What diseases can be caused by papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus in women and men - causes, symptoms and treatment. Human papillomavirus: photo
The World Health Organization studied HPV, which is the short name for the human papillomavirus, and found that more than 60% of people on Earth are infected with it. Moreover, some of them are only carriers, while in others it manifests itself in the form of papillomatosis of the skin and mucous membranes, but in some cases the human papillomavirus causes cell degeneration and cancer.
Such a high prevalence and oncogenicity of this virus has aroused particular interest among doctors and scientists in it. The development of a vaccine against the human papillomavirus has been underway for a long time. It is not possible to completely destroy HPV, although there are already ways to detect it, and even a vaccine. Difficulties in fighting the virus arise due to the nature of its spread and the lack of medications for a complete cure. What is the human papillomavirus, how to avoid getting infected with it, the symptoms of the disease, what the treatment consists of, the peculiarities of its course in women and men, as well as preventive measures - we will consider such questions below.
How is human papillomavirus transmitted?
Many people are interested in how you can become infected with the human papillomavirus? Surprisingly, you can become infected in different ways, which contributes to the spread of the virus around the globe. The virus is transmitted from one person to another through contact and household contact, that is, it is impossible to avoid infection due to the fact that a person cannot live outside of society and not use household items.
The worst thing is that even a newborn baby can get this virus from the mother during childbirth, when it passes through the birth canal. In many cases, this is detected already in the first years of life, when the baby develops papillomas in the mouth and on the skin.
How is the human papillomavirus transmitted and spread? Most often you can become infected in the following cases.
Of course, there are HPVs that affect certain organs and tissues, but their high prevalence in the population often causes illness. But what about those 40% of the population in whom the virus is not detected? The fact is that the virus cannot always survive in a strong body; there are factors that contribute to its survival.
Causes of infection
In what cases a person becomes infected with HPV or becomes its carrier is easy to determine. Our immune system fights any foreign elements that enter the skin or body.
When a small amount of the virus enters a healthy body with good immunity, the immune cells destroy it and infection does not occur. But if a person is weakened, he has metabolic disorders.
People become infected with the virus if they have:
Why is the human papillomavirus dangerous if it is so difficult to avoid infection with it?
Types of strains and diseases they cause
Several strains of HPV have been identified, each of them adapted to live in certain human cells. Many strains, for example 2, 4, 26, 29, 57, cause the development of common warts on the skin. Others are capable of causing the development of genital warts (6, 42, 11, 54), but at the same time, strains 6 and 11 can be detected in the respiratory tract or in cancer of the lungs, neck, and head.
The ability of a virus to increase the likelihood of developing a tumor by changing the cells of the human body is called oncogenicity. Therefore, among human papilloma viruses, there are strains that do not have this ability, and when infected, a person develops warts, papillomas on the skin and mucous membranes. They can also be dangerous, but are fairly easily treated with surgery. After their removal, they rarely recur and are therefore classified as benign neoplasms.
The human papillomavirus of a particularly high oncogenic type most often affects the reproductive organs of women. The strains that cause it are human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. Cancer-causing strains can also include 31, 39, 35, 33 and many other strains. Therefore, they are the ones who are trying to identify them in women when testing for HPV.
The presence of such strains in a woman’s body can lead to serious cancer, such as cervical cancer or squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of the disease
Signs of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus vary. It depends on the strain the person is infected with. When infected with a strain that causes the development of papillomas and warts, they appear on the skin and mucous membranes, but this is not the only sign. How else does the human papillomavirus manifest itself? One of the most striking manifestations of HPV is genital warts. These are mastoid formations of pink color, most often they are lighter than the mucous membrane, but sometimes they have a brighter color. Gathering in a group of several pieces, they look like a rooster's comb or a cauliflower inflorescence. Their detection indicates that the patient has HPV, which needs to be treated.
Symptoms of human papillomavirus in men may differ from those found in women. Of course, this is due to the different structure of their reproductive organs. The mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix is more favorable for the virus. It is there that genital warts arise, and they can degenerate and become malignant. Their appearance, as well as changes in the skin and oral mucosa, are obvious symptoms of the human papillomavirus.
Signs of human papillomavirus infection in women
The human papillomavirus in women affects the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs and the cervix. Sometimes polyps, the development of which is also associated with HPV, can also form in the uterine cavity, which can cause bleeding and infertility in young women. But an even greater danger is the ability of the virus to affect mucosal cells and change them.
Some highly oncogenic types of human papillomavirus in women are capable of changing mucosal cells in the cervix, which causes dysplasia and aplasia. This is uncontrolled reproduction, which in more than half of cases leads to the development of a malignant tumor. Most often, cancer of the cervix is caused by human papilloma viruses type 16 or 18.
Viruses 6 and 11 are also often detected, which contribute to the formation of genital and flat condylomas - they are considered a precancerous disease, as they often precede dysplasia. Treatment consists of their mandatory removal, followed by histological examination of the tissue under a microscope.
The human papillomavirus is also dangerous during pregnancy. Although the virus does not penetrate the amniotic fluid and thus cannot infect the child, there is a high probability of infection if a woman has genital warts in her vagina. Then the child can become infected during childbirth, which leads to the development of papillomatosis of the oral cavity and pharynx.
Treatment against the papilloma virus is not carried out during pregnancy, since medications can have an adverse effect on the fetus. Only in the third trimester can certain antiviral drugs be prescribed. Therefore, if you are planning to become pregnant, you need to undergo an examination in advance and be tested for various infections so that this does not harm your baby.
Human papillomavirus infection in men
Human papillomavirus is also common in men, but due to differences in the structure of the genital organs, it usually affects the skin around the anus and the rectal mucosa.
It is in these areas that the development of genital warts is observed, and they often lead to squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum.
Methods for detecting human papillomavirus
The high oncogenicity of some HPV strains requires their timely detection. For this purpose, several tests have been developed that can detect the virus if its concentration in tissues is increased and can cause their degeneration. There is, of course, a test for cytological examination of cells (PAP test), which is included in a number of preventive measures when examining women, but a cytological examination can show already changed cells, and this analysis is not specific for HPV.
A laboratory test for human papillomavirus is called an HPV test. It differs from the PAP test in that it is performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It allows you to isolate and study the DNA of viruses of a certain type and their concentration in the collected material.
How are women usually tested for human papillomavirus? Usually, this is done by scraping from the cervix, less often from the urethra or cervical canal. This test is very specific and allows you to identify not only the type of virus, but also its concentration in tissues. Test shown:
- when genital warts are detected in the genital and anal areas;
- if the PAP test reveals cell degeneration (dysplasia);
- during a preventive examination.
Detection of the virus during an HPV test does not always indicate cancer. So, in the absence of dysplasia, the woman remains under observation and the test is repeated after 6 months. Repeated detection of HPV, especially its highly oncogenic strains 16 and 18, indicates the risk of developing an oncological tumor in the cervix and the need for treatment. Antiviral and immunomodulating drugs are used for treatment. The examination must be repeated, since the high concentration of these strains suggests that the patient is at risk.
A positive HPV test with second-degree cervical dysplasia requires surgical intervention, namely removal of the uterus, an operation called extirpation. Not only the affected uterine tissue is removed, but in some cases it is necessary to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This is necessary if there is a suspicion of tumor metastasis. Computer, magnetic resonance imaging, PET-CT helps to identify early metastasis.
Treatment of human papillomavirus
When human papillomavirus is detected in women, treatment is most often surgical. Pointed papillomas are removed by excision; sometimes cauterization is used with a laser, electrocoagulator, or cryotherapy. A histological examination of the tissue must be done to exclude degeneration into a cancerous tumor. Therefore, the method of cryotherapy for genital warts is not always indicated, since the cells are damaged more during such removal, which can lead to erroneous analysis.
For flat condylomas, which are more often found on the cervix or vaginal mucosa, a biopsy is done. That is, they take a piece of tissue for analysis, and if there is no dysplasia, then they cut out the condyloma along with a section of adjacent tissue. When cell degeneration is detected, a more radical operation is required, and in some cases extirpation.
How else can human papillomavirus be treated? When there is no cell dysplasia, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Before prescribing, you need to determine the type of virus, since prescription regimens and medications used for them are different for different types of virus. There is no point in taking antiviral medications without a doctor's prescription, since many of them are ineffective against some types of HPV. At the same time, it is necessary to use nonspecific treatment, which is aimed at increasing general immunity.
Can human papillomavirus be cured? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of it. Once infected, a person remains a carrier for life. You can only reduce its activity, and for this you need to promptly remove papillomas and condylomas, take antiviral drugs prescribed by the doctor, and, most importantly, help the body overcome the virus itself. A healthy lifestyle is not just a word; a person who takes care of his health, eats right, plays sports, thereby increases his immunity. A good immune system can prevent infection and prevent the virus from developing quietly in the body, causing disease.
Will traditional treatment help?
If the human papillomavirus is detected in a woman, then treatment with folk remedies cannot be carried out!
Folk remedies cope well with skin papillomas or warts, so many try to cure condylomas in the same way. This is dangerous and in some cases has the opposite effect, increasing uterine dysplasia. Removal must be carried out in medical clinics in order to necessarily conduct a histological examination of the material for dysplasia.
Among the folk remedies, those that help increase overall immunity may be useful. Many of them can also be used in children to avoid contracting the virus at home.
Specific and nonspecific prevention
As for methods of nonspecific prevention, these are, of course, maintaining hygiene, rules of conduct in public places, increasing general immunity and the need to avoid promiscuous sexual intercourse.
Methods of specific prevention are vaccines, the development of which has been carried out for more than 30 years. Currently, there is a vaccine called Gardasil, which is used to vaccinate children and young girls before they become sexually active. The vaccine can be used starting from 9 years of age. In adults, the result of vaccination has no effect, since the vaccine does not work when infection has already occurred. The Gardasil vaccine is aimed at the 4 most common strains of the human papillomavirus, namely 16, 18 and 6, 11. And if you are already infected with any of these types of virus, then vaccination will help you avoid infection with the others.
The human papillomavirus, especially some of its highly oncogenic types, often leads to the development of a malignant tumor, so you need to promptly consult a doctor if you suspect infection and undergo regular preventive examinations. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate, as there are many observations where cell dysplasia increased during self-medication, which significantly changed the prognosis of the disease and could lead to metastasis.
(or HPV - Human Papillomavirus) is transmitted only from person to person. According to statistics in our country, 60% of the population is infected with this virus. And the reason for such a widespread prevalence of this viral infection is the variety of ways it is transmitted.
According to many people, HPV is transmitted only through sexual contact through vaginal, anal and oral-genital sexual intercourse. However, there is also a possibility of contact transmission of this infection - through contact in everyday life and public places.
Infection with this virus causes the appearance of characteristic growths on the skin and mucous membranes. About 130 strains of HPV are now known, and most of them provoke the appearance of tumors in certain places. This means that the appearance of warts on the skin of the hands will not cause infection of the genitals.
Damage to the genital organs can be caused by 30 strains of the virus, and about 20 of them are oncogenic. Most people know that the presence of human papillomavirus in the body can cause cancer of the genital organs, but even this information does not always become a reason to consult a doctor to identify and treat the infection. The culprits of this attitude towards one’s health are numerous myths about HPV. In this article we will introduce you to 12 of them, so you can make the right decision about the need for treatment.
Myth #1: Using a condom eliminates the risk of contracting HPV.
Sex protected by a condom significantly reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, but is not a 100% guarantee of safety. The papilloma virus can be transmitted through any contact of mucous membranes - ordinary kissing, oral-genital sex or the use of shared hygiene items.
Conclusion: Condoms should be used for safe sex, but do not replace regular examinations with a doctor for the timely detection of sexually transmitted diseases (including HPV).
Myth No. 2: Women are more likely to become infected with HPV
Currently, there are no methods in medicine that can determine who gets sick first in a couple.According to statistics, HPV is indeed more often detected in women, but both men and children are at risk of infection. The results of mass screening studies show that this infection is detected in 40-50% of women and men who are sexually active, and the probability of contracting the virus through unprotected sex is 60-66%.
Conclusion
Both women and men of any age should undergo regular examinations to detect human papillomavirus infection.
Myth No. 3: detection of HPV in a monogamous couple indicates infidelity of one of the partners
It was this myth that gave rise to the emergence of incorrect conclusions about infidelity in couples and led to the breakup of many families. However, the detection of HPV is not in all cases associated with a partner’s infidelity. Genital papillomavirus infection can remain hidden in the body for a long time. This course can be observed for many weeks, years and even decades.
Conclusion
Detection of HPV does not always mean a partner has cheated. The infection may not manifest itself for many years and may be detected by chance during routine examinations or treatment of other diseases. With the help of analysis, it is possible to determine the type of HPV, but not a single examination method allows one to determine the period of stay of the virus in the body or identify which partner was the “culprit” for its appearance. Infection with the virus can occur at any time in life (including before the formation of a couple).
Myth #4: Older women do not need to get tested for HPV
After menopause, many women not only do not undergo HPV testing, but also rarely visit a gynecologist. However, statistics indicate a high risk of such fatal errors: 41% of patients with cervical cancer die at the age of 65 years or older, and one out of four cases of this disease is detected at this age.
Conclusion
Oncogenic types of human papillomavirus may begin to manifest themselves again after many years of hidden presence in the body. Women at any age should regularly visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations, and tests to detect HPV should be taken once every 3-5 years at the age of 30-65 years.
Myth #5: All types of HPV can cause genital cancer.
Scientists have been able to identify more than 130 types of HPV, and about 30 of them can infect the genitals. There are two main groups of HPV:
- highly oncogenic viruses - these include strains 16, 18.31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73 and 82, they are detected in 95-100% of cases;
- low-oncogenic viruses - these include strains 6, 11, 36, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47 and 50; they are more often detected in flat and genital warts, the initial stages of dysplasia and very rarely in invasive.
Conclusion
Many strains of papillomavirus do not cause any problems and clear themselves within a few months of symptoms appearing, and 90% of them are cleared within 2 years. And only some strains of HPV are oncogenic and can provoke the degeneration of cells into cancerous ones.
Myth #6: Having genital warts will cause cervical cancer.
Appear due to infection with different strains of the papilloma virus. Not all of them are oncogenic, and therefore not all cases develop cervical cancer.
Conclusion
To make predictions about the likelihood of a cancerous tumor when a human papillomavirus infection is detected, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to determine the type of virus. Cervical cancer can only be provoked by its oncogenic strains - 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68. In 94% of cases, the development of a cancerous tumor is caused by strain 16 or 18.
Myth No. 7: detection of an oncogenic virus in tests indicates the development of cervical cancer
HPV can remain in the body for a long time and not manifest itself in any way. Its detection in tests is not always a symptom of cancer or a precancerous condition. The appearance of HPV always indicates a decrease in immunity.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of cervical cancer can only be confirmed by the results of a histological examination of biopsy tissue. The detection of oncogenic or other strains of HPV in the absence of such confirmation indicates a decrease in immunity and an increase in the number of viruses. In such cases, a woman should pay attention to the state of the immune system and carry out treatment aimed at supporting it.
Myth No. 8: You can’t get vaccinated against HPV due to lack of data on the vaccine’s effectiveness.
This myth arose because HPV vaccines really cannot protect a person from infection with all strains of the virus. However, the Cervarix and Gardasil vaccines can prevent infection with the most oncogenic types of the virus, 16 and 18, and Gardasil can prevent infection with other types that cause the development of genital warts.
Conclusion
must be carried out, because vaccines can protect against the most dangerous types of virus that cause cancer. It is most effective to administer such vaccinations to adolescents before they become sexually active. However, at other ages, the effectiveness of vaccination will remain high. Even if a woman has been infected with one of the HPV strains throughout her life, the vaccine can protect against infection with other types.
Myth #9: Pap smears are more effective than vaccinations
Pap smears and HPV vaccinations are different procedures and their effectiveness cannot be compared. A smear allows you to identify mutations that have already appeared or precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. And vaccination makes it possible to prevent infection with oncogenic types of HPV and the development of cancer.
Conclusion
HPV vaccination is effective and helps prevent the development of cervical cancer. It is much more expedient to carry out this procedure than to wait until the cells begin to degenerate into cancerous ones.
Myth No. 10: after removal of condylomas, a person cannot infect their sexual partner with them.
Some experts believe that after removal the risk of infecting a sexual partner is reduced. During surgical treatment of formations caused by HPV, only most of the infectious tissue is excised. However, the virus remains in the human body, and people with removed or unremoved condylomas can be a source of infection.
Conclusion
The tissue surrounding the removed condyloma contains the virus, and surgical treatment of these tumors does not reduce the risk of HPV infection to zero. In most cases, getting rid of condylomas is carried out to eliminate physical and moral suffering from the patient’s life, but after the operation the virus remains in the body and the risk of infecting the sexual partner remains.
Myth No. 11: You can get rid of HPV completely
So far, scientists have not been able to create a drug that can completely eliminate the virus from the human body. Modern medicine can offer effective ways to treat diseases caused by HPV. Using minimally invasive or surgical techniques, you can get rid of warts, genital warts or. For this, chemical coagulation, electrocoagulation, laser treatment, cryodestruction, a radio wave knife or a surgical scalpel are used. But it is completely impossible to “kill” the virus with surgery or prescription of pharmacological drugs.
In some cases, surgical treatment and measures aimed at increasing immunity are sufficient to deactivate the virus. A fortified diet, an active lifestyle, walks in the fresh air and a lack of stress can help normalize the functions of the immune system, and the virus will not be detected in tests. But in some cases, patients are recommended a therapy regimen aimed at increasing immunity. For this purpose, interferon preparations, nonspecific immunomodulators, indinol and some specific antiviral agents can be used.
Conclusion
Even after treatment for diseases caused by HPV, the virus remains in the body. To decontaminate it, it is recommended to carry out treatment and measures aimed at increasing immunity. And patients who have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus infection should undergo regular examinations and follow all doctor’s recommendations.
Myth No. 12: Pregnant women with HPV always give birth to children with respiratory papillomatosis
There is a risk of a baby becoming infected with HPV during childbirth, but it is not high. When passing through the birth canal, infection is possible with only two specific types of virus - 6 and 11. They are detected in women with genital warts. If a child receives these HPVs and the infection takes root, respiratory papillomatosis may develop. This disease interferes with normal breathing, but is treatable.
Anna Mironova
Reading time: 11 minutes
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Today we decided to tell you about a disease that everyone has heard of - the human papillomavirus, or simply HPV. According to statistics, 70% of the population of our planet are carriers of this infection. This figure is scary, so let's figure out what kind of virus it is and how it is dangerous for humans.
What is human papillomavirus? Its features and development
Human papillomavirus is an infection that affects epithelial tissue and causes the appearance of warts on the skin and mucous membranes. For many years, this virus was considered absolutely safe. However, in 2008 German scientist Harold zur Hausen proved that HPV types 16 and 18 are oncogenic, and may cause cervical cancer . Modern medicine today knows more than 100 varieties of papillomavirus, which differ at the genetic level. Of these, about 40 types can affect the genitals.
- Acrochords, or filiform papillomas – elongated hard and elastic neoplasms that are localized on the neck, around the eyes, in the armpits or in the groin area;
- Acute candylomas - itchy and painful, yellow or pale gray growths that are localized in the vestibule of the vagina, on the labia minora, cervix, in men on the urinary canals, in the perineum, in the anal area, on the oral mucosa and the red border of the lips. And others.
How dangerous is the human papillomavirus?
Many people are interested in the question of whether the human papillomavirus is dangerous or not, because it is not uncommon for the body to cure itself of this disease. Of course it's dangerous! For a young healthy girl, this infection can be relatively safe, however risk of serious complications still remains. And if the immune system is weakened, this disease can acquire a chronic form, which will certainly be accompanied by unpleasant and serious consequences. Therefore, everyone needs to be attentive to their health, because it is impossible to predict exactly how this infection will behave.
For women, the human papillomavirus is dangerous because that some of its types (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52) cause oncological diseases , namely cancer of the external genitalia, cervix, anal area and acute cervical dysplasia. This complication can occur in both mature women and young girls. In a high risk group smoking women .
Also, with the development of HPV on the female genital organs, genital warts . This disease, of course, is not fatal, but it is still unpleasant and requires treatment. The development of such a common disease as can also be caused by HPV. These are violations of the integrity of the epithelial cover, which during colposcopy looks like a small pink or red wound. Erosion can also cause the development of atypical or cancerous cells.
For men, the papilloma virus
less dangerous for humans than for women. Most often they are passive carriers. The likelihood of developing cancer is much lower. HPV in men can cause genital warts to appear on the foreskin, glans penis or frenulum. Such formations must be urgently removed, because they interfere not only with personal hygiene, but also with sexual activity.
Human papillomavirus during pregnancy - why treat? Is it dangerous to treat HPV in a pregnant woman?
Human papillomavirus does not affect the course of pregnancy or the unborn baby in any way . However, pregnancy can cause the onset of active development of this disease.
If you have genital warts, they may begin to grow much faster during pregnancy and you will experience a lot of vaginal discharge. Thus, the virus provides a favorable environment for itself. In addition, hormonal changes may occur. However, in most cases, warts do not pose a threat to the unborn child.
HPV can only be transmitted to a baby during passage through the birth canal , but such cases are very rare. If there was contact with the virus, the child’s body can easily cope with it on its own without any problems or symptoms.
remember, that There is no treatment for HPV during pregnancy
, since any antiviral drugs can harm your baby. Also, this disease is not an indication for a cesarean section
.
Effective treatment of human papillomavirus
Today, papillomavirus is treated as conservative
, so operational
methods. The following medications are intended for the treatment of HPV: interferon (cycloferon, reaferon), antiviral and immunomodulators
. However, this treatment will not help you completely get rid of this virus, but will only reduce its amount in the body.
The advisability of surgical intervention depends on the location where the genital warts appeared. If they are on the cervix, then surgical removal is necessary. For this they can use freezing (cryotherapy) or cauterization (diathermocoagulation) . But the removal of warts is purely cosmetic in nature, since during this procedure, HPV does not completely disappear from the body.
This information is provided for informational purposes only. remember, that self-medication can harm your health
.
Cost of drugs for the treatment of papilloma virus
- Cycloferon – 150-170 rubles;
- Reaferon – 500-600 rubles.
The website warns: self-medication can harm your health! All tips presented are for informational purposes only, but they should only be used as prescribed by a doctor!
What do you know about the human papillomavirus? Comments from forums
Sveta:
There is no cure for HPV; you can try to reduce its manifestations. If you have been diagnosed with an oncogenic type of HPV (16 or 18), then regular diagnostics (smears for cancer cells, colposcopy) are necessary.Ulyana:
Modern medicine already treats HPV perfectly. For example, I was prescribed Allokin-alpha injections, according to a doctor’s prescription.Tanya:
A dormant virus does not need special treatment. Just make sure your immune system is healthy. And if you are prescribed treatment for this virus in a paid clinic, then it is likely that you are simply being scammed out of money.Mila:
I have had HPV for many years. It has absolutely no effect on pregnancy. This virus cannot be cured; it will remain in your blood for the rest of your life. And medications only reduce its activity.
Human papillomavirus (or HPV) is a family of viruses that cause warts, papillomas, dysplasia, or cancer of the cervix and genitals in humans. This is the most common viral infection of the genital area.
General family: Papillomaviridae. Latin name: Human Papillomavirus.
Abbreviation: HPV (as written in tests).
For doctors and students: the entire history of changes in the classifications of papillomaviruses on the website of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses - link.
What kind of virus is this?
- Over 50 years, more than 100 types of human papillomavirus have been discovered. Pathogenic for humans - 80 types.
- According to WHO, 70% of the world's population is infected with HPV by the age of 50.
- In children, papilloma viruses cause warts.
- In women, HPV types 16 and 18 are more likely than other types to lead to cervical cancer. Every year, 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide.
- HPV is the overwhelming cause of genital cancer in women and men.
- It is not possible to cure HPV completely and forever. You can only temporarily suppress its development and prevent formations from appearing.
- The most effective prevention against cervical and genital cancer throughout the world is considered to be a vaccine against types 6, 11, 16 and 18 of papillomaviruses.
This is what HPV looks like under an electron microscope
How does infection occur?
The source of the virus is the skin cells of a sick person. Not blood! Not saliva! Only skin or mucous cells.
If a patient has a papilloma, even a small one, it is the direct source of the virus!
However, upon examination, the patient may not yet have a wart or condyloma. The changes may still be microscopic and not visible to the eye (subclinical stage of the disease). But such a person can already transmit the virus to another person.
Infection usually occurs in childhood. Through microdamage to the child's skin (scratches, abrasions), the papillomavirus penetrates the skin and causes the appearance of warts. We read about what types of warts there are here: link.
In adults, certain types of virus (discussed below) cause the development of anogenital warts, or genital warts, on the genitals (). The transmission mechanism of these types is predominantly sexual.
But contact-household transmission is also theoretically possible - through general hygiene items, the toilet rim, taking a bath, visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, etc.
Through microtraumas of the genital organs, the virus is transmitted from one sexual partner to another. In this case, the patient may also not have any changes visible to the eye. But there may be microscopic changes in the mucous membrane of the genital organs. And these altered cells are the sources of the virus.
Next, the virus penetrates the skin or mucous membrane and is met by various cells of the human immune system. In most cases, immune cells destroy the virus. Read more about the work of the immune system.
But if the immune system is weakened, the virus manages to penetrate the cells of the basal layer of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membranes, HPV DNA is integrated into the chromosomes of the cells and changes the functioning of these cells. The cells begin to divide excessively and grow in a limited area, externally turning into warts and papillomas.
The incubation period can be short - 3 months, or it can last for years. That is, the virus is in the body, it can be present in just a few epithelial cells. But the immunity is strong enough to prevent it from developing into a full-fledged formation visible to the eye.
This is how the papilloma virus develops in the skin
Remember
The types of HPV that cause warts enter the body during childhood.
The types of HPV that cause genital warts enter the body primarily through sexual contact.
In rare cases, the development of human papillomavirus infection in the human body can lead to malignancy (that is, degeneration into cancer). Therefore, all types of papillomaviruses are classified according to the degree of oncogenicity (that is, according to the degree of possible cancer development).
HPV types, oncogenic and non-oncogenic
(according to studies by McConcl D. J., 1991; Lorincz A. T., 1992; Bosch E X. et al., 2002; Kozlova V. I., Puchner A. F., 2003; Syrjanen S., 2003; Shakhova N. M. et al., 2006;).
- Non-oncogenic HPV types, that is, those that never cause cancer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49
- Low-oncogenic HPV types (very rarely cause cancer): 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 72
- Types of average oncogenic risk (average percentage of cancer degeneration): 26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 56, 58, 65
- Highly oncogenic HPV types (high risk of cancer degeneration): 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73. This is especially important in women.
By the way, sometimes the classification changes. For example, HPV type 58 in women is no longer highly oncogenic. It began to be classified as a type with average oncogenicity.
Occurrence in diseases
- In 73-90% of cases of cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18 and 45
- In 77-93% of cases with cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31 and 59
- In 80-94% of cases of cervical cancer, the following are found: HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31, 33 and 59
- Precancerous conditions in urology and gynecology are often combined with types 61, 62, 68, 70, 73 of HPV.
Most often found in analyzes
- human papillomavirus 16 (spelled HPV 16) - 50%
- human papillomavirus 18 (HPV 18) - 10%
HPV types 16 and 18
Symptoms and clinic
Symptoms and manifestations of HPV infection are warts, papillomas, dysplasia and cervical cancer. Different types of viruses lead to different manifestations in patients.
1. Warts
They are caused by the following types of HPV - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49.
- juvenile (or flat) warts - caused by types 3 and 5 of the virus. These are small flat elevations on the skin that occur mainly in children. This type of wart is described in detail.
- spinules (or plantar warts) - caused by types 1 and 2 of the virus (you can read more about them).
- vulgar warts on the fingers - caused by type 2 viruses (detailed article about them).
2. Genital warts
Localization: on the genitals, in the anus, in the oral cavity and on the lips (types - 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 35). Read more about these warts -.
The main mechanism of transmission of this disease in adults is sexual. Very rarely, a contact route of transmission can occur - through shared toilet items, through a dirty toilet rim, using a shared bathroom, in a bathhouse, etc.
If a mother suffering from genital condylomatosis gives birth to a child, he will also become infected and subsequently may also develop genital warts or papillomatosis of the larynx and respiratory tract (discussed above). However, the frequency of such symptoms in infants is extremely low. Children have a fairly high level of immunity, which protects them from such manifestations of infection.
3. Laryngeal papillomatosis
Small, flat wart plaques (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals. It develops more often in men who constantly change sexual partners. Called by types – 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.
5. Dysplasia and cervical cancer
More serious clinical manifestations of HPV infection in women are cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, or dysplasia) of the cervix and cervical cancer (see photo). This is the most common type of malignant course of this infection. More detailed article about CIN and dysplasia -.
In the photo - cervical cancer
Remember
Cervical erosion and HPV are FAR from the same thing. A detailed article about what cervical erosion is and how it differs from dysplasia and HPV -.
Modern medicine declares with 100% certainty that cervical cancer is caused exclusively by papillomavirus types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 55, 57, 59, 61, 62, 66, 67.
The diagram shows the development of HPV infection over the years
6. Skin cancer of the penis (Bowen's disease)
Caused by virus types 16 and 18.
Today, some foreign scientists believe that the human papillomavirus is the cause of cancer of any location. Since cancer is a malignant tumor of the epithelium of the skin or mucous membrane, therefore, the HPV virus, which causes dysplastic phenomena in the epithelium, causes the appearance of cancer. And with cervical cancer this has been proven 100%.
There is evidence for breast cancer and laryngeal cancer, although it has not yet been formalized into global recommendations. And, according to some cancer researchers, the day is not far off when cancer of other locations (for example, intestines) is also recognized as the result of the activity of the human papillomavirus in the human body.
Remember
Any viral infection that is constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of these) is activated only when immunity decreases.
Diagnostics
1. PCR analysis
The main method for diagnosing papillomavirus is the PCR reaction. Using special reagents, the presence of HPV DNA in material from a patient is determined. The most common types of analysis for HPV are virus types 16, 18, as well as a number of other highly oncogenic types.
Material for analysis is taken from the mucous membrane of the woman’s vagina and cervix. In men - from the mucous membrane of the penis.
Below in the photo is an example of a PCR analysis and its decoding.
PCR can detect the presence of a virus even in a latent (that is, sleeping) state. Therefore, it is important to determine the viral load, or concentration of the virus.
The PCR reaction can also give a false result, both a false positive and a false negative result, especially if the conditions for its implementation are violated (even a push of the table on which the study is being carried out can lead to such a false result).
Thus, according to modern researchers in the West, up to 20% of all PCR results for papillomavirus were false. And this fact did not depend on the complexity of the equipment and the quality of the reagents.
2. Digene test
New research gaining popularity in the medical community. This test is used to determine the presence of clinically significant concentrations of the virus. Thanks to this test, it is possible to identify whether the viruses in the patient’s body have a high or low degree of oncogenicity.
The Digene test is used in conjunction with a cytological examination of the cervix, and they are also evaluated comprehensively.
3. Examination by a gynecologist and/or urologist
4. Pap test
Other names are cytological examination, or "Pap smear."
A smear taken during a gynecological examination is examined. This study is often called "liquid-based cytology", or simply "cytology".
In this case, a laboratory doctor, under a microscope, determines the presence or absence of pathologically altered cells, which should not normally be present, but they appear only with the development of the disease. The presence of such altered cells may indicate the presence of CIN (or cervical dysplasia) in a woman.
5. Histological examination
A microscopic piece of tissue is examined, also taken during a gynecological or urological examination. Another name for this test is “biopsy”. Under a microscope, the doctor evaluates the degree of change in the tissue taken for examination.
How to interpret an HPV test?
Example of PCR analysis for HPV
Interpretation of the analysis
The unit of measurement is the number of genome equivalents (in simple terms, the number of viruses) per 100,000 human epithelial cells (that is, by 10 to the 5th power).
Abbreviated as: Lg
Gradations:
- 3 – 5 Lg. This is a clinically significant indicator. The risk of developing the disease is average. It is necessary to undergo examination by a doctor.
- > 5 Lg. High viral load. You should definitely undergo a full examination to exclude cervical dysplasia.
What is reference value
This means the average statistical indicators for this study for this age group. That is, in simple terms, reference values are the norm.
For HPV, the reference values are negative. That is, normally there should not be HPV DNA in the tests.
What is KVM?
KVM is the control of material taking. Normally, the doctor should take a scraping so that the sample of material contains at least 10,000 (or 10 to the power of 4, or 4Lg) epithelial cells.
If the CME value is less than 4Lg, this means there are few cells for analysis. The analysis is not recommended, as it will be uninformative, and the doctor is recommended to repeat the collection of material.
Treatment
Remember
- In the treatment of human papillomavirus, you need to know: the virus may not be completely removed from the body. The main goal of treatment is to remove manifestations of the virus and reduce its concentration in the body so that the human immune system itself suppresses the virus.
- First, the doctor must make the correct diagnosis, and this is already half the treatment!!!
- Self-medication has low effectiveness and can lead to progression of the process. Self-medication for diseases of the genital area is especially dangerous.
- With all types of treatment, a healthy lifestyle that increases immunity is required.
3 areas of treatment are required
- removal of manifestations - warts, condylomas, dysplasia (erosion) or cervical cancer
- taking antiviral drugs (rarely used in the treatment of warts)
- strengthening the immune system (rarely used in the treatment of warts)
1) Removal
Laser removal of papillomas
Radio wave removal of papilloma
The radio wave evaporates the formation in the same way as a laser. .
Removing papilloma with a scalpel
Removal of papillomas with an electric knife
In fact, this is the same scalpel, only electric. Currently, it is practically not used in cosmetology.
Liquid nitrogen removal
A detailed article about this method -
Cauterizing agents
Pharmacy local necrotizing drugs (acids, alkalis) are used:
- Super clean
- Solcoderm ()
- Duofilm ()
- Collomak()
- Verrucacid, or feresol ()
- Condilin ()
- and a number of others.
2) Antiviral drugs
- Isoprinosine (or groprinosin): 2 tablets - 3 times a day; 14-28 days (more detailed article about this drug -).
- Allokin-alpha: 1 ampoule, powder dissolved in 1 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride, administered subcutaneously once every two days, course - 6 injections (described in more detail about Allokin).
- Epigen intimate spray: spray the affected area 4 times a day throughout the entire treatment period (more detailed instructions).
- Panavir: available in different forms - gel, spray, suppositories, injection solution - it all depends on the prevalence and localization of the process (detailed material about Panavir).
3) Drugs that enhance immunity
Polyoxidonium, roncoleukin, immunal and others:
- Immunal: 1 tablet - 4 times a day, course from 2 to 8 weeks.
- Reaferon: powder 1 bottle (1 million units), diluted with water (half a teaspoon), drink 30 minutes before meals - 2 times a day, for 10 days.
- Polyoxidonium: 1 suppository (12 mg) inside the vagina or rectum at night, every other day - 10 times.
HPV and pregnancy
Attention
The human papillomavirus does not affect reproductive function, that is, the virus does not prevent a woman from having a child.
If a human papillomavirus infection is detected during pregnancy:
- the first thing is to find a good gynecologist and be observed by him until the birth,
- the most important thing is what manifestations of infection a woman has, the doctor’s tactics will depend on this,
- The virus has no effect on the fetus!
- warts and papillomas can be removed after childbirth,
- minimum medications (only as needed) during pregnancy,
- during childbirth, the child can become infected while passing through the birth canal,
- in the presence of expressed changes in the pregnant woman’s cervix may require a caesarean section,
- in the absence of manifestations - natural birth.
In general, cesarean section for HPV infection is rarely performed. And subsequent manifestations of infection in children are also extremely rare or insignificant.
Prevention
Prevention is the best cure. Remember this phrase, especially when it comes to the sexual sphere.
Nature has come up with a wonderful healing and prevention mechanism for humans, which then helps him not to get sick again. This is the immune system.
If a person has already had warts or papillomas once, then he subsequently develops immunity to this type of virus. Therefore, juvenile warts, spinules and warts vulgaris very rarely appear in adults.
It is on this principle that the method of vaccinating a person against various infectious diseases, including papillomavirus, is built.
This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to maintain your immunity at a high level. Read a detailed article about how to strengthen your immune system.
Specific prevention of PVI infection
- Vaccine "Gardasil" made in the USA. This vaccination against types 6, 11, 16, 18 prevents the development of symptoms of infection such as genital warts, neoplasia (dysplasia, or erosion) and cervical cancer, cancer of the skin of the penis in men. In many developed countries, HPV vaccination is carried out very actively, starting from 11-12 years of age (link), until the time of sexual activity, when infection already occurs. It is given to both girls and boys.
- Vaccine "Gardasil 9". This vaccine is nine-valent, that is, it acts against 9 types of virus: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. The effectiveness of preventing cervical cancer is from 98% to 100%.
- Vaccine "Cervarix". This vaccine forms immunity against 2 types of virus: 16 and 18.
Nonspecific prevention
- Personal hygiene measures in public places
- A healthy lifestyle that maintains a high level of immunity
- Correct work and rest schedule
- Moderate physical training
- Taking vitamins, fruits, juices
- Only one sexual partner (ideally)
- Using a condom during sexual intercourse
And in conclusion - several videos on the topic of the material, recommended for viewing.
Attention: If the doctor did not answer your question, then the answer is already on the pages of the site. Use the search on the site.
Updated: October 08, 2019About 80% of the world's inhabitants are infected with the human papillomavirus. Depending on the genotype, the virus causes various diseases. It can manifest itself in the form of papillomas, condylomas, and warts.
About 100 genotypes of the virus have been identified, but only 80 have been thoroughly studied. About 30 species can cause oncogenic neoplasms and cause cancer.
Is it possible and how to cure HPV (papillomavirus) in women forever, what is drug treatment, how to continue to live with the human papillomavirus?
Is human papillomavirus curable?
Bye no such medicines have been invented, which could completely kill the virus.
Treatment regimens for the disease are limited to the use of antiviral drugs and procedures to eliminate papillomas on the skin or mucous membranes.
This virus can be driven into a latent or dormant state when it does not harm the body.
It is especially important to carry out treatment when HPV of a high oncogenic type is detected.
The following genotypes of the virus are dangerous for women: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52. They most often cause dysplasia and cervical cancer.
After treatment with high-oncogenic HPV type, a woman should Visit a gynecologist regularly and carry out recommended examinations to eliminate the risk of malignant tumors.
“Popular Doctor” will talk about the human papillomavirus:
General treatment regimen
With normal functioning of the immune system, the body itself will be able to suppress the manifestations of the virus after a course of special therapy.
The general treatment regimen includes:
- Removal of external manifestations of HPV.
- A course of antiviral drugs.
- Strengthening the immune system.
Treatment can be carried out only after passing the necessary tests and identifying the genotype of the virus. Self-medication does not always give results and can cause complications.
Very often, HPV is complicated by other inflammatory and infectious diseases. diseases of the genitourinary system.
First, concomitant diseases are treated, after which the condylomas are removed and antiviral drugs are taken.
Removal of papillomas is possible in the following ways:
- laser;
- chemical solutions;
- radio waves;
- scalpel;
- electric knife;
- liquid nitrogen.
Removing papillomas is very important, since they appear in places where the virus accumulates. This will reduce the viral load and reduce the risk of infecting a sexual partner.
Which method of removing papillomas will be the most effective depends on the location of the tumors, their genotype, number and size.
The most affordable way to remove condylomas is the surgical method., which is now quite rarely used.
It can cause serious wounds and scars, so it is only relevant in the case of malignant neoplasms. The most painless method of removal- radio wave.
The “Live Healthy!” program will tell you how to treat human papillomavirus (HPV, papillomavirus) in women:
Prescribed drugs and their use
HPV treatment is expensive and does not always guarantee recovery.
If the prescribed course is not completed completely, the disease will again begin to progress and appear on the skin and mucous membranes.
Sometimes antiviral drugs need to be used for 6 months or more. How is HPV treated in women and with what drugs?
Antiviral
Antiviral drugs for treatment destroy the structure of HPV in women and disrupt the process of reproduction.
Medicines in this group are produced in different forms, since the nature of the disease and the location of the tumors are different.
Antiviral drugs are available in the form of ointments, gels, creams, injection solutions, suppositories, and tablets.
Injections and tablets are the most effective. Ointments and creams should also be included in the regimen if neoplasms are detected on the mucous membranes or skin.
During treatment, it is important to prevent the spread of papillomas to healthy areas of the body.
Pills
Popular drugs:
- Groprinosin. Has antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. The course of treatment is from 2 weeks to 6 months. On average, for genital warts, 2 tablets 3 times a day are used for 28 days. The use of Groprinosin should be at the same time throughout the course;
- Famvir. The active ingredient is famciclovir. It is advisable to start treatment in the initial stages of the disease. The course of therapy is 7 days. Only the treating specialist can select the required dosage;
- Amiksin. Harmless, unlike analogues. The course of application is no more than 4 weeks. The active ingredient is tilorone. If there are growths on the skin or mucous membranes, the use of additional medications is required.
Valtrex. The active ingredient is valacyclovir. Prescribing the drug is relevant in the presence of concomitant sexually transmitted diseases.
Valtrex blocks the RNA of the virus and helps stop its reproduction;
Antiviral drugs must be prescribed by your doctor. These medications have a direct effect on the immune system, and their incorrect use can only aggravate the disease.
Medicines for topical use
Use of drugs for internal use most often it has no effect on already existing condylomas and papillomas. To remove them, you need to see a doctor.
There are many ways to remove tumors, but before removing them you should make sure that they are not malignant.
Removal of formations is possible by the following means:
After removing condylomas, apply to the affected areas of the skin or Epigen gel. Wound treatment should be carried out after removal of tumors until they are completely healed.
Suppositories for papillomavirus
Very often treatment regimens include suppositories. Their action is aimed at preventing the development of the inflammatory process in the vaginal area, strengthening the immune system, and preventing the development of condylomas and papillomas.
The following candles are often used:
- Genferon;
- Viferon;
- Polyoxidonium.
The suppositories must be used in conjunction with other medications that are included in the regimen. The course of application is 10 days.
List of immunomodulators
In order for the body to suppress the replication of the virus, medications with immunomodulatory properties are recommended.
They can only be used as prescribed by a doctor., as they affect human immunity.
Depending on the degree of decreased immunity, the following is prescribed:
- human interferon;
- Kipferon;
- Reaferon-EC;
- Cycloferon;
- Leukinferon.
These drugs act on the entire body and are quickly absorbed into the blood, but they may cause an allergic reaction and unpleasant side effects.
Other immunomodulators:
- Tamerite;
- Neovir;
- Cordyceps;
- Immunofan.
Folk remedies
Is it possible and how to treat papillomavirus in women with folk remedies and medications? Treatment of HPV with folk remedies is unacceptable.
Various methods that are aimed at cauterizing papillomas and condylomas, can only lead to complications of the disease.
You can find a lot of advice where It is recommended to remove tumors with celandine and garlic. These methods are powerless against the insidious HPV virus.
Methods and recipes of traditional medicine can strengthen the immune system. Echinacea tincture, Chinese lemongrass, aloe juice, honey, thyme and elecampane root help.
But with severe immunodeficiency, these drugs will not have an effect on the body.
For many women HPV diagnosis looks scary, especially when they have a high oncogenic type of virus. After all, most publications indicate the possibility of condylomas degenerating into malignant formations.
There is no need to be afraid - all efforts must be directed towards strengthening the immune system and eliminating the virus from the body.
HPV does not always cause dysplasia or cancer. This can happen if left untreated.
If you take a course of antiviral drugs, remove tumors, refrain from bad habits, HPV will not lead to dire consequences. The woman will be able to lead a normal life and give birth to a child.
It is important to eat right, lead an active lifestyle, quit smoking, alcohol, and avoid stress.
Human papillomavirus is not cancer, but one of the factors that can lead to it. Smoking, eating fatty foods, and frequent stress have a similar effect.
Each person is responsible for his own health. If you consult a doctor in time and undergo a course of treatment, you can forget about HPV for a long time.