Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the collective name for a group of DNA viruses that are transmitted from person to person and cause the development of benign neoplasms - papillomas. Some species are oncogenic (ie, increase the risk of malignant tumors). HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, which kills thousands of women worldwide each year. However, these viruses also affect the development of other types of cancer: not only in women but also in men.
HPV does not present as a symptom for a long time: patients are often aware of it only when they develop precancerous diseases or cancer. HPV is a threat to patients of all genders and ages, including young children. However, the main "target audience" is still people between the ages of 15 and 30: they are sexually active, do not always think about precautions, and in most cases, HPV is sexually transmitted.
It is recommended that you check your health regularly to ensure that the virus does not continue to affect the body to this day: to rule out possible pathologies. There are also tests for HPV to determine the presence of oncogenic strains. Take care of your health right now: make an appointment at Otradnoe Polyclinic and see a doctor without waiting in line or at an inconvenient time for you.
What is HPV
Human papillomaviruses, which enter the body through microtraumas of the skin, enter the cells of the basal layer of the epithelium. HPV can be present in any layer of the epidermis. However, its proliferation occurs only in the basal layer.
The development of the virus occurs in 2 stages:
- Reproductive - the virus enters the cell and multiplies without affecting the chromosomes.
- Integrative - HPV enters the genome of an infected cell.
Virus cells go to the second stage. They begin to actively divide, and tumor-like formations - papillomas appear. These are papillary growths that protrude above the surface of the skin (hence the name papilloma - from the Latin papilla - nipple and Greek oma - tumor). The second stage does not always happen. The virus, which is in the early stages of development, can regress (leave the body). However, although the patient has no pathological changes, he is a carrier of HPV and can infect other people.
The incubation period can last from 3 weeks to a year. On average, it is 3 months. In some cases, non-genital papillomas first appear, followed by neoplasms in the genitals.
In most cases, the body fights the virus for 2 years. However, re-infection can occur with the same or different strains. In addition, papillomas or other skin manifestations may subside after 6-8 months (gradually decrease and then disappear). This happens when the immune system suppresses the virus and "survives" from the cells.
HPV virus most often affects the skin and mucous membranes:
- Anogenital area.
- Upper respiratory tract.
- Oral cavity.
- Bronx.
- connectors.
- rectum.
- Esophagus.
Types of HPV
The first human papilloma virus (HPV) was isolated in 1971. Scientist Harald zur Hausen was able to identify and prove the link between HPV and cervical cancer. He later received the Nobel Prize for his discoveries.
To date, about 600 different types of HPV are known. Some provoke the appearance of warts, others - genital warts, others - papillomas. There are also types of HPV that affect the development of cancerous tumors. They are called oncogenic. Fortunately, most of them do not. They may have low, medium or high oncogenic potential:
- 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81 strains are characterized by low oncogenicity.
- Average oncogenicity of types 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66.
- High oncogenic potential in strains 16, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 68, 73, 82.
Cervical cancer is mainly caused by types 16 and 18.
Help!The presence of an oncogenic type of HPV in the body does not mean that a person is "doomed" to cancer. The presence of the virus increases the risk of developing cancer, but it is not the only reason for their occurrence.If a patient has an oncogenic HPV strain, he should only closely monitor his health and undergo regular preventive examinations. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe appropriate therapy for him.
The female and male reproductive systems are capable of infecting about 40 species of papillomavirus. The result of their activities is not only cancer, but also genital warts or condylomata.
Help!Cancer tumors grow slowly: within 5-30 years after being infected with the papillomavirus. They are preceded by precancerous diseases (benign neoplasms that can become malignant). Therefore, it is very important to undergo regular preventive examinations. And precancerous diseases and even cancer in the early stages are perfectly treated and dangerous consequences can be prevented.
HPV transmission routes
The main "condition" for infection is the presence of micro-damages (wounds, cracks, scratches) on the skin or mucous membranes. These are the "doors" for HPV.
Transmission often occurs when two people come in contact with their skin or mucous membranes. Therefore, the main route of transmission of papillomaviruses is sexual intercourse. In addition, the use of condoms does not exclude the possibility of infection. The virus can be transmitted through oral sex, during which time contraception is not always used. In addition, the condom does not cover the entire surface of the penis and is often placed in the middle of sexual intercourse. Kissing with HPV is also possible.
HPV can also be transmitted:
- To a baby born through the baby's birth canal.
- At home: when using other people's hygiene products (towels, toothbrushes, shaving accessories).
- In public places: saunas, gyms, swimming pools.
Help!Papillomaviruses have a short survival time in the environment. Therefore, the risk of internal infection, although very low compared to sexual intercourse.
Self-infection is also possible: the virus spreads from one part of the body to another during depilation, scratching the skin, biting the nails.
Infection by contact with the virus does not occur in all cases. The following factors increase the risk:
- Decreased immunity.
- Bad habits: smoking, alcohol abuse.
- Stress.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Diseases of the urinary system.
- Injuries to the skin and mucous membranes.
- Immune deficiency conditions.
- Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.
Help!Oncogenic HPV strains are more dangerous than men because they are more common in women.
HPV: symptoms
Papillomaviruses do not show any symptoms for a long time. In general, the patient learns the presence of HPV already during the development of its consequences: the appearance of warts, papillomas, genital warts. In some cases, the following symptoms may indicate the presence of a virus:
- Redness, skin growths (mostly in the genitals);
- Itching.
- Pain and other discomforts during or after sex.
What diseases can HPV cause?
Papillomaviruses, above all, stimulate the growth of papillomas, warts and genitals in patients of both sexes. All of the above neoplasms can occur in any part of the body. However, in most cases they affect the genitals and anal area. In women, it occurs in the vulva, cervix and vagina. In men - the scrotum, the head of the penis, the foreskin. In patients of both sexes, neoplasms often appear in the anus.
In addition, warts often appear on the heels, throat, vocal cords. Papillomas (flesh-colored papillomas) do not have a "favorite place" - they can appear on the trunk, neck, face, arms and legs. Flat warts are most common in children and adolescents (they are called young or juveniles). These are small (3-5 mm) dark neoplasms that protrude slightly above the skin surface. They are often behind the hands, face and feet.
When it comes to cancer, the majority of patients are associated with HPV, primarily cervical cancer. Indeed, this pathology is very common in our time. However, HPV in women often leads to the development of vaginal and vulvar cancer (65-70% of cases), and penile cancer in men (50% of cases). Papillomaviruses can also cause malignant tumors in both women and men:
- rectum;
- oral cavity;
- throat.
In children, HPV usually manifests itself with the growth of papillomas on the background of decreased immunity due to previous diseases, usually viral or bacterial infections. Papillomaviruses also infect young patients who suffer from allergic reactions or frequent colds.
HPV and pregnancy
Papillomaviruses negatively affect female fertility. If so, the chances of pregnancy are halved because HPV can prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. If the partner is also infected with the virus (this happens in 65-70% of cases), then the likelihood of conception is further reduced. HPV has a negative effect on sperm motility.
During pregnancy, papillomavirus increases the risk of developing:
- Small or polyhydramnios.
- Chronic placental insufficiency.
- It can also cause HPV to go down.
For this reason, pregnant women are given fewer medications that can significantly reduce all of the above risks.
There is a risk of infection when a baby passes through the birth canal. Therefore, women with HPV are more likely to give birth by caesarean section - the risk of contracting the virus is reduced by 5 times.
Changes in hormonal levels cause rapid growth of genital warts. They can grow together, which can make it difficult to urinate and defecate, and can cause discomfort when walking or bleeding. Neoplasms are easily injured at birth. They can also make it difficult for the baby to pass through the birth canal. To prevent all this, genital warts are treated early in pregnancy. Cryodestruction, laser surgery, etc. Such methods are used.
Diagnostics
To diagnose HPV, they first consult a doctor. Depending on the manifestations of the virus, the patient will be referred for diagnostic tests and a narrow specialist (gynecologist, urologist, dermatologist, oncologist, proctologist, etc. ).
The following examinations can be scheduled for both women and men:
- ELISA blood test - the results do not allow to determine the concentration and oncogenicity of the virus, but antibodies against it can be detected, the method is ideal for early diagnosis when symptoms have not yet appeared.
- PCR diagnostics - allows you to determine the HPV DNA, that is, to know exactly whether there is a virus in the body; blood, saliva, genital discharge, etc. for analysis. is taken.
- Digene-test - allows you to assess the degree of oncogenicity of the strain, to determine the amount of virus in the body; biomaterial is a piece of tissue that is shaved from the cervical canal, vagina, or urethra.
Women are assigned the following types of examinations:
- Cytological examination (PAP test) is a microscopic examination of a smear from the vagina to identify virus-modified cells.
- Colposcopy - examination of the cervix using a colposcope device, this procedure is prescribed to the patient when the results of cytological examination reveal altered cells.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for HPV (ie it aims to destroy it). However, you can take measures to suppress the activity of the virus and increase the likelihood of self-improvement. The patient is appointed:
- Vitamins.
- Immunomodulators.
- Antiviral drugs.
Symptomatic treatment is also carried out - removal of neoplasms. Under no circumstances should you try to treat condyloma, papillomas and warts with folk remedies. It can lead to the development of a secondary infection or the transformation of a benign tumor into a malignant tumor.
The following methods are used to eliminate neoplasms:
- Extraction with a scalpel.
- Cryodestruction (freezing with liquid nitrogen).
- Removal with a radio knife.
- Laser removal.
- Electrocoagulation.
The method is chosen by the doctor according to the nature and location of the neoplasm, as well as the condition of the patient's body.
Prevention
Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular strengthening of immunity through a complete and varied diet, moderate physical activity and quality rest. It is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene and not to use other people's accessories. To avoid the risk of infection, you should avoid casual sex and use barrier contraception.
There is also the possibility of vaccination against some highly oncogenic HPV strains these days. Vaccinations are recommended between the ages of 9 and 26 (optimal age 11-12). Women can be vaccinated after 26 years, but only if the gynecologist believes it is proven. It should be noted that the vaccine does not cure a virus in the body, but prevents the spread of some dangerous species.