Human papillomavirus (HPV or HPV) is a group of viruses in the papillomavirus family that can cause damage to the skin and mucous membranes. HPV ranks first in sexually transmitted virus infections. The peak of infection occurs between the ages of 18 and 30. According to statistics from different countries, 80% to 90% of people are infected with HPV. But please don't be afraid. Our immune system can eliminate pathogens without making the condition worse.
How does the human papillomavirus spread?
Source of infection-infected carriers and people with clinical manifestations of HPV.
Viruses only spread from person to person.
It is found in urine, saliva and genital secretions.
Infection enters the human body in three ways:
- Contacts and family. Infection occurs through contact with the skin and mucous membranes of an infected person. If there are scratches, cuts, cuts, abrasions in the contact area, the risk of contracting HPV is particularly high. The virus can survive in the external environment for a period of time, so it may be infected in public showers, swimming pools, bathrooms, clothes, utensils and hygiene products.
- Sex. This is the main route of infection. Infection can occur through any type of sexual intercourse: genitals, anus, oral genitals. The possibility of infection with a single contact with an infected partner is 60%;
- During childbirth, during pregnancy. An infected mother can infect the baby in the womb and through the birth canal.
The characteristic of human papillomavirus infection is the incubation period. After infection, the virus does not show up until a certain point. We may not even know its existence in the body. Normally, the immune system will fight against the human papillomavirus and gradually destroy it, thereby preventing the pathology from developing.
This self-repair takes 6 months to 2 years, depending on the characteristics of the organism. However, if the immune system is weak, the virus will enter the active phase and begin to manifest itself. The chance of self-repair decreases with age; for people under 30, the proportion is 80%. The first symptoms of HPV in the body may appear after a few weeks or decades. It all depends on the body's resistance and the type of papilloma virus that infects it.
HPV type
About 200 types or variants of human papillomavirus are now known. They are divided into 4 groups based on cancer risk. Each type is designated by a number assigned to it in the order of opening.
Identifies the following HPV types:
- Never cause cancer (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49);
- rarely cause cancer (6, 11, 13, 13, 32, 40-44, 51, 72);
- 's average carcinogenic risk (26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 56, 58, 65);
- Malignant transformation occurs most often (16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73).
The last group that is the most dangerous to health.
Among the human papillomaviruses with high carcinogenic risk, the most common types are 16, 18, 31, 33, 52, and 58.
HPV accounts for 7-8% of all cancers. The reason is:
- 99% of female cervical cancer cases;
- 93% of anal cancer cases;
- 51% of vulvar cancer;
- 36% of penile cancer cases;
- 63% of oropharyngeal cancer cases.
Types of human papillomavirus registered since 2003.
| Species name from 2003-2010. | Other types (strains) included in this species | Species name since 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Human Papillomavirus 1 (HPV1) | - | Papillomavirus 1 |
| Human Papillomavirus 2 (HPV2) | HPV27, HPV57 | Papillomavirus 4 |
| Human Papillomavirus 4 (HPV4) | HPV65, HPV95 | Gamma Papillomavirus 1 |
| Human Papillomavirus 5 (HPV5) | HPV8, HPV12, HPV14, HPV19, HPV20, HPV21, HPV25, HPV36, HPV47 | Betapapillomavirus virus 1 |
| Human Papillomavirus 6 (HPV6) | HPV11, HPV13, HPV44, HPV74, PcPV | Papillomavirus version 10 |
| Human Papillomavirus 7 (HPV7) | HPV40, HPV43, HPV91 | Papillomavirus 8 |
| Human Papillomavirus 9 (HPV9) | HPV15, HPV17, HPV22, HPV23, HPV37, HPV38, HPV80 | Betapapillomavirusvirus 2 |
| Human Papillomavirus 10 (HPV10) | HPV3, HPV28, HPV29, HPV77, HPV78, HPV94 | Papillomavirus 2 |
| Human Papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) | HPV31, HPV33, HPV35, HPV52, HPV58, HPV67 | Papillomavirus 9 |
| Human Papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) | HPV39, HPV45, HPV59, HPV68, HPV70, HPV85 | Papillomavirus version 7 |
| Human Papillomavirus 26 (HPV26) | HPV51, HPV69, HPV82 | Papillomavirus 5 |
| Human Papillomavirus 32 (HPV32) | HPV42 | Papillomavirus 1 |
| Human Papillomavirus 34 (HPV34) | HPV73 | Papillomavirus No. 11 |
| Human Papillomavirus 41 (HPV41) | - | Nupapillomavirus 1 |
| Human Papillomavirus 48 (HPV48) | - | Gamma Papillomavirus 2 |
| Human Papilloma Virus 49 (HPV49) | HPV75, HPV76 | Betapapillomavirusvirus 3 |
| Human Papillomavirus 50 (HPV50) | - | Gamma Papillomavirus 3 |
| Human Papillomavirus 53 (HPV53) | HPV30, HPV56, HPV66 | Papillomavirus 6 |
| Human Papillomavirus 54 (HPV54) | - | Papillomavirus 13 |
| Human Papillomavirus 60 (HPV60) | - | Gamma Papillomavirus 4 |
| Human Papillomavirus 61 (HPV61) | HPV72, HPV81, HPV83, HPV84, HPVcand62, HPVcand86, HPVcand87, HPVcand89 | Papillomavirus 3 |
| Human Papillomavirus 63 (HPV63) | - | Papillomavirus 2 |
| Human Papillomavirus 71 (HPV71) | - | Delete |
| Human Papillomavirus 88 (HPV88) | - | Gamma Papilloma Virus 5 |
| Human papillomavirus cand90 (HPVcand90) | - | Papillomavirus No. 14 |
| Human papillomavirus cand92 (HPVcand92) | - | Betapapillomavirus virus 4 |
What are the symptoms of human papillomavirus infection?
During the transition to active form, HPV affects the mucous membranes of the skin, genitals, anal area, throat, and nasopharynx. This can be promoted by:
- Decreased immunity;
- Smoking, alcoholism;
- Hypothermia;
- Vitamin deficiency;
- pregnancy;
- Hormonal imbalance;
- Other sexually transmitted diseases;
- Early onset of sexual behavior;
- Change sexual partners frequently.
HPV appears as growths, bumps on the skin and mucous membranes called papillomas. They are divided into two groups: warts and con. Depending on the location of the papilloma, other symptoms may occur. For example, if they are located in the throat of the vocal cords, you will observe hoarseness of the voice; if they are in the nose, breathing difficulties may occur; if they are in the ureter, urine will be violated.
Warts
Warts are the most common manifestation of human papillomavirus infection on the skin.
These are round structures with clear boundaries and rough surfaces. Their size usually does not exceed 10 mm.
Human papillomavirus causes the following types of warts:
- Ordinary or vulgar. most common. They protrude above the skin in the form of a gray-yellow dense structure and keratinized rough surface. Formed on the back of the hand, between the fingers and between the fingers. They tend to merge with each other;
- Flat or young. They usually occur in children and adolescents. These are fleshy or light brown flat, slightly above skin level. They usually appear in several groups on the face, neck, shoulders, and hands.
- The soles of the feet. It forms on the sole of the foot where the pressure is greatest: the heel, under the toes. Unlike other warts, their growth is inward. In appearance, they resemble calluses, but they have a rough rather than smooth surface and they destroy the skin pattern. warts will be under pressure and will be painful when walking;
- Threaded. These are slender growths, soft to the touch, with legs up to 4 mm long. Their color ranges from skin to dark brown. It forms on the neck, eyelid skin, armpits, groin, and under the breast.
Warts
The dy process is a papilloma that forms on the mucosa of the reproductive system, oral cavity and upper respiratory tract.
Pointed and flat:
- points. They are fleshy or pink papillary soft conical growths. In the genital area, it is formed on the mucous membranes of the external and internal genitalia, and is less common in the oral cavity. They may appear as a rash where many warts merge together, forming a ridge-like appearance. Genital warts are easily injured during sexual intercourse, gynecological examination, and washing.
- Ping. They look like small protrusions and are located deep in the mucous membrane. It is almost impossible to detect them with a simple inspection. Flat warts are more dangerous than genital warts, especially if they are located on the mucous membranes of the vagina and cervix. They grow in depth and breadth and tend to degenerate into cancerous tumors.
Women infected with human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is particularly dangerous in the field of gynecology because it can cause cervical cancer in women.
In 99% of cases, as the tumor process progresses, a highly carcinogenic HPV is found.
The biggest threat comes from HPV types 16 and 18. These pathogens account for 70% of cervical cancer and precancerous conditions.
The first step to enter a malignant tumor is to change the cell structure, thicken the mucosa, and proliferate. This condition is called cervical dysplasia. If treatment is started on time, the developmental abnormalities are not important and irreversible. The most important thing is not to let the situation take its course.
According to the size and depth of the affected area, 3 dysplasias can be distinguished:
- Lightweight;
- Medium;
- is heavy.
The higher the degree of abnormal growth, the higher the risk of the altered cells degenerating into tumors. Mild cases tend to disappear on their own, while severe cases are most likely to turn into cancer if left untreated.
In the early stages of abnormal cervical dysplasia caused by human papillomavirus, there are no symptoms. Menstrual cycle is not interrupted, lower abdomen pain, discomfort, bleeding. The diagnosis can only be made after the examination. Severe dysplasia may result in secondary infections, and inflammatory processes occur in the vagina (vaginitis) and cervix (cervicitis).
Signs of inflammation include:
- Itching, burning;
- Pain, which appears during sexual intercourse;
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge;
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
Human Papilloma Virus
Human papillomavirus infection is rare in men. However, men who are infected with HPV are mainly a danger to women with whom they have a close relationship. Even if he has no symptoms, he is very likely to infect his partner.
In the manifestation of HPV, there are genital warts on the foreskin of the urethral area around the anus and the head of the penis. A strong weakening of the immune system, hypothermia, chronic nerve stress, and overwork will arouse their occurrence. Dys usually cause pain during sexual intercourse and cause itching.
Diagnosis
When warts or genital warts appear, you need to see a doctor and be tested for human papillomavirus. Only experts can determine the nature of the formation and determine its cause. Depending on the location of the papilloma, you may need to consult a dermatologist, podiatrist, STD specialist, urologist, gynecologist, otolaryngologist.
Considering the risk of cervical cancer, it is recommended that women undergo regular checkups by a gynecologist in order to detect the pathogen in time and cure the smallest changes caused by the pathogen at an early stage.
The following test is used to confirm HPV:
- Check the problem area;
- Examination on the gynecological chair in the mirror (female);
- Tumor cytology smear. It is collected from the mucosal surface using a special brush during gynecological and urological examinations (Papanicolaou test or PAP test). This test allows you to evaluate the shape, size and location of cells under a microscope. Identify epithelial cell changes, injuries, dysplasia or tumor transformation;
- Smear for PCR analysis. This analysis of human papillomavirus allows you to detect the pathogen’s DNA to determine its type and quantity;
- Histological examination (biopsy). Check when a suspicious tissue site is detected during the colposcopy. Take a small piece of tissue (maximum 5 mm) under the microscope for inspection.
How to treat?
The fight against human papillomavirus infection is carried out entirely with the participation of doctors. Other methods (such as celandine, iodine treatment of papilloma, oil treatment of papilloma, treatment with laundry soap) are usually ineffective. In addition, this method of eliminating warts can worsen the condition, cause complications and damage the surrounding healthy skin. It is not recommended that you use them at your own risk. You must first consult an expert.
Modern treatment includes observation, medication, surgery and prevention of complications. Unfortunately, there are no specific drugs that destroy HPV today.
Comprehensive treatment in three aspects:
- Surgical;
- Strengthen the immune system;
- Use topical and systemic antiviral drugs.
The removal of papilloma is carried out through hardware and operating methods:
- Laser technology;
- Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen);
- Resection with a scalpel;
- Radio wave surgery (resection with a radio knife);
- Electrocoagulation (using electric current moxibustion);
- Moxibustion with corrosive chemicals.
When choosing a specific method, consider the type, location and size of the strata. Removal of papilloma does not eliminate the virus 100%, and there is no guarantee that future structures will not reappear.
In the systemic drugs used for human papillomavirus infection, immunostimulatory antiviral agents are prescribed. They are used for different positioning of papilloma and help to activate the body's defenses in the process of fighting infection. Any medicine for HPV should be prescribed by a doctor. During the treatment process, repeated studies were conducted to evaluate its effectiveness.
The specificity of papilloma treatment by location
The treatment of oral papilloma includes removal of growths and supportive medication. The need to get rid of oral growth is related to constant discomfort, high sensitivity of the mucous membrane, easy injury during chewing, language barriers, and the risk of tumor transformation.
To treat papilloma of the eyelid, systemic immunostimulants, topical ointments and gels, and surgical procedures are used. If they are prone to overgrowth, reducing the sight of the eyes and impairing vision, they must be removed. Human papillomavirus infections in the eyes are often accompanied by other bacterial infectious lesions that cause inflammation of the eyelids and mucous membranes. In order to remove the papilloma, laser therapy, cryoablation, and electrocoagulation are used.
The type of HPV that causes skin damage is usually harmless. The treatment of face and body papilloma is mainly for cosmetic purposes to eliminate defects. In addition, the convex structure is inconvenient. Clothes, jewelry and injuries are easy to touch them. In some cases, there is no need to treat papillomas on the skin because they disappear spontaneously.
The most dangerous papilloma in the genital area. The treatment of the manifestation of human papillomavirus in the reproductive organs is carried out by combining hardware and surgical methods with the intake of immune drugs. For each patient, choose the treatment method individually.
When treating papilloma in children, immunologists and pediatricians prescribe immunostimulants and vitamins to enhance defenses. Usually, this step is sufficient to make the formation disappear without surgery. If it is necessary to remove the papilloma, cryoablation and laser treatment are the safest methods and will not cause complications.
How to prevent HPV infection?
The large number of virus carriers around is dangerous to everyone. How to avoid infection and prevent papilloma on the skin or mucous membranes?
Vaccination is considered to be the most effective method. Since sexual contact is the main route of infection, it is recommended to do it during adolescence (11 to 12 years old) before sexual activity begins. The human papillomavirus vaccine can be vaccinated for up to 45 years, but the vaccine is only effective if there is no HPV in the body.
Papillomavirus vaccine can provide almost 100% protection against infection and cancer.
Three vaccines have been developed and successfully applied in practice:
- can prevent HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 types;
- It can also prevent HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, 58;
- is effective for HPV 16 and 18.
Routine HPV vaccination has been carried out in 55 countries/regions. These include the United States, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and Norway.
In addition to vaccination, HPV prevention methods also include:
- Quit bad habits (smoking, alcoholism);
- Healthy nutrition and vitamin balance;
- Delay the start of youth sexual activity;
- An ordinary sexual partner;
- is regularly checked and checked by a gynecologist.
To prevent plantar warts, closed shoes should be worn in public swimming pools, showers and changing rooms. These measures can not only reduce the risk of HPV infection, but also reduce the risk of nail fungus (onychomycosis) infection.
A podiatrist will help you heal plantar warts caused by HPV and other types of feet and hand warts, remove painful calluses and calluses, and quickly cure nail fungus. They perform hardware medical pedicures, ingrown toenails, and foot care for diabetic feet.
If you are concerned about any problems with the skin of your feet or nails, please consult your doctor to find out the cause of the discomfort and obtain information on ways to eliminate the problem.