Human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to the growth of the skin epithelium, the mucous membranes of the anogenital region, and the upper respiratory tract. Less commonly affects internal organs - esophagus, bronchi, rectum, bladder. As a result of the action of the virus, various forms of tumors are formed. Some of them are quite benign in nature, and some carry the threat of cancerous tumors. Which papillomas need special attention and removal? The article will talk about it.
Pathways of infection
Infection occurs after contact with a carrier of the virus, as well as with an infected person or animal. It is worth noting that the person with the disease may completely lack the clinical manifestations of papillomatosis. He sometimes doesn't even know about his infection. The entry of the virus into the human body occurs through small wounds on the skin or mucous membranes. For the development of an infectious process, single viral particles are enough. The virus can maintain its viability in the environment. That is why self-infection can also occur during hygienic procedures and in everyday life (shaving, plucking, combing, self-injection). Baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc. are considered the main public breeding grounds for the transmission of infections. Mass illnesses have been noted in schoolchildren. Newborns can become carriers of the human papillomavirus virus through their mother's birth canal.
Types of HPV
Currently, scientists have identified about 180 types of HPV, of which 29 are considered to cause cancer. Depending on their carcinogenic potential, they are divided into viruses:
- low activity level (types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81),
- moderate activity level (types 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66)
- high activity levels (16, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 68, 73, 82).
According to the latest data, one or another strain of the human papillomavirus can be found in the blood of about 80% of the world's population. However, this does not mean that all infected people develop papillomas. What factors stimulate the development of the disease?
Immunity and papilloma
Why does the virus disappear from the body of some people without leaving a trace, in others it persists for a lifetime without consequences, and in others it leads to the formation of a tumor? papillae? HPV is an infection that suppresses the immune system. In healthy individuals and virus carriers, a strong immune system is observed that prevents the replication of a foreign agent. The specific role of cellular immunity has been confirmed. It suppresses virus persistence at its level (ability to remain active for a long time beyond the acute phase), and in some cases, contributes to the regression of lesions. Spontaneous regression of papillomatosis occurs within six months. However, not everyone has such a high level of body defense, and then latent HPV infection turns open (manifested). Papillomas are formed under the influence of factors such as:
- promiscuous sex life, frequent change of partners;
- contact with a sex partner with a history of genital papillomatosis;
- the presence of concomitant sexually transmitted infections;
- immunodeficiency in vitamin deficiency, atopic dermatitis, pregnancy, AIDS;
- frequent colds and SARS;
- hormonal contraception;
- autoimmune diseases;
- smoking and alcohol.
The skin, damaged or prone to inflammation, becomes a powerful irritant, it no longer performs a protective function. Therefore, people with inflammatory skin diseases (acne, rash), eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis are all at risk.
Respiratory papilloma disease
Recurrent respiratory papilloma is the most common benign tumor of the larynx. In the respiratory tract, papillomas appear in any area - from the nasopharynx to the lung parenchyma. But it usually attacks the mucous membrane of the larynx. The severity of the disease is determined by the presence of tumors in the narrowest area, which contributes to airway obstruction, which leads to asphyxiation. In adults, it is considered obligate precancerous due to its high degree of malignancy (degeneration into melanoma). The main symptom of the disease is usually hoarseness, which then develops into loss of voice. The patient can still speak in a whisper. In the early stages, the manifestation of croup in the respiratory tract is sometimes confused with acute laryngitis. Therefore, treatment cannot be indicated without endoscopy. Various physiotherapeutic procedures on the larynx area lead to rapid growth of papillomas.
Warts in babies
Warts are benign epidermal growths, mostly seen in children and adolescents. They develop on the face, hands, and neck, often causing owners a lot of emotional trouble. However, more than 70% of these papillomas disappear without a trace within 1. 5 - 2 years. Therefore, doctors use their removal only in severe cases, because at the end of the hormonal changes, it is most likely that the body will deal with the HPV infection on its own. Other risk factors in childhood are chronic stress related to studying and passing exams, overwork, lack of sleep, malnutrition, fragile skin in babies, acne on the barsyouth.
Is it necessary to remove papillomas on the skin?
Some tumors degenerate into malignancy. This process cannot be ignored if a person pays attention to himself. An alarm is required if one of the following symptoms is detected:
- papilloma varies in size and configuration (it grows rapidly, the edges are blurred, additional growth and sealing forms);
- the color of the tumor changes in the direction of darkening;
- Inflammatory process is involved, skin peeling, cracking, oozing;
- pain occurs.
All of the above are signs to dismiss growth. It is also advisable to resort to a radical problem-solving method if papillomas are located in vulnerable places on a daily basis (on the neck, armpits, lumbar region, etc. ). Constant grazing and rubbing can initiate the cancerous process, and also contribute to the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms.
Tumor removal method
The treatments for destructive skin growth are divided into:
- chemicals (trichloroacetic acid 80-90% and other drugs);
- physical (coagulation, freezing, laser therapy, electrocautery).
If ablation is expected in adolescents or pregnant women, laser treatment only. After destruction, the use of topical antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs is indicated.
But the main method of removing papillomas of the larynx is endolaryngoscopy under anesthesia using microsurgery or surgical laser, after which stable remission is observed in only one third of patients. In practice, a combined approach is used: conducting additional cryotherapy (with localized disease), prescribing local anti-tumor drugs. The most common is inhalation of a special solution.