At the beginning of the last century, the human papilloma virus was mentioned as the reason for the appearance of warts.But later it turned out that it could provoke the development of genital cancer in representatives of both sexes and carcinomas of the throat and rectum.Depending on the range of clinical manifestations, doctors managed to distinguish various types of HPV and combine them into a certain system.
All you need to know about the human papilloma virus
An increasing number of people are wondering: HPV infection - what is it?This abbreviation denotes a group of viruses that are common and heterogeneous in structure, capable of affecting the skin and mucous membranes.Infection of this substance occurs from a long period.So, the warts have been known since the Greeks and Romans, and about condylomas of the anogenital region even earlier.The PCR was even able to distinguish the DNA of HPV type 18 of the type of Mummy of Maria Aragon (XVI century).And only at the beginning of the XXI century did the opportunity to influence the spread of a pathogenic agent.
Classification principles
There are several opinions regarding the number of types of HPV.It has been officially established that the group includes more than 170 strains.They make up 5 genera, and about 130 agents are described in detail and studied.But scientists already know almost 600 types found in humans.
For the first time, HPV, as a single species was registered in 1971.To date, knowledge about him has been enriched very much, which served as the impetus for the creation of a classification, reflecting not only the species, but also the genus to which the strain belongs.In practice, this is of great importance, as it helps to determine the clinical manifestations and form of the course of infection.
Types of viruses are identified according to the following criteria:
- method of transmission;
- targets (skin or mucous membranes);
- diseases that develop due to infection;
- degree of oncogenicity.
Classification by the degree of carcinogenicity is necessary in order to prevent consequences associated with the development of cancer.
Types of HPV:
- low risk-strains 6, 12, 14, 42-44;
- average risk - types 31, 35, 51;
- High risk - 16, 18, 45, 56, 58, 59.
This classification allows you to clearly assess the degree of risk and develop an adequate treatment strategy.
The most dangerous strains
It is proven that HPV is able to provoke the growth of the dermis and lead to the formation of benign formations on the face, neck, back, stomach, each of which looks like a wart, papilloma, vehocymic dysplasia.But the high -oncogenic pathogen in the vast majority of cases provokes the development of oncology in both men and women.The virus is transmitted mainly sexually, and barrier contraceptives are not able to provide 100% protection against its penetration.
The following strains are considered the most dangerous:
- Condylomatosis (the appearance of pointed growths) - 6, 42.
- Small flat formations formed on the walls of the vagina and cervical canal - 30, 33, 42, 43, 55, 57, 64, 67.
- The cervical carcinoma of the uterus is 31, 35, 39, 54, 66. The most dangerous are the HPV of the 16th and 18th type.
It is important to know!Even after identifying the type of virus, you should not panic, since the most malicious strains for a long time are able to be in a "sleeping" state.Therefore, from infection to the formation of cervical cancer, decades can pass for decades.
The penetration of the virus into the body
Papillomavirus is considered extremely contagious, and each type is able to be transmitted by a certain method.
The main options for penetrating the pathogen into the body of the “victim” are the following:
- In sexual contact with the carrier of the virus.The most common way of infection.Danger is both a traditional and other version of relations.Since the size of the pathogen is much smaller than the diameter of the pore of the condom, the contraceptive cannot provide 100% protection.
- A vertical type of infection involves the transfer of the virus to the mother to the child in the process of labor.A non -market agent is able to cause the appearance of a newborn laryngeal papillomatosis in a newborn, that is, the formation of growths on the mucous membranes and mouth, and less often the genitals.
- The contact-household method of transmitting infection is also considered common.Some strains differ in survivability, so they can maintain their activity in a humid environment.When visiting saunas, pools, baths, with joint use of personal hygiene items, the risk of infection is growing, especially if there are inconspicuous microwaves on the skin.
- Autoinoculation or self -extension can occur with an accidental transfer of a living virus cell from a damaged area to healthy parts of the skin during shaving, hair removal and simply non -compliance with hygienic rules.
It is important to know!The causative agent of high carcinogenic risk is transmitted mainly sexually, and barrier contraceptives do not guarantee complete protection against infection.This is due not only to the small size of the virus, but also by its localization on the surface of the dermis, not covered with a condom.
The reasons for the progression of papillomatosis
Regardless of the degree of oncogenicity, HPV is treacherous, that is, he is able to live in the human body, without showing itself in any way.Depending on the state of the immune system, the incubation period can last from 2-3 weeks to several tens of years.Therefore, people who do not have external signs do not even suspect an infectious agent in their body.
Swift propagation also does not begin immediately, but only under favorable conditions, namely, the weakening of the protection mechanism, which occurs against the background of the following factors:
- stress, overwork;
- meager and monotonous nutrition;
- hormonal violations;
- bad habits - smoking tobacco and alcohol abuse;
- frequent abortions, complications after childbirth;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
- IPPP, including AIDS, HIV, Herpes;
- chronic diseases in the exacerbation stage;
- The period of pregnancy.
The risk group is mainly of the fairer sex.The probability of infection increases in people of reproductive age of 20-45 years, leading active sex life.
Symptoms in different stages
Papillomavirus infection can be pronounced or leak in a latent or subclinical form.Symptomatic manifestations of the disease are variable, due to the type of HPV, its danger.The hidden course of the disease is characterized by the absence of signs.
External signs:
- papillomas;
- flat and vulgar warts;
- Sharp condylomas.
Forms that are not visible during external inspection:
- discosatosis;
- coilocytosis;
- epithelium dysplasia.
Relapses against the background of papillomavirus appear in the form of such pathologies:
- discosatosis with mild epithelial changes;
- actually dysplasia;
- cancer tumor;
- Flat cell carcinoma.
It is important to know!In the case of a virus damage to non -infogery nature, the formation of warts is possible, localized on the palms, soles of the legs.In the absence of cosmetic discomfort, indications for removal do not exist.
In a woman, a fever, chills, itching, an increase in temperature, and vaginal discharge develops during an exacerbation.
More about the consequences
The type and severity of HPV infection is determined by the activity of the pathogen and its type.With the genotype of high oncogenic risk, prolonged replication helps to increase the number of cellular structures with the mutation of the genome.
Against the background of bacterial vaginosis, the transformation of the cervical epithelium, as well as a number of other pathological processes occurring in the body, the risk of a precancerous stage or the development of a malignant tumor increases.
The latter include the following states.
- Cervical cancer.The second disease after the cancer of the mammary gland in women.More than 70% of all cases is caused by the activity of the 16 and 18 type of HPV.
- Carcinoma of the vagina and vulva.In the structure of oncopathologies of the anogenital region, it occupies a leading place.Each tenth case is provoked by a low -oncogenic strain of 6 or 11, and a third of all diseases is caused by virus 16 and 18.
- Anal cancer.It is detected mainly in women, but also registered in men homosexuals who practice the unconventional method of relations, although doctors do not exclude another way of transmitting infection.The cause of oncopathology is the activity of HPV 18 and 16.
Of course, this is not a sentence, but in connection with these data, the need for careful gynecological and cancer diagnostics is increasing.A comprehensive examination allows in the early stages to identify structural changes in cells and tissues, which with the human papillomavirus helps to determine how to treat it correctly.
Diagnostic procedures
As already mentioned, diagnostic measures play an important role in damage to the HPV infection.
Modern examination is carried out with special care and includes several procedures:
- Primary consultation includes a visual inspection in order to identify external signs (warts, papillomas).If the growths are found in the urogenital region, the doctor directs the patient for an additional examination of the cervix or urethroscopy.
- Papa test or cytological examination with a smear according to the Papanicolau method.According to the results that are divided into classes, the doctor determines the risks of the infectious process.So the 1st and 2nd degree indicate the normal state of tissues, 3 - the beginning of pathological changes, the 4th and 5th grade characterizes the presence of oncogenic cells.
- Kolposcopy.It is carried out in the case of dysplastic changes in the tissues of the cervix.The test using acetic acid is prescribed to clarify the activity of the papilloma virus.A positive result is manifested in the form of a mosaic pattern on the surface of the epithelium.
- Histology.The study of the sample of the affected tissue is performed if it is necessary to study cells and pathological changes occurring in them.During the procedure, you can identify epithelial structures of especially large sizes.
- PCR.The most common and highly informative test.Using the chain reaction of polymerase, it is possible to perform typification, determine the degree of oncogenicity, the maximum concentration in the blood.
- Digene test.The modern innovative method of research allows you to clarify the existing results and determine the likelihood of the formation of oncological education.
In relation to men, the same diagnostic tactics are carried out.After a visual inspection, he goes to tests.Only according to the results of the examination, the specialist is able to evaluate the complexity of the clinical case and prescribe adequate treatment.
Approaches to treatment
Today, there are no drugs that could completely and forever destroy the viral infection in the body.If self -healing has not occurred, then the most promising is the comprehensive combined approach.Treatment of HPChs involves surgical removal of papillomas or warts against the background of systemic therapy with medicines, means of homeopathy, the folk method.There are several options for the destruction of growths.
Radio surgical.With a special knife, the formation is excised, after which coagulation is produced and a bandage is applied.
Laser.A bloodless and painless way.At the place of removal, a crust remains under which the healing process proceeds.The disadvantage is the appearance of scars.
Electrocoagulation.The procedure is largely similar to the two previous ones in terms of effectiveness, cost and effective exposure.
Cryodestruction.Processing of growths of any kind of liquid nitrogen.After freezing, they are rejected by the skin.Available price, lack of blood, scars makes this method the most attractive.
Surgical excision.It is carried out extremely rarely, only according to indications in case of suspicion of the likelihood of developing oncology.The growths are excised with the help of a scalpel.
Systemic treatment of papillomavirus allows us to strengthen immunity, reduce the concentration of agent DNA in the blood and prevent the development of malignant processes.
To this end, he appoints pills:
- immunomodulators;
- antiviral agents;
- cytostatics.
The duration of the course treatment is 10-14 days.If there is a permanent sexual partner, it is necessary to persuade him to undergo an examination and start therapy.You should also not get rid of the growths yourself.
Preventive measures
Since human papillomavirus is easily spread among people of all ages, there is no guaranteed way to protect him from penetration.According to patient reviews, vaccination is a reliable option for preventing infection.
Modern medicine as a prevention offers special serums.The drugs are produced in the form of a suspension, in disposable syringes, which facilitates the introduction of the vaccine and minimizes the risks of infection.Girls and boys 9-14 years old, as well as young women under 26 years of age, are subject to immunization.Serums are well tolerated by the body.
Vaccination is carried out for preventive purposes and cannot act as a drug.
To minimize the risk of infection, it is necessary to adhere to simple recommendations.
- Carefully monitor personal hygiene;
- get rid of bad habits;
- strengthen immunity, playing sports;
- Practice only secure sex, avoid random ties;
- Carefully approach the choice of sexual partner;
- undergo a screening by a gynecologist, a venereologist.
A serious attitude to your health will help to avoid infection, and in the case of the penetration of the virus - to reduce the likelihood of its spread.
Conclusion
HPV is the most common option of infection from which no person can protect themselves.To prevent the activation of the virus, it is necessary to observe prevention measures, and to reduce the risk of oncology to undergo planned examinations on time and consult with specialists.