chain reaction. This analysis allows not only to study the presence of the virus, but also to determine its type. However, a positive test does not mean that this type of HPV will not go away on its own. This test also identifies all types of papillomavirus;
- ureteroscopy;
- biopsy
Special HPV tests are used to detect HPV. The most common is PCR, which allows you to not only identify HPV, but also 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 us to assess the effectiveness of treatment, because it is not always possible to completely get rid of the virus, but treatment can reduce its effectiveness.
Because HPV can be a cause of diseases of various organs, if any, consult a doctor in different fields: dermatologist, surgeon, urologist, gynecologist, proctologist, oncologist. otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist.
So, is HPV completely curable or not? To date, no antiviral drug is known to eliminate HPV from the body.
One of the treatments is the removal of papillomas. The main removal methods are:
- surgical.
- radiosurgery.
- laser. This method is contactless and bloodless. A crust remains where it is removed, and healing occurs 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 way to prevent the disease is the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is used for both prevention and postoperative treatment. It is performed for boys aged 9-17 years, girls from 9 years, women of reproductive age.
In our clinic, we use a combination of destructive treatments (diathermoelectrocoagulation, radiofrequency coagulation or laser removal of genital warts) using antiviral drugs that also affect the patient's immune status. The advantage of our treatment regimen for HPV infections is that we not only eliminate warts, but also increase the body's resistance to viruses and prevent their spread. For each patient, we develop schemes for further treatment, including specific anti-relapse treatment courses.
We can promise each patient who comes to our clinic a quality examination (including determination of the type of virus), if necessary, a special study of immune reactivity and, in any case, the selection and development of an individual treatment regimen. effective anti-relapse course.
One of the latest developments in the treatment of HPV INFECTION is a vaccine to prevent HPV infection, which scientists believe should also prevent cervical cancer. The development of various types of HPV vaccines began in the early 1980s. Preliminary data have been the basis for large clinical trials in women of all ages, as well as in children. Since then, significant progress has been made in improving vaccines and evidence of their effectiveness and safety has been obtained. At present, three types of vaccines have been developed.
Two vaccines have been registered in our country: 4 types of HPV (16, 18, 6, 11) and 2 types (16, 18 types). The vaccine is intended for children over 9 years of age (the greatest protective effect of the vaccine) and women of reproductive age before sexual activity. in the latter case, the defense is formed only against the types of viruses in which the woman does not have time to become infected.
Vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer, genital warts, vulvar and vaginal cancer. The highest clinical efficacy and safety of vaccines have been confirmed by analysis of 4 major clinical studies.
Dear friends, if you suffer from papillomatosis or have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus, but do not see any manifestations, or just want to make sure that you are healthy, make an appointment with an infectious disease specialist, allergist. an 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.