From warts to cancer. What is papilloma and why is it dangerous?
Papillomavirus (human papillomavirus - HPV) is a disease caused by a viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes.
The virus manifests itself in the form of warts, papillomas, condylomas of various shapes. The tumor consists of nodules and resembles cauliflower inflorescences or rooster combs. Skin papilloma can be both small (no more than 1 mm) and quite large (up to 2 cm). At the beginning of its development, the formation has a flesh color, but over time it acquires a brown color. Most often, warts appear on the neck, inguinal folds, armpits, elbows, knees, head and around the eyes. Also, growths can be in inconspicuous places, for example, on the cervix, vagina, external genitalia.
Classification
This disease is known from ancient Greece. To date, statistics say that only 1 in 10 people is not a carrier of any type of HPV.
To determine what type of virus you have, you should see a doctor and undergo the necessary tests.
Ways of infection
Papillomavirus needs special conditions to penetrate the body. Infection occurs through direct human-to-human contact. The greatest danger of transmission is sexual intercourse, because the alkaline environment is beneficial for the virus, and there are often microcracks in the genitals.
It is more difficult to get infected with the papilloma virus in everyday life, but there is a risk of transmission of the virus if sick and healthy people use the same bath towel and washing clothes. Personal hygiene and precautions should always be observed if someone in the family has HPV.
The only manifestation of papillomavirus is genital warts and flat papules, although the virus may have no visible manifestations.
Risk factors
What to do if…
. . . if you have accidentally damaged or torn the tumor, treat the wound with an antiseptic (bright green, alcohol solution). In the first 2-3 days, do not bother him with water procedures and do not cover him with a bandage.
. . . if the growth bleeds, hurts, has increased in size - you need to urgently seek help from a specialist.
Human papillomavirus is a risk factor for the development of cancer. First of all - cancer of the cervix, as well as external genitalia.
However, infection with papilloma does not necessarily cause cancer. There are viruses with a low oncogenic risk - these are subtypes 6, 11, 42, 43, 44 (more often they appear in the form of pointed protrusions - genital warts). Subtypes 16, 18, 31, 33 - have a high oncogenic risk, form flat papules - warts. However, it takes an average of 10-20 years from infection to malignant degeneration of cells.
Smoking, alcohol, obesity, hormonal disorders that reduce immunity can accelerate the pathological process. Sometimes a virus that has been dormant in the body for years can suddenly wake up.
Papilloma is caused by sexually transmitted infections: cytomegalovirus, genital herpes, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis.
Also, inaccuracy can become a risk factor. Papillomas in the armpits, neck and face are often injured, after which they can bleed and become inflamed.
For papilloma, frequent trauma can contribute to its transformation into a malignant tumor.
If you have large papillomas on your body that you often touch, this is a direct indication for their removal.
Importance and Efficacy of Vaccination
Vaccination against papillomavirus is important to prevent cancer and genital warts in men and women. Also, vaccines prevent pre-cancerous conditions.
Vaccination against papillomavirus reduces the risk of various diseases:
- Cervical cancer- The specific vaccine 4 reduces the risk of disease by about 70%, and the vaccine approved for use in Israel from the 5780 academic year (2019 - 2020) can reduce the risk of 9 disease by about 90%.
- Vaginal cancer– reduces the risk of disease by about 96%.
- Penile cancer– reduces the risk of disease by about 99%.
- Rectal cancer- reduces the risk of disease by about 77%.
- Genital wartsIn Australia, vaccination has reduced incidence among girls under 21 by about 92% and among boys aged 16-26 by about 89%.
- The vaccine also prevents genital and larynx warts that appear shortly after infection.
The duration of protection provided by the vaccine
The vaccine is effective for at least 15 years from the time the vaccine was first used. Studies show that women who were vaccinated 15 years ago still have antibodies that protect against the virus. Experts predict the vaccine will provide protection for years to come; maybe for life.
Vaccination process
The vaccine against papillomavirus is administered by intramuscular injection into the shoulder in two or three doses over a period of six months.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls ages 9 to 26.
In special cases, it is possible to vaccinate men and women aged 27-45 with the recommendation of the attending physician.
It is important to vaccinate at school age:
- The vaccine does not treat diseases caused by an infection that occurred before vaccination, and therefore it is important to get vaccinated before there is a risk of infection.
- Infection with the papilloma virus is possible during the first sexual intercourse, and therefore it is important to be vaccinated before starting sexual activity.
- The best immune response is obtained with vaccination at school age compared to vaccination at an older age.
Vaccination against HPV papillomavirus as part of the vaccination program in schools
- Starting from the 2019-2020 school year, boys and girls studying in the 8th grade of the school will be vaccinated with a two-part vaccine 9 with an interval of six months.
- Vaccinations were carried out in the past years: from the 2015-2016 school year and the 2018-2019 school year, boys and girls in the 8th grade of the school were vaccinated 4. In the 2014-2015 school years, they were vaccinated. girls in the 8th grade of the school were vaccinated 4. In the 2013-2014 academic year, girls in the 8th grade of the school, and girls in the 9th grade in the health office were vaccinated with Cervarix vaccine.
Vaccination of boys
The recommendation to vaccinate not only girls but also boys comes from the same reasons for vaccinating girls:
- Protecting girls and boys from cancer and genital warts caused by the virus
- To prevent the virus from spreading from person to person
Vaccination of unvaccinated children at school
We recommend HPV vaccination for unvaccinated children at school.
The Ministry of Health recommends vaccination of girls born in 1999 or later and boys born in 2002 and later who have not completed the vaccination course.
- 9th grade students- Vaccination will be carried out free of charge by medical personnel at the place of residence of the students.
- 10th and above students under 18 years of age- Vaccination will be carried out free of charge at the Health Office of the Ministry of Health at the place of residence.
- Over 18 years old- you can get a vaccine at the health insurance fund for a fee.
Children who received only one dose of the vaccine in 8th grade should receive a second dose at least six months later.
Children who receive two doses in 8th grade less than five months apart should receive a booster vaccine with a third dose at least 12 weeks after the second dose.
Unvaccinated children from 9th grade and above are vaccinated with three doses (rather than two, because the vaccine response is better at a young age). The recommended time interval between the first and second installments is one to two months, and five months between the second and third installments.
Adults are recommended to be vaccinated up to the age of 26.
Adults who have received one dose of the vaccine in the past should receive a booster dose as appropriate for age at the time of vaccination.
Do not vaccinate at the same time as other vaccines.
There is no need to test for HPV infection before vaccination.
Vaccine safety
HPV vaccines contain only the empty shell of the virus and do not contain the genetic material (DNA) of the virus - so they are safe and there is no chance of contracting the HPV papillomavirus during vaccination.