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HPV (human papillomavirus). Types of human papillomavirus What is HPV 2

Papilloma is a benign skin growth caused by papillomaviruses. Papilloma in its structure resembles a papilla and is located on the face,

armpits, on the skin under the mammary glands, in the sinuses, pharynx, genitals, bladder. Quite often, papilloma appears on the neck.
This is due to the fact that papilloma in its environment is a neoplasm that is caused by the so-called human papillomavirus, HPV for short. In our time, scientists know more than 60 varieties of papillomavirus, of which 32 are recognized as pathogenic.

By and large, up to 80% of the population of our planet is infected with this virus, but due to a healthy immune system, this virus does not manifest itself in any way. Simply IP blocks their occurrence and reproduction.

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When does papilloma appear?

  • If you have a severely weakened immune system.
  • If you are in a condition after long-term use of drugs.
  • If you have suffered or are still suffering from severe types of illnesses.
  • If you are in old age.
  • If you have experienced a lot of stress.
  • If you are in a state of pregnancy.

By their nature, papillomas can be both congenital and acquired. They can also be multiple and single.

Usually papillomas are flesh-colored, their average size is 0.2–10 mm, very rarely, but still there are papillomas 20 mm in size. Papillomas grow very slowly, but in some situations (eg stress, pregnancy, illness) it is likely that papillomas will rapidly increase in size and number.

The human papillomavirus is most often transmitted through very close contact. Given the fact that any person can be a carrier of this virus, the risk of infection becomes very high.

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How is the papilloma virus transmitted?

Almost anyone can become infected with this virus. Papillomas reproduce especially well in a humid environment.

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Infection can be in the following cases:

  • Infection and sexual transmission.
  • Infection through contact with a sick person.
  • Infection through household items.
  • Infection when going to public pools.
  • With prolonged use of contraceptives.
  • Infection of the child during childbirth. If a pregnant mother is sick with this virus, then it is transmitted to the baby.
  • Virus entry through skin lesions.

And remember! You can be a carrier of the virus for years and not even know it. You can find out about this only after your immunity weakens. And if the papillomas themselves are not outside on the skin, but inside and on the internal organs, then you may not even guess about their existence. And if papillomas appeared on the skin, then it is possible that they will be on the internal organs. If a papilloma is found in one of the family members, then the whole family should be examined.

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Human papillomavirus: diagnosis

The diagnosis itself is not difficult. As a rule, external papillomas are detected during a routine examination by a dermatologist and gynecologist. To detect the presence of the virus, a scraping or smear is taken and then the presence of the virus itself is detected by PCR. And if signs of the infection itself are already found, then in this case an additional biopsy is performed.

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Human papillomavirus treatment

Nowadays, the treatment of papilloma is possible. But in order not to get infected, it is better to take preventive measures. It must be remembered that one of the ways the virus enters the human body is through its penetration through damaged skin. Therefore, it is imperative to treat all abrasions or cuts with brilliant green or iodine. Avoid moisture, wipe the skin of the body very carefully. Try not to weaken your immunity. Try to live as stress-free as possible.

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Removal of papillomas

    Reading this article:
    • Removal of warts with liquid nitrogen
    • Removal of warts and papillomas with a laser
    • Warts in a child on the body
    • Removal of warts folk remedies

Removal of papillomas is the most effective method of dealing with them. In no case should you cut or tear off neoplasms. If the papilloma is damaged, then this can provoke a strong growth of the virus, and over time, the appearance of a large number of new neoplasms. As soon as you see the presence of papillomas, immediately consult a dermatologist and immediately remove them. If you neglect these recommendations and do not rush to remove the warts that have appeared, then over time they will rub against your clothes, you will injure them and all this will lead to an increase in the number on the body and the further spread of the virus.

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Methods for removing papillomas

Papillomas removal methods are essentially the same as mole removal methods.

I would only like to highlight a few of the most popular methods that are most often offered in clinics:

  • Removal of papillomas with nitrogen, or scientifically - cryodestruction.
  • Electrocoagulation.
  • Removal of papillomas by laser.
  • Removal of papillomas with radioknife.

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Removal of papillomas at home

If you remove papillomas at home, then it is worth remembering that you will only remove the papilloma itself, but you will not remove the source of infection itself, you will not know if there are the same neoplasms in your internal organs. And most importantly, the virus will remain in your body and will continue to progress.

It is worth noting that the clinic does an examination of the whole body, prescribes antiviral drugs, and when removing papillomas, they inject immune-boosting interferons.

Such a method as tying the base of a wart with a thread or hair is very dangerous. It can lead to tissue necrosis and infection of healthy cells. In addition, getting rid of papilloma in this way, the human papillomavirus will still remain in the body!

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Papillomas: treatment with folk remedies

There are several ways in which it is possible to remove papillomas at home. Of all, it is worth highlighting only two ways:

  • Celandine treatment

Tear off a leaf of celandine and lubricate papilloma with fresh juice. Soon it will dry up and fall off. Or dilute the fresh juice of celandine with saliva, smear the papilloma and seal it with a plaster, after a few days the papilloma will fall off.

  • Make an infusion of celandine, succession and chaga. Pour it into molds for freezing ice. Apply an ice cube to the papilloma for 3-5 minutes three times a day. After a while, the papilloma will fall off.

All methods are good, but when new papillomas appear, you should stop self-medicating and consult a dermatologist.

How dangerous are the different types of HPV?

The human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Types of HPV can be different, and, according to statistics, one or another type of virus occurs in 90% of people around the world. In terms of prevalence, papillomavirus ranks second after genital herpes.

Classification of infection

Papillomavirus, depending on its type, can cause various diseases in both women and men. To date, about 100 strains of the disease are known, 80 of which are the most studied. Approximately 30 species affect the organs of the female reproductive system.

About 60% of carriers of the virus notice symptoms of the disease. In other cases, HPV proceeds in a latent form. The nature and symptoms depend on the strain of the virus. So, the disease can affect the skin, mucous membranes of the genital organs. As well as mucous membranes of other organs not related to the reproductive system.

Speaking of skin lesions through infection, the following types of HPV are distinguished:

warts on the soles of the feet - this is typical for 1, 2 and 4 strains;
common warts - 2, 4, 26, 27, 29, 57;
flat warts - 3, 10, 28, 49;
butcher's warts, 7;
verruciform epidermodysplasia - 2–3, 5, 8–10, 12, 14–15, 17, 19–20, 36–37, 46–47, 50.
Certain genital lesions cause:

genital warts - 6, 11, 42, 54;
flat warts and cervical dysplasia - 6, 11, 16, 18, 30-31, 33, 39-40, 42-43, 51-52, 55, 57, 61-62, 64, 67;
cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus - 16, 18, 21, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51-52, 54, 56, 66, 68.
Mucous organs that are not associated with the reproductive system are affected:

oral mucosa - 13, 32;
papillomatosis of the respiratory tract - 6, 11, 30;
neck, head, lung cancer - 2, 6, 11, 16, 18, 30.

HPV and oncology

In medicine, it is very important to divide the varieties of the virus depending on their oncogenicity, that is, the ability to lead to cancer.

Some types of HPV are completely safe and are not associated with oncogenic risk. This group includes viruses of types 6, 11, 42-44, 53-55. HPV types 6 and 11 most often present as genital warts and are relatively harmless. It is recommended to remove the resulting condylomas and papillomas, regardless of their species, even if the root cause is HPV 6 or 11. The need for removal is caused by a decrease in the risk of developing oncology, as well as aesthetic reasons.

The most dangerous are those strains that are recognized as oncogenic. The presence in the body of any type of disease included in this group carries a high risk of developing cancer.

The most common representatives of high oncogenic risk papillomavirus are: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 51, 66. However, cancer is not the only threat of infection. For example, HPV type 66 can be manifested by serious cervical dysplasia, which is no less dangerous for the female body.

Essence of HPV 16

Human papillomavirus type 16 is the most common in clinical practice. For women, it is dangerous with a high risk of developing cervical cancer and a number of serious dysplasias. Men should be wary of this variety due to the likelihood of Bowen's disease, squamous cell carcinoma and some other malignant tumors.

The papillomavirus 16 is transmitted sexually, including oral and anal sexual contact. Papilloma type 16 has a slightly darker color compared to the general skin color. Symptoms of the disease spread to the genitals and thighs. The manifestations of the virus are characterized by the dependence of the localization of papillomas and the place where it enters the body. So, if the infection occurred as a result of oral sex, papillomas form on the oral mucosa. If the cause of infection was anal contact, the anus is affected.

HPV type 16 DNA contains a transforming component and an infectious one. For a very long period of time, papillomavirus type 16 can be completely hidden in the body without showing symptoms. Cytological studies will help to detect the infection and accurately determine its type. HPV type 16 can be diagnosed after a smear from the cervix in women or from the urethra in men.

After detecting the papillomavirus type 16, you should immediately discuss your infection control plan with your doctor. This type of disease is quite aggressive and can quickly transform into more serious diseases. For HPV type 16, treatment must be thorough and timely. As part of the therapy, drugs that increase immunity, have antiviral and cytotoxic effects are used. Specific drugs and their dosages should be prescribed by a qualified specialist so as not to cause damage to the body and not provoke the transformation of the virus into malignant tumors. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate.

Danger of HPV 18

This type of infection has also become widespread throughout the globe. Spreading along with its closest relative, HPV 16, papillomavirus type 18 is carried in 45% of infections.

In almost 100% of cases, if left untreated, HPV type 18 is transformed into cancerous diseases. Moreover, in women, the infection causes cancer not only of the cervix, but also of the genitals. Male-borne papillomavirus type 18 carries a high risk of penile and anal cancer.

Given the aggressive nature of the infection, it is necessary to timely conduct examinations with a gynecologist or urologist. Otherwise, the symptoms of the disease will appear even with a slight decrease in immunity. Human papillomavirus 18 is very sensitive to hormonal levels, therefore it is often activated during menopause or pregnancy.

HPV 31, 33 and 39

Human papillomavirus 31 manifests itself more often than it proceeds in a latent form. A slight deterioration in immunity leads to the appearance of red papillomas on the genitals. The main accumulations of papillomas are located on the labia in women and the head of the penis in men - for them, HPV type 31 is dangerous for Bowen's disease. It is more difficult for the female body to fight the infection, because the consequences of the presence of HPV type 31 are more terrible for them and are cervical cancers.

HPV type 31 is characterized by considerable resistance: its treatment takes a long time. However, in order to protect yourself from terrible consequences, treatment is necessary.

Human papillomavirus 33 is another dangerous representative of the oncogenic group. Most of the reported cases of infection occur in women. Similar to other risky types of the HPV type 33 virus, it manifests itself in the form of condylomas and papillomas, however, in men it is most often asymptomatic. HPV 33 DNA is established through diagnostic procedures, including a cytological analysis performed by the polymerase chain reaction method.

HPV type 33 is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse, but there are cases of infection through wounds on the skin and during pregnancy (from mother to child). The body can get rid of this type of papillomavirus on its own in the presence of strong immunity and a small viral load.

Human papillomavirus 39 is more dangerous for women than for men. In the female body, manifestations of infection occur more often, while the man is, as a rule, just a carrier. HPV type 39 affects mainly the internal genital organs, manifesting itself in the form of flat and genital warts.

HPV 51, 52, 58, 59

Human papillomavirus type 51, when the mucous membranes of the genital organs are affected, also affects the upper layer of the skin. The growth of infection in the skin occurs without itching, however, is a rather dangerous process.

Papillomavirus 52 usually affects women under the age of 35. The main factor of infection is promiscuity or unprotected sex. Symptoms of this type of infection are genital warts, which can occur anywhere on the body. Mostly condylomas are located on the genitals near the anus. By the way, HPV type 45 behaves in a similar way, localizing its manifestations in almost the same places.

Type 58 HPV very often does not manifest itself in any way for a long time, but this does not at all detract from its danger to both the female and the male body. The infection provokes the spread of moles, condylomas, papillomas and warts over the entire surface of the body. Very often, children are exposed to infection by getting the virus into the body through abrasions and wounds. Along with 58, HPV type 21 is also often diagnosed precisely in childhood, manifesting itself as an accumulation of warts on the baby's body, which are treated fairly quickly.

Human papillomavirus 59 sometimes passes by itself, unable to cope with the protection of human immunity. Still, you should not rely only on the strength of the body, but in a timely manner to be examined for the presence of such diseases by qualified doctors.

What is HPV, in the modern world, it is simply necessary to know. Despite the widespread prevalence of the virus, people should be extremely careful in sexual behavior. It is better to find out what it is without finding an infection in your body, but by studying this issue and changing your lifestyle, if necessary. Following simple rules of a healthy lifestyle will allow you to maintain your health at a high level.

Types of human papillomavirus

Warts are the result of the widespread human papillomavirus (HPV). Medical statistics states that 90% of the population on the planet are carriers of various human papillomaviruses. Let's learn about this classification in detail.

Today, doctors describe more than 70 different types of papillomavirus that cause diseases of the mucous membranes and skin. An experienced dermatologist will be able to determine the genotype of the virus by its external manifestations. They have their own number.

Types of human papillomaviruses 57, 29, 27, 26, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19.17, 15, 14, 12, 10, 7 affect the appearance of different types of warts in him. In particular, HPV 4, 3, 2, 1 cause the appearance of plantar, resembling corns in appearance. Viruses types 10, 28 and 49 manifest themselves as flat warts. HPV 27 provokes the formation of simple and so-called butcher's warts.

Lesions of the vagina and vulva, penis and cervix in the form of genital warts form virus types 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35.

All people are interested in the most dangerous types of human papillomaviruses that cause precancerous conditions. These include HPV 30, 31, 33, 39, 40, 43, 51, 52, 58, 59, 61, 62, 67, 68, 69 and 70. They are called the dangerous causes of cancer.

Certain types of viruses are not at all dangerous from the point of view of oncology. Low oncogenic risk is HPV 6, 11, 42, 44, 53, 54 and 55. Genital warts, located on the cervix, are most often caused by viruses 6 and 11, but in terms of oncology risk, they are relatively safe. Although doctors still advise them to be removed using a laser for this. Only the latest generation laser equipment ensures the complete sterility of such procedures, rapid healing, and the absence of scars on the mucous membranes of the removal field.

The most dangerous papillomas are oncological. We are talking about those types that have a high degree of oncological risk. These include 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 66. They increase the risk of precancerous conditions, and their consequences can be cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis.

The closest attention to the state of health should be given to those people in whose blood papillomaviruses 56 and 66 are detected. It is their oncologists who are associated with the possibility of developing carcinomas - types of cancer. But these same experts warn that infection with the above types of viruses does not always mean the development of cancer. Medical statistics show that the presence of an oncogenic type of HPV in the body increases the risk of precancerous diseases by 60 times, while only 1% of women with human papillomavirus infection actually develop uterine cancer.

Sometimes the carriage of papillomivirus in humans is asymptomatic. Then, to accurately diagnose the type of virus, special studies are carried out.

And if they really confirm that HPV in the blood belongs to the types of high oncological risk, then doctors recommend taking a course of ozone therapy. This is an excellent prevention of viral activity. Ozone droppers effectively deactivate the virus. Manipulations allow you to forget about the pathology for several years. Ozone therapy, in addition, relieves stress and anxiety associated with all possible health risks.

If the above papillomaviruses are detected, a person should definitely consult an oncologist. He will prescribe an examination and adequate treatment if necessary.

Papillomaviruses 16, 18, 31, 33, 56, 66, 70, manifested in the form of condylomas on the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genitalia, is a reason for an immediate visit to an oncologist, a thorough examination. Only with timely seeking medical help can oncogenic health risks be minimized.

Previously, HPV (human papillomavirus) was known as the culprit of warts, today it is associated with a much wider list of diseases, including cancer. According to the spectrum of clinical manifestations, different types of HPV are distinguished.

What is this virus

Papillomavirus is one of the most common pathogens. Moreover, the virus is common both in terms of occurrence in the population (and it is observed in almost 90% of the inhabitants of the planet), and in terms of the number of representatives (27 species and more than 170 types from harmless to oncogenic).

Types of human papillomaviruses differ in the method of transmission (through a handshake, kiss, dirty towels, sexually), by targets (skin or mucous membranes, various parts of the body). If the functions of the immune system are not impaired, it inhibits the activity of the pathogen, and it remains in a latent state, sometimes for decades. But with a weakened immune system, the disease manifests itself in the form of skin neoplasms. Different types of papillomavirus can cause vulgar or flat warts, plantar corns or genital warts.

For the first time, human papillomavirus was registered as a single species in 1971. Since then, knowledge about what types of HPV are has increased. In 2003, the group was divided into 27 species and 5 genera. In 2010, the classification was finalized so that the scientific names of the groups reflect the genus to which they belong. In medical practice, their significance indicates the main clinical manifestations of human papillomavirus infection.

Classification

There are several opinions about how many varieties of the virus exist. Officially, medicine deals with 170 types of HPV, grouped into 27 types. According to some data, scientists already know 600 strains found in humans. Of these, about 40 cause damage to the genital area, 20 are associated with cervical cancer.

The division into types of human papillomavirus allows you to develop optimal treatment tactics. This means that by determining the species of the pathogen, one can judge what symptoms it will cause. In addition, there is a classification of HPV pathogens according to the risk of malignant degeneration.

By oncogenicity

According to the oncogenic classification, each HPV type is considered in terms of the risk of malignant transformation. In clinical practice, the following groups are distinguished:

  • non-oncogenic group. Non-oncogenic strains are HPV 1-5, 7, 10, 12, 14-15, 17, 19, 20-24, 26-29, 57. These varieties of papillomavirus cause gray warts with uneven cuts, plantar corns, butcher's warts ”, multiple growths of various forms.
  • A group with a low oncogenic risk. Includes strains 6, 11, 42-44, 53-55. The first two are more common than the others and are associated with genital warts of the cervix. It cannot be said that this type of HPV is the most dangerous, but the growths caused by it are recommended to be removed as soon as possible.
  • Group with an average oncogenic risk. Includes strains 31, 33, 35, 52, 58. The most common type is 31, the culprit of bowenoid papulosis - smooth nodules on the mucous membrane of the external genital organs. We can say that this is the most dangerous type of HPV from the group. It can turn into a benign, and then into a malignant formation, but in the initial stages it is amenable to immunostimulating therapy.
  • A group with a high oncogenic risk. The most dangerous types of HPV for humans are 16.18, 36, 39, 45, 51, 56, 59, 68. The risk of oncogenicity is more often manifested in the presence of strains 16.18 and 51. The first two cause cervical cancer. Type 51 manifests itself in the form of bowenoid papulosis and flat warts, resembling an allergic rash. All three forms cause precancer and require immediate treatment.

By the diseases that the strain causes

Based on the clinical picture, all types of papillomavirus can be divided into groups presented in the table:

target organsSigns of defeatHPV strains
plantar warts1, 2, 4
Vulgar warts2, 4, 26, 27, 29, 57
flat warts3, 10, 28, 49
Warts Butcher7
Veruciform epidermodysplasia2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20-25, 36, 37, 46, 47, 50

The mucosa of the genital organs

Genital warts6, 11, 42-44, 54
Epithelial lesions without germination into other layers6, 11, 16, 18, 30, 31, 33?, 39, 40, 42, 43, 51, 52, 55, 57-59, 61, 62, 64, 67-70
Cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus and penis16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 54, 56, 66, 68

Mucous membranes of non-genital organs

Lesions of the oral mucosa (focal epithelial hyperplasia)13, 32
Recurrent papillomatosis of the respiratory tract6, 11, 30
Malignant tumors of the head, neck, lungs2, 6, 11, 16, 18, 30

This classification by HPV types allows you to visually assess the degree of risk. The same strain can cause different symptoms, and harmless manifestations of papillomatosis can be harbingers of serious pathologies.

How HPV infection occurs

The human papillomavirus is extremely contagious, different types of HPV have their own "favorite" ways of transmission:

  • The strains that cause genital warts are transmitted through sexual contact - both vaginal, and anal and oral.
  • Another common mode of transmission of the virus is household. The microorganism is well preserved in a warm, humid environment, so it is easy for them to become infected in a public bath, swimming pool, sauna, sports locker room. It can be picked up by using other people's hygiene items, clothes, towels, dishes.
  • During shaving and epilation, it is very easy to transfer papilloma from one area to another. This mode of transmission is called self-infection.
  • Transmission of the virus from mother to child is possible during childbirth. In this case, papillomas seed the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat, genital area and anus of the newborn.

Diseases caused by a virus

Warts differ in appearance, structure, favorite areas of localization. The clinical picture is determined by the types of human papillomavirus.

  • Viruses 1 and 2 cause plantar warts. Moreover, the type 1 virus provokes the formation of growths with deep roots, which are difficult to treat. Type 2 causes the formation of sticky, mosaic-like growths that are practically painless. Plantar warts require surgical treatment.
  • Type 2 virus also causes warts vulgaris. It is more common in children and adolescents and often resolves without any treatment.
  • Types 3 and 5 viruses provoke the appearance of flat growths up to 3 mm in diameter, which are more often noted on the face and palms, mainly in young people, which is why they are often called youthful. This type of wart often goes away without treatment.
  • Genital warts cause viruses types 6 and 11. Neoplasms are located in the genital area, anus, on the oral mucosa.
  • Type 11 virus causes laryngeal papillomatosis, which is transmitted to a child in childbirth from an infected mother, to an adult through oral sex. The patient complains of hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. A profuse papillomatous rash can impair breathing.
  • Warty epidermodysplasia is provoked by viruses of type 5, 8, 47 (highly oncogenic), as well as 20, 21, 14, 25 (low oncogenic).
  • Bowenoid papulosis is provoked by viruses of type 16, 31-35, 18, 42, 48 and 51-54. These are semicircular flat growths on the mucous membranes and skin.

Among women

Papillomavirus infection causes the formation of warts on the genitals, which is more often observed at the age of 15-30 years. This form may be hidden.

HPV is the culprit of many gynecological problems.

Genital warts, which were not detected in time, develop before the onset of menopause and by this time can already cause malignant degeneration of the tissues of the genital mucosa. The most dangerous in this regard are strains 16 and 18.

In men

Male-specific forms of human papillomavirus infection can also be latent, but there are exceptions. For example, HPV can lead to diseases such as bowenoid papulosis, in which flat growths with a rough or smooth surface appear on the skin and mucous membranes. The more sexual partners, the higher the risk. With signs of the disease, it is worth visiting a urologist, since oncology is also possible in men.

In children

In children, various strains of viruses cause the formation of papillomas on the skin and in the larynx, or are asymptomatic. With the skin form, growths with a diameter of 1-10 mm appear on the hands, fingers, near the nails, in the face, around the knees, more often this is noted at school age. With papillomatosis of the larynx, hoarseness of the voice is noted, rarely - a violation of the respiratory function (the risk is increased against the background of respiratory diseases). Children's papillomas often disappear with age and respond well to treatment.

Human papillomavirus and pregnancy

The formation of papillomas in expectant mothers is not an indication for caesarean section. Infection rarely poses a danger to the course of pregnancy and fetal development. The exceptions are types 6 and 11 - they cause genital and anal warts, and during childbirth come into contact with the skin of the fetus, causing infection. After the incubation period, the newborn may develop respiratory papillomatosis. The cesarean section method is used in the presence of genital warts in the mother's body, which interfere with the expulsion of the fetus or can provoke bleeding in a woman.

What HPV tests are available and how are they performed?

Modern diagnostics of HPV in women is carried out by PCR analysis, digin test and HPV DNA analysis. For PCR, a gynecological smear and a blood sample are used. The method allows to detect the virus regardless of the phase of activity. For the Digene test and HPV DNA analysis, a scraping is taken from the cervical canal, and then the concentration of the virus in the tissues and its type are determined. A histological examination of the tissues of pointed papillomas is also carried out.

Diagnosis of HPV in men is carried out by PCR. In this case, mucus from secretions, blood, urine can be used as a biomaterial. The result of the Digene test is the decoding of all types of HPV and their concentration in the body. For the test, a smear is taken from the mucous membranes.

Principles of treatment of papillomavirus

Modern HPV treatment is aimed at eliminating the consequences of the action of the papillomavirus and is used if the neoplasms represent a serious cosmetic defect or are caused by a highly oncogenic virus.

To remove papillomas, the method of surgical excision, electrocoagulation, laser therapy, cryodestruction with liquid nitrogen, radio wave therapy, chemical cauterization is used. At a high concentration of the virus in the tissues, antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy is simultaneously prescribed.

The most reliable protection against papillomavirus gives natural immunity. According to research by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this factor causes the body to heal itself within 2 years in 90% of cases. The immune system inhibits the action of the virus, and it is constantly in a latent state.

HPV prevention

The virus spreads easily in the human population, so there is no guaranteed way to prevent infection. He lies in wait in public places, saunas, baths, swimming pools, beauty salons, hospitals. The microorganism is transmitted through household contacts and sexually.

The risk is reduced if you follow the rules of hygiene, do not take other people's bath accessories, slippers and other personal items and do not allow you to use your own. To maintain the immune system, it is necessary to treat acute and chronic diseases in time, eat well, establish a work and rest schedule.

As a preventive measure for the development of HPV in the cervical region, it is recommended to observe intimate hygiene measures and use a condom.

In order to prevent the development of cancerous tumors caused by the human papillomavirus, it is necessary to undergo scheduled examinations on time and consult a dermatologist when papillomas appear.

Graft

Modern medicine offers vaccination as a method of preventing HPV. The composition of the preparations includes organic compounds necessary for the production of antibodies to HPV, yeast, antibiotics, preservatives. These vaccines include Gardasil (6, 11, 16, 18 HPV strains) and Cervarix (from 16 and 18 HPV types). Both drugs are available in the form of a suspension in disposable syringes and are intended for vaccination of women aged 15-30 years. Gardasil can be used to vaccinate boys.

Remember that vaccines cannot cure an infection that has already settled in the body. Therefore, if you plan to vaccinate yourself or your child, it should be done no later than 26 years of age, ideally between 10 and 13 years of age. At an older age, it is recommended to pre-test for HPV before vaccination.

Human papillomavirus (or HPV) is a family of viruses that cause warts, papillomas, dysplasia, or cancer of the cervix and genital organs in humans. This is the most common viral infection of the genital area.

General family: Papillomaviridae. Latin name: Human papillomavirus.
Abbreviation: HPV (as it is written in the analyzes).

For physicians and students: the entire history of papillomavirus classification changes on the website of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses - link.

What is this virus?

  1. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus have been discovered in 50 years. Pathogenic for humans - 80 types.
  2. According to WHO, 70% of the world's population is infected with HPV by the age of 50.
  3. In children, papillomaviruses cause warts.
  4. In women, HPV types 16 and 18 lead to cervical cancer more often than other types. Every year, 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed worldwide.
  5. HPV is the vast majority of the cause of genital cancer in women and men.
  6. It will not be possible to cure HPV completely and forever. You can only temporarily suppress its development and prevent the appearance of formations.
  7. The most effective prevention against cancer of the cervix and genital organs worldwide is the 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 cells of the skin or mucosa.

If the patient has a papilloma, even if it is small in size, it is she who is the direct source of the virus!
At the same time, the patient may not yet have warts or condyloma during examination. Changes may still be microscopic, 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 during childhood. Through microdamages of the skin of the child (scratches, abrasions), the papillomavirus penetrates the skin and causes the appearance of warts. We read about what types of warts are here: link.

In adults, certain types of virus (to be discussed below) cause the development of anogenital warts, or genital warts (). The transmission mechanism of these types is predominantly sexual.
But theoretically, a contact-household transmission route is also possible - through common hygiene items, the rim of the toilet bowl, taking a bath, visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, etc.

Through microtrauma 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 microscopic changes in the mucous membrane of the genital organs can be. And these altered cells are the source of the virus.

Next, the virus penetrates the skin or mucous membranes 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 has time 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 cells and changes the functioning of these cells. 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, and can last for years. That is, there is a virus in the body, it can be present in only a few epithelial cells. But the immune system is strong enough to prevent it from developing into a full-fledged formation visible to the eye.

How papillomavirus develops in the skin

Remember

The types of HPV that cause warts enter the body during childhood,

The HPV types 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 development of cancer).

Types of HPV oncogenic and non-oncogenic

(according to research by McConcl D. J., 1991; Lorincz A. T., 1992; Bosch E X. et al., 2002; Kozlova V. I., Pukhner A. F., 2003; Syrjanen S., 2003; Shakhova N. M. et al., 2006;).

  1. Non-oncogenic HPV types, that is, never causing cancer: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49
  2. Low-oncogenic HPV types (very rarely cause cancer): 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 72
  3. Types of average oncogenic risk (percentage of cancerous degeneration is average): 26, 30, 35, 52, 53, 56, 58, 65
  4. Highly oncogenic types of HPV (the risk of cancerous degeneration is high): 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 attributed to types with an average oncogenicity.

Occurrence in diseases

  • In 73-90% of cases with cervical cancer, HPV types 16, 18 and 45 are found
  • In 77-93% of cases with cervical cancer, HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31 and 59 are found
  • In 80-94% of cases with cervical cancer, HPV types 16, 18, 45, 31, 33 and 59 are found
  • Precancerous conditions in urology and gynecology are often combined with 61, 62, 68, 70, 73 HPV types.

The most frequently encountered in the analysis

  • human papillomavirus 16 (spelled HPV 16) - 50%
  • human papillomavirus 18 (HPV 18) - 10%

HPV 16 and 18 types

Symptoms and clinic

Symptoms and manifestations of HPV infection are warts, papillomas, dysplasia and cervical cancer. Different types of viruses - different manifestations in patients.

1. Warts

They are caused by the following types of HPV - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 28, 49.

  • youthful (or flat) warts - are caused by types 3 and 5 of the virus. These are small flat elevations on the skin, occur mainly in children. This type of wart is described in detail.
  • spines (or plantar warts) - are 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). 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 common toilet items, through a dirty toilet rim, using a shared bathroom, in a bathhouse, etc.

If a child is born to a mother with genital warts, the child is also infected and may subsequently 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. Papillomatosis of the larynx

Small, flat wart plaques (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals. It often develops in men who constantly change sexual partners. Called by types - 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.

5. Dysplasia and cervical cancer

More formidable 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. A more detailed article on CIN and dysplasia -.

Pictured is cervical cancer.

Remember

Cervical erosion and HPV are NOT the same thing. A detailed article on 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. Cancer of the skin 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 localization. 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 is 100% proven.

There is evidence for breast cancer and laryngeal cancer, though not yet formalized into a global recommendation. And, according to some cancer researchers, the day is not far off when cancer of another localization (for example, intestines) is also recognized as the result of activity in the human body of the human papillomavirus.

Remember

Any viral infection that is constantly in the human body (and HPV is one of those) is activated only when immunity is reduced.

Diagnostics

1. PCR analysis

The main method for diagnosing papillomavirus is the PCR reaction. Using special reagents, the presence of HPV DNA in the material from the patient is determined. The most common types of analysis for HPV are types 16, 18 of the virus, as well as a number of other highly oncogenic types.

Material for analysis is taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix of a woman. In men - from the mucous membrane of the penis.

Below in the photo is an example of PCR analysis and its decoding.

PCR can detect the presence of the virus even in a latent (that is, dormant) state. Therefore, it is important to determine the viral load, or the 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 conduct are violated (even a push of the table on which the study is being carried out can lead to such a false result).

So, 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

A new study gaining popularity in the medical community. This test is used to determine the presence of clinically significant levels of the virus. Thanks to this test, it is possible to identify - a high degree of oncogenicity in viruses in the patient's body, or a low one.

The Digene test is used in combination with a cytological examination of the cervix, and they are also evaluated in a complex manner.

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 referred to as "liquid-based cytology" or simply "cytology".

At the same time, a laboratory assistant under a microscope determines the presence or absence of pathologically altered cells, which should not normally exist, 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 study is "biopsy". Under a microscope, the doctor evaluates the degree of change in the tissue taken for examination.

How to decipher the analysis for HPV?

An example of a PCR analysis for HPV

Analysis interpretation

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, 10 to the 5th power).

Abbreviated: Lg

Gradations:

  1. 3 – 5 Lg. This is a clinically significant indicator. The risk of developing the disease is average. You need to be examined by a doctor.
  2. > 5 LG. High viral load. Be sure to undergo a full examination to exclude cervical dysplasia.

What is a reference value

This means the average statistical indicators for this study in this age group. That is, in a simple way, the reference values ​​​​are the norm.

For HPV reference values ​​are negative. That is, normally HPV DNA should not be in the analyzes.

What is KVM?

KVM is the control of taking material. Normally, the doctor should take a scraping in such a way that there are at least 10,000 (or 10 to the 4th degree, or 4Lg) epithelial cells in the material sample.
If the CME value is less than 4Lg, this means that there are few cells for analysis. The analysis is not recommended, as it will not be informative, and the doctor is advised to repeat the sampling of the 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 the 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 efficiency and can lead to the progression of the process. Self-medication is especially dangerous for diseases of the genital area.
  • With all types of treatment, a healthy lifestyle that enhances immunity is required.

Mandatory 3 directions in treatment

  • removal of manifestations - warts, genital warts, dysplasia (erosion) or cervical cancer
  • taking antiviral drugs (rarely used in the treatment of warts)
  • strengthening immunity (rarely used in the treatment of warts)

1) Removal

Removal of papillomas with a laser

Radio wave papilloma removal

The radio wave vaporizes the formation in the same way as a laser. .

Removal of 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.

Removal with liquid nitrogen

More detailed article about this method -

Cauterizing agents

Pharmaceutical locally necrotic drugs (acids, alkalis) are used:
- Super cleaner
- Solcoderm ()
- Duofilm()
- Collomac()
- Verrukacid, or ferezol ()
- Condilin ()
- and a number of others.

2) Antivirals

  • Isoprinosine (or groprinosin): 2 tablets - 3 times a day; 14-28 days (more detailed article about this drug -).
  • Allokin-alpha: 1 ampoule, dissolve the powder in 1 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride, inject subcutaneously 1 time in 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 increase immunity

Polyoxidonium, Roncoleukin, Immunal and others:

  • Immunal: 1 tablet - 4 times a day, the course is from 2 to 8 weeks.
  • Reaferon: powder of 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 in the 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 papillomavirus infection is detected during pregnancy:

  • the first is to find a good gynecologist and be observed by him until the birth,
  • the most important thing is what manifestations of the infection a woman has, the tactics of the doctor will depend on this,
  • The virus has no effect on the fetus!
  • warts and papillomas can be removed after childbirth,
  • minimum drugs (only as needed) during pregnancy,
  • during childbirth, the child can become infected, passing through the birth canal,
  • in the presence of expressed changes on the cervix of the pregnant woman can offer a caesarean section,
  • in the absence of manifestations - childbirth in a natural way.

In general, caesarean section for HPV infection is rarely performed. And manifestations of infection in children subsequently 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 mechanism for healing and prevention for a person, 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 later he develops immunity to this type of virus. Therefore, in adults, juvenile warts, spinules and vulgar warts very rarely appear.

It is on this principle that the method of vaccinating a person against various infectious diseases, including papillomavirus, is built.

That is why it is SO IMPORTANT to keep your immunity at a high level. A detailed article on how to strengthen immunity - read.

Specific prevention of PVI infection

  • Vaccine "Gardasil" (Gardasil) manufactured in the USA. This vaccine against types 6, 11, 16, 18 prevents the development of such symptoms of infection as genital warts, neoplasia (dysplasia, or erosion) and cervical cancer, penile skin cancer in men. In many developed countries, vaccination against HPV is carried out very actively, starting from the age of 11-12 years (link), until the time of the onset of sexual activity, when infection already occurs. Applies to both girls and boys.
  • Vaccine "Gardasil 9". This vaccine is nine-valent, that is, it acts against 9 types of the 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 the virus: 16 and 18.

Non-specific prophylaxis

  • Personal hygiene measures in public places
  • A healthy lifestyle that supports a high immune system
  • Proper mode of work and rest
  • Moderate physical culture
  • Taking vitamins, fruits, juices
  • Only one sexual partner (ideally)
  • Using a condom during sexual intercourse

And in conclusion - a few 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, 2019

Papillomatosis is a viral disease that has pronounced external symptoms in the form of proliferation of the epithelium. These pathological neoplasms are benign, but some types cause cancer.

Papillomavirus 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 strains are not able to provoke growths with further ability to become malignant - only various types of warts. These growths are absolutely safe, but nevertheless, for proper diagnosis and effective therapy, a specialist must examine the patient.

Papillomavirus 3, 5 types - juvenile warts

Neoplasms are flat, slightly elevated above the surface of the dermis. They appear more often in adolescence and almost never after 40 years. They can grow on the skin of the face, neck, arms, legs and on all other parts of the body, except for the feet, palms and intimate area.

Warts caused by type 5 papillomavirus disappear on their own. They require therapy only with some changes in their appearance:

  • bleeding;
  • Non-uniform coloring;
  • Violation of integrity with subsequent ulceration;
  • Merging of multiple growths into groups (formation of conglomerates);
  • Fast growth.

The reason for the appearance of flat growths is infection with HPV type 3 or 5, as well as a decrease in immunity. The coincidence of these factors provokes the growth of the epithelium. Warts do not always appear when infected. The patient's immune status may be high - then the infection will be eliminated.

With HPV 5 in adolescence, the appearance of warts is provoked by a sharp decrease in immunity against the background of hormonal changes. In this case, you need to contact an endocrinologist or dermatologist, because other unwanted formations (acne, acne) may appear on the skin of the face.

Human papillomavirus 1, 2 types - plantar warts

The so-called spines are not dangerous, but they cause discomfort due to their localization - on the dermis of the feet or on the palms. Due to their location, they are not protected from mechanical stress, so they can become keratinized, crack and bring discomfort to the patient.

HPV types 1 and 2 first cause a small callus that can itch and cause pain. As the wart grows, roughness appears in the center of the neoplasm, then black dots (clogged small capillaries). The edges of the growth rise above the middle, forming a roller.

The growth, which is caused by HPV type 1, hurts and itches due to the fact that it does not grow outward, but inward. There are many nerve endings and pain receptors.

The growth can disappear on its own within half a month or a year, if the immune system removes the pathogen from the body. Then the skin heals.

With HPV 1, drug treatment is indicated in the case of:

  • Strong pain;
  • Discomfort when walking;
  • Enlargement of warts in number and size.

When such symptoms appear, the dermatologist will select drugs or methods for the destruction of warts, and also prescribe systemic treatment.

HPV type 2 - vulgar warts

These growths, like the plantar ones, are localized on the surface of the skin of the hands and feet. Differ in smaller size and multiple formation. Most often, several appear at once (maternal, then child). The pathogen enters the body through small cuts, abrasions on the dermis, is localized in the basement membrane of the upper layers of the skin and disrupts the division of healthy cells.

For vulgar warts, which were caused by type 2 papillomavirus, the location opposite each other is characteristic. For example, growths are localized on adjacent fingers in places that are in contact with each other (also called "kissing").

Growths that appeared as a result of being in the body of HPV 2 may not go away for more than a year. If during this time no changes have occurred, but on the contrary, there are even more warts, you need to visit a dermatologist.

How to treat HPV types 1, 4, 5, 3?

Warts, the growth of which was provoked by this virus, disappear on their own after a while. If this does not happen, moreover, the symptoms of the disease cause inconvenience, it is necessary to start therapy. A dermatologist is engaged in the treatment of papillomatosis (if non-oncogenic strains are detected).

Components of HPV type 4 therapy:

  • Immunomodulatory treatment;
  • Removal of warts by one of the most suitable methods of destruction;
  • Regular vitaminization of the body.

Since warts often grow on the surface of the skin of the feet, for the purpose of prevention, it is necessary to wear shoes that do not hinder movement. If there is a problem with excessive sweating of the feet, it is recommended to remove it.

The growths formed with HPV 3 can be removed with one of the devices:

  • laser;
  • Surgitron (radio wave destruction);
  • Electrocoagulator.

Another method of physical influence on a pathological neoplasm is cryodestruction. It is less popular because it leaves marks on the skin and small scars. After treatment of a wart caused by HPV 4 or another strain, the damaged dermis heals for a long time.

Destruction with caustic agents is a more accessible and cheaper method of removing warts. Often patients carry out procedures at home without contacting a specialist. In this case, before using, for example, Wartner (an agent similar to cryodestruction) or Solcoderm, you must carefully study the instructions.

More than a hundred species have been found in papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus 16 is one of the most dangerous, it can cause cancer.

Features and varieties

The so-called human papillomavirus is a common type of one of the many existing viruses.

This kind of virus is commonly called papillomavirus among experts. Its main habitat in the human body is in the upper layer of the epidermis. In the process of infection, the virus settles in a certain layer of the skin, activating its activity, it interferes with normal cell division.

Of the hundred papillomaviruses that have been identified, only a fraction are dangerous species. All types of the virus are divided into 3 categories:

  1. Not causing cancer. The virus infects the body, causing a special rash on the skin. Such strains are labeled 1, 3 and 5.
  2. HPV with a low risk of developing oncology - strains 44, 42, 6 and 11.
  3. High risk of developing oncological manifestations. This category includes many varieties with markings such as 52, 56, 59, 51, 68, 58, 39, 35, 33, 31, 45, 18 and 16.

The most dangerous from the point of view of the development of oncological manifestations are considered to be strains of papillomaviruses 18 and 16. Investigating the diseases and cancerous tumors that occur in women, scientists have found that if microorganisms of the HPV variety are not found in the body, then the disease simply does not develop. In the study of cases of infection, it was found that most of them had strain 16.

The main danger of the type 16 virus is associated with its high ability and ability to contact cancer cells, provoking their growth and development. If appropriate conditions appear in the body, then the development of cancerous mutations occurs in the mucous membranes and cells of the epidermis.

According to external signs, the development of papillomavirus manifests itself in the form of papillomas, warts, various genital warts on the genitals. Carriers of such a virus are constantly at risk, since the development of cancer, especially if they are owners of type 16 papillomavirus, increases many times over. But the presence of VChP in the body is not yet an indicator of a developing oncological disease.

The most common type of cancer in women is dysplasia, or cervical cancer. Such a disease in 90% of cases causes type 16 papilloma.

Factors and causes of infection

The main source of infection is another infected person. There are several mechanisms for the transmission of papilloma:

  1. intimate relationships. In this way, mainly viruses of those types that are not carriers of oncological manifestations are transmitted, but they actively develop in the mucous membranes and skin of the genital organs.
  2. Household or contact. The virus enters the body through the skin that has fresh injuries, scratches, abrasions or cracks.
  3. In the process of labor, it can be transmitted to the child from the mother. After infection in a child in the mouth, larynx, mucous membranes, anus, papillomas of a different nature appear on the genitals.
  4. self-infection. You can bring the virus due to non-compliance with personal hygiene, using someone else's razor, depilator, etc.

Each of these transmission routes is quite simple and easy to implement, so about 80% of people after 40 years of age become infected with papillomavirus.

Stages of the disease

There are 4 stages of HPV development. Each stage of the manifestation of the virus has its own special characteristics:

  1. The first stage - infection is passive. At this stage, the manifestation of viral infection does not have a special symptomatic picture. To detect the appearance of infection in the body is possible only with the help of PCR.
  2. The second stage has characteristic manifestations due to certain symptoms, since the papilloma is in a state of constant activity and reproduction. This type of disease can be detected with the help of a thorough cytological diagnosis.
  3. The third stage is cellular disorders. During this phase, information is exchanged at the level of the DNA of the virus and a healthy cell of the body, which leads to a deep integration of HPV into the structure of tissues at the cellular level.
  4. The fourth stage is the transformation by the virus of healthy cells into cancerous neoplasms. Considering that the stage of integration at the DNA level has already been passed, various mutational combinations are formed. As a result of this trend, the formation of cancer cells and tissues occurs.

Development features

In men and women, infection develops differently. The strong half mostly acquires HPV before the age of 25. Interestingly, men can only be carriers of the infection for a long time and not be aware of their infection. But if the virus has become active, this can lead to:

  • infertility;
  • impotence;
  • decreased sexual activity.

Men mostly suffer from manifestations of genital warts on the genitals and anus. These formations can become sources of malignant formations that develop in the anus and penis. There are also cases that laryngeal papillomatosis is found in men.

Women are more susceptible to the development of genital warts, which manifest themselves between the ages of 15 and 30 in those who have an active intimate life. All representatives of the weaker sex are recommended by specialists after 28 years to undergo examinations for the detection of HPV, especially strain categories 16 and 18. Quite often, a woman, like a man, can be a carrier of the virus, and after the onset of menopause, she is faced with the development of an oncological disease.

Type 16 papilloma is especially dangerous for a woman, as it provokes oncological ailments of the uterus. Therefore, an annual examination by a gynecologist is a rather important preventive measure.

Children, just like adults, can be infected with HPV. In them, this virus has manifestations in the form of various warts. Infection occurs if the immune system loses its protective reactions or at birth, when it has not even had time to activate the main functions. In infants who become infected from the mother during childbirth, laryngeal papilloma may be observed.

Diagnostic methods

When the immune system is strong enough to constantly fight any infection, the HPV may not be activated, but retain its small presence in the blood. Such a process is a "time bomb", since with any weakening of the body's defenses, the infection will begin to act.

The first diagnostic actions begin with a visual examination of the symptomatic picture, which is due to skin manifestations. Type 16 papilloma most often has bright features that are noticeable during a routine examination. The second stage of diagnosis is the study of the collected biomaterials by scraping or blood collection.

How to get rid of pathology?

Specialists try to approach the treatment of patients infected with HPV in a comprehensive manner. The developed scheme of therapeutic therapy includes local and general methods. Local treatment is understood as the removal of all growths that have appeared: warts, papillomas or condylomas of the genital type.

In the process of removing such manifestations of the VChP, various operational methods are used:

  • cauterization;
  • laser therapy;
  • cryodestruction;
  • surgical excision, etc.

Common methods of treatment include the use of drugs from the group of immunostimulants and antiviral agents. To increase the resistance of the body, various herbal preparations, mineral and vitamin supplements, alternative and sports medicine procedures are included. Specialists for the treatment of any type of papilloma recommend reviewing your daily regimen and the quality of the food you eat, as well as getting rid of stressful situations.

Diagnosis of human papillomavirus: photo, development, treatment methods in men and women

Papillomavirus is a group of viruses in which there are about 24 subgroups. To date, about 600 species have been discovered. It is transmitted only from person to person. The problem of diagnosing and treating the human papillomavirus (HPV) is faced by many people and doctors. The virus is able to give impetus to tumor processes, it is found on the skin, in the esophagus, on the mucous membranes of the mouth, in the bronchi, conjunctiva and even in the rectum.

Causes of occurrence and ways of infection

Human papillomavirus is a very common disease transmitted by:

  • during sexual intercourse;
  • when touched, kissed;
  • through scratches or cuts when visiting the pool, bath, public toilets or gym;
  • when shaving or epilating.

Statistics say that even with one partner, women become infected in 20% of cases.

About 70% of the population are ill and are carriers of HPV. The virus is especially actively transmitted from patients on whose body there are warts (it is this virus that causes their appearance) in the form of pointed or flat uneven growths on the skin and genitals. In medicine, they are called warts and papillomas.

Possible infection of newborns from the mother during childbirth. In babies, the disease manifests itself in the form of growths in the throat or on the genitals.

Symptoms and development of the virus

The latent period of the disease (incubation) can last from two weeks to several years. At this time, there are no visible signs of the virus.

The appearance of warts on the skin can occur gradually and one at a time, but it is also possible that many condylomas or papillomas grow rapidly at once, similar in shape to sea kale.

If the infection occurred sexually, then the human papillomavirus manifests itself in women:

  • in the region of the labia;
  • vagina;
  • cervix;

in men:

  • around the head of the penis;
  • on the skin of the genitals.

When partners are carried away by oral sex, the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are affected, for lovers of anal sex - the anus, rectum.

Men rarely suffer from the disease, although they can be its carriers. When examining spouses, the virus is found more often in women.

Classification and types

To date, about 600 types of the virus have been discovered. Basically, they are harmless and disappear within two years after infection in the presence of normal immunity in the body. However, about 40 species are dangerous to humans, causing neoplasms, both benign and oncological.

In the 80s of the last century, doctors proved the relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer.

The following types of virus are classified according to the site of skin lesions and varieties:

  • plantar;
  • "butcher's warts";
  • ordinary;
  • flat.

On the genitals:

  • genital warts;
  • flat, provoking changes in the surface of the membrane of the cervix and causing oncology;
  • papillomas that cause cancer of the genital organs and anus, both women and men.

Other types:

  • damage to the oral mucosa;
  • papillomas of the respiratory tract;
  • tumors of the neck, head, lungs.

Varieties:

  • Simple papillomas appear on the back of the palms, and in children they can grow on the knees. They look like rough growths in the form of cones.
  • Plantar - interfere with walking, look at the beginning as shiny growths, then grow to a wart with a rim at the base. Growing, they form a whole bunch of similar formations.
  • Flat - the color differs little from the skin, but causes itching, redness, discomfort.
  • Filiform. In medicine they are called acrochords. They appear more often in people over 50 years of age. At first, they look like yellowish bumps, growing, forming outgrowths up to 6 mm.

When warts appear in visible areas, a sick person can contact a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment. It is more difficult to determine the defeat of the cervix or vagina, especially if women neglect visits to the gynecologist.

Learn all about the use of argan oil for face and body.

How to cure prickly heat in a newborn? Read effective methods at this address.

Read about warts on fingers here; How to remove warts is written in this article.

Virus diagnosis

If suspicious growths appear on the skin or mucous membranes in the form of papillae-like (warts) or uneven bumpy warts, you should definitely consult a doctor. Warts do not cause cancer as often as flat papillomas, but they are best removed to reduce the chance of infecting people around them.

Due to the possibility of cancer development, such neoplasms are being investigated.

The doctor takes an analysis for the human papillomavirus - scraping from the surface of the mucosa (colposcopy with damage to the cervix - examining the mucosa under strong magnification) or skin. The sample is examined under a microscope for changes in the structure of the tissue (dysplasia), as well as determining the type of virus.

Cervical smears are divided into 5 classes according to the results of a cytological study:

  • no changes;
  • changes are caused by inflammatory processes;
  • there are minor changes in the structure of cells, histology is required;
  • cells with signs of malignant changes were found;
  • there are many cells with signs of cancer.

Histological examination gives a more detailed picture of changes in the structure of the tissue.

Clinics use special HPV - tests that allow you to get more accurate analysis results. A positive test result indicates the occurrence of malignant processes in the tissue.

HPV is at high oncogenic risk. A high risk of cancer is caused by human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which occur in 70% of survey cases.

Based on the results of the examination, a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed.

HPV Treatment Methods

How to treat the human papillomavirus? In connection with the decrease in immunity caused by the disease, first of all, doctors prescribe medications that increase it:

  • interferons (reaferon, cycloferon);
  • interferonogens (prodigiosan, poludan);
  • indinol - forto.

But the main means of treatment is the mandatory removal of neoplasms by the methods of modern cosmetology:

  • diathermoelectrocoagulation;
  • cryodestruction ("cauterization" with liquid nitrogen);
  • laser removal;
  • radio or chemical treatment;
  • introduction of immunostimulants or immunomodulators into growths.

In each case of the disease, the types of treatment should be determined by a specialist.

If, according to the results of the examination, pathological processes in the skin are not found, then only papillomas with a small area of ​​skin around are removed. If malignant cells are detected, the operation can capture a significant area, depending on the depth of the lesion.

Folk methods and recipes

How to cure the human papillomavirus? At all times, traditional medicine has helped to fight diseases. Experience in the treatment of HPV is also quite extensive.

  • celandine juice;
  • juice of sour apples and their pomace;
  • dandelion juice;
  • ammonia.

Proven Recipes:

  • Prepare an infusion of chaga, celandine, string, freeze it and apply pieces of ice 3-4 times a day.
  • Lubricate with castor oil, then cover with a cloth. Usually 5-6 such procedures are enough.
  • Kerosene and walnuts. Grind immature nuts in a meat grinder, then mix: for 1 part of nuts - 2 parts of kerosene, the mixture should be infused for three weeks. Apply to warts 2 times a day.
  • potato juice,
  • echinacea infusion,
  • rosehip tea.

Herbal collections:

  • dandelion roots, nettle, lemon balm, horsetail, plantain;
  • wormwood, St. John's wort, tricolor violet, dill (seeds), calamus (roots), clover (flowers), plantain.

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On our website you can also learn everything about moles on the body. About nevi on the body is written here; Read about why moles appear on the body in this article.

HPV treatment at home

You can remove papillomas at home using drugs sold in pharmacies:

  • Cryopharma is a special composition that freezes warts. It must be applied carefully so that it does not get on healthy skin. After the procedure, in about a week, the growths will disappear, leaving no traces.
  • Treatment with special adhesive strips. Takes only 3 hours. But it can cause unpleasant or painful sensations when torn off.
  • Verrukacid - destroys neoplasms, but after application, the wounds heal for a long time.
  • Dilute 2.5 grams of aspirin powder, the same amount of iodine, 2 grams of boric acid in 100 ml of alcohol and smear papillomas with this composition.

Infection prevention

And yet, do not forget about the viral nature of the appearance of unpleasant growths. Removing papillomas from the surface of the skin, it will not be possible to get rid of the disease. Therefore, you should see a specialist to prevent the degeneration of neoplasms into cancer. It is not yet possible to completely cure HPV, but you can take steps to avoid getting infected.

For prevention you need:

  • use condoms for casual sex. A condom does not completely protect against HPV infection, as it does not cover the entire surface of the skin from contact, but still partially helps to avoid the spread of infection.
  • Avoid visiting the bath, pool, toilets, even with the most minor wounds on the skin.
  • In Russia, children have been vaccinated against cervical cancer, which is caused by the HPV virus. Girls 11-12 years old are vaccinated. The results of the vaccination showed a reduction in this disease in women who received the vaccine of a drug called Gardasil.

However, the Japanese refused the papillomavirus vaccine before the end of the research because of the many dangerous side effects.

The most dangerous types of human papillomavirus (16 and 18)

Human papillomavirus is a common strain of the papillomavirus genus that replicates in the top layer of the skin. As it is activated, it populates the basal layer and disrupts the process of cell division.

The most dangerous types of human papillomavirus

At the moment, scientists have been able to study more than 100 types of HPV. They divided them into 3 main groups:

  1. non-oncogenic viruses that affect the body with rashes of papillomas. Flat benign papillomas cause 1 - 3 and 5 strains.
  2. HPV types with low oncogenic risk - 6, 11, 42 - 44 strains.
  3. High oncogenic risk strains are human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, as well as 31, 35, 39, 33, 58, 68, 45, 59, 51, 56, 52.

The most dangerous in terms of oncogenic risk are papillomavirus types 16 and 18. Researching the causes of cervical cancer, experts found that in the absence of HPV infection, the disease does not develop in women. However, in 70 out of 100 reported cases, doctors estimated that approximately 50% of the pathology developed as a result of infection with the 16th strain of HPV.

The danger of papillomavirus type 16 is due to its high oncogenicity. With the onset of adverse conditions, it provokes a mutation of the mucous membranes and skin cells in the body. Externally, the infection manifests itself in the form of warts, papillomas, genital warts on the genitals. The carriage of papillomavirus contributes to the formation of malignant tumors and the onset of precancerous conditions (the risk increases by about 60 times). But the fact of detection of HPV is not yet the basis for diagnosing cancer.

Precancerous conditions caused by type 16 papilloma in women include cervical dysplasia.

Pathology is detected during a gynecological examination. The transmission of the virus occurs in everyday life and during sexual intercourse, as well as through contact with the mucous membranes and skin of the carrier of the virus. When there are genital warts on the genitals - papillary growths, the probability of infection with the virus reaches 100%.

As for the strong half of humanity, the main share in the risk group falls on young people aged 18-25 years. It is noteworthy that in the male body, HPV can stay in a latent form for a long time, that is, an inactive state. But over time, the disease still begins to develop, leading to such consequences as:

  • impotence;
  • infertility;
  • decreased sexual activity.

Since papillomatosis is also transmitted through personal hygiene products, for prevention, each family member should have a separate washcloth and towel.

Diagnosis of 16 strains of HPV

When the immune system is so strong that it does not allow the activation of the virus, it can circulate in the blood of the carrier asymptomatically. The first signs of a virus carrier in this case will appear as the immune system weakens. Having concentrated on one site, the virus begins to change the function of epithelial cells. Soon, papilloma appears on the body - the first sign of infection with the virus.

Symptoms of type 16 papilloma in men are represented by bowenoid papulosis - rashes on the skin of the genitals.

Compacted plaques, rising above the surface of the skin, can be seen on the glans penis. The color of pathological elements can be different - white, yellowish, pink. In rare cases, bowenoid papulosis becomes a factor in the development of skin cancer.

The 16th and 18th strains of papillomavirus can also cause Bowen's disease. Its diagnosis is facilitated by a raised red plaque with clear edges - it is located on the skin of the penis. The element can grow and become malignant, so treatment is difficult.

Other diagnostic methods for HPV are:

  1. visual inspection of the body and mucous membranes affected by warts;
  2. PCR - polymerase chain reaction, during which a biopsy or cells taken by scraping are examined;
  3. Digene testing is an accurate technique that determines the presence of HPV in the body and establishes the degree of danger in terms of subsequent malignancy of the pathological element.

The diagnosis of "cervical cancer" is possible when papillomavirus is detected in the vessels, nerve endings, muscle fibers and epithelial cells of the female body.

Treatment and prevention of papillomatosis

Treatment of human papillomavirus type 16 is carried out locally and through general therapy. The essence of local treatment is to remove pathological elements during cauterization with chemicals, treatment with liquid nitrogen and laser, as well as through surgical excision.

The leading place in the general treatment is given to antiviral and immunomodulatory types of therapy. But antiviral drugs are rarely prescribed by specialists. In order to increase immunity, the patient is given recommendations on the implementation of non-specific measures:

  • hardening;
  • balanced diet;
  • rejection of bad habits;
  • light physical activity.

Therapeutic courses include immunomodulators, vitamin-mineral complexes and tonic preparations. If HPV type 16 or 18 has led to the development of genital carcinoma, treatment is carried out surgically and supplemented with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

In addition to the genital organs, papillomavirus can also affect the larynx. The so-called recurrent papillomatosis of the larynx has been repeatedly registered in men.

The measures of specific prevention of human papillomavirus 16 strain include vaccination. Women are vaccinated up to the age of 26, children - from 9 to 17 years. Vaccinations are done in 3 stages with a 2-month interval between the 1st and 2nd administration of the drug. Between the 2nd and 3rd vaccination, a 4-month interval is maintained.

Non-specific HPV infection prevention measures include:

  1. refusal of promiscuous sexual life;
  2. the use of barrier methods of contraception;
  3. annual gynecological examinations;
  4. timely treatment of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital area.