Human papillomavirus is one of the most common and is present in the bodies of 90% of the world's population. Most of its carriers are not even aware of its existence and find no suspicious signs in itself. As a result, it has become widespread.
What are papillomas?
Papilloma is a benign pathogenic viral cause. Papilloma appearance is due to the action of human papillomavirus (HPV). On the skin it usually appears in the form of cosmetic defects - warts and genital warts, in the larynx it can lead to respiratory failure and on the mucous membranes of internal organs to bleeding and ulceration. There are 27 types of HPV - some of which are safe for health, others can develop into malignancies and lead to cancer.
In identification, special attention should be paid to women as they are at high risk of developing cervix. Pregnant women during pregnancy are at risk of infection in the baby.
HPV is characterized by a latent (secret) process and while a person has strong immunity, the virus does not manifest in any way (the gestation period lasts from 2 weeks to several years). Under the influence of a number of factors, the virus is activated, multiplies and manifests clinically.
Cause of papilloma virus infection
Routes of HPV infection:
- unprotected sex
- skin contact and mucous membranes of the infected
- use of the user's personal belongings
- when visiting public places with high humidity and crowds (swimming pool, sauna, beaches)
The most common is a sexually transmitted infection of the virus, with domestic infections rarely occurring as the virus lives in the environment for a short time.
Virus activation is facilitated by:
- weak immunity
- infectious diseases
- gastrointestinal upset
- exacerbation of chronic diseases
- Pregnancy
- long-term use of a number of drugs (antibiotics, anticoagulants, etc. )
- smoking, alcohol consumption
- great stress
HPV is easier to treat due to micro-injuries, cracks, abrasions and other damage to the skin.
Papilloma symptoms
Symptoms depend on the location of the formation and the type of HPV. The first "bell" for the presence of the virus is an external manifestation in the form of genital warts (usually appearing in close places) and warts (often forming on the face, neck, limbs).
Papillomas are less common with symptoms such as:
- peeling, itching, redness (skin)
- walking discomfort (genitals)
- discharge from the nipple (breast canals)
- difficulty breathing (larynx)
- painful stools (bowel)
Diagnosis of papillomas
The diagnosis is made by a sexually transmitted disease doctor, dermatologist, immunologist or gynecologist / urologist.
- Clinical examination - visual examination and conversation with the patient.
- Laboratory and equipment analyzes are prescribed to get an overall picture of the disease:
- general and biochemical blood tests
- PCR test (Polymerase chain reaction) - determines the type of virus and its amount in the body.
If the only method of treatment is to remove papillomas, then a biopsy of the substance is performed in parallel to perform a cell test and determine the carcinogenic risk.
Treatment methods
There are no drugs and methods that can completely eliminate HPV from the human body. The effect only affects the consequences of the virus. General antiviral therapy is performed in the case of highly carcinogenic species of the virus located in the genome area of the genome. Patients with previously diagnosed papillomas are advised to have a systematic examination and use contraceptive contraception to avoid infecting their partner with the virus.
It is recommended to remove papillomas, as the virus in the epithelial cells causes them to multiply, new papillomas to form or the existing ones to regenerate.
Depending on the location and symptoms of the papillomas, they resort to the following methods to remove:
- Laser surgery - papilloma is treated with laser laser surgery. This procedure does not require hospitalization and the damaged area heals fairly quickly. The laser is used on the face and visible parts of the body.
- Radiation surgery is a non-contact contact for high-frequency radio waves, under the influence of which a tumor is eradicated. This method is recognized as effective, but expensive.
- Cryodestruction - freezing of a tumor with liquid nitrogen. Scars may remain at the site of exposure.
- Chemical destruction - cauterization with chemical acids. The operation is quite sensitive and there is a high risk of touching adjacent tissues and burning.
- Surgery - rarely used if malignant process is suspected.
- Folk remedies - moxibustion of focal with folk remedies (garlic, celandine, lemon balm, cabbage leaves, castor oil and others)
Vaccines have currently been developed to prevent the highly carcinogenic types of the virus (types 16 and 18), which are used in many countries.
To prevent the disease, it is recommended to have protected sex, use personal hygiene products, strengthen the immune system and have regular check-ups with your immunologist and gynecologist. If you experience symptoms of HPV, it is recommended that you seek medical advice immediately.