Perhaps, everyone has heard that there is such a dangerous human papillomavirus. But here is what it is, what health problems it causes, few know. Meanwhile, this is one of the most treacherous neighbors of man on the planet. After all, there are HPV oncogenic types that become the cause of cancer.
Viruses - Neighbors on the Planet
Viruses have been familiar to people for almost 150 years. It was at the end of the 19th century that the Russian scientist, the founder of the science of virology, discovered the smallest non-bacterial pathogens of tobacco, the tobacco mosaic virus. But, of course, these smallest agents live billions of years. The history of their appearance is not yet known to humans, but the fact that viruses are infectious agents is very well known.
Over the past decades since the first description of the tobacco mosaic virus by science, almost 7,000 species of these creatures have been openly and recognized. But scientists have hypothesized that there are more than a hundred million of such “organisms on the edge of life”.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) of the oncogenic type is only a small part of these small pests. But it is they that are capable of causing one of the most terrible diseases for humans - cancer. Moreover, mankind has not yet fully recognized even those representatives of this microscopic world that it has already met, but there are a lot of unknown viruses, which, moreover, can mutate. Possibly, HPV oncogenic types are not the only infectious agents that cause terrible diseases.
Papillomavirus - what is it?
Human papillomaviruses are common agents in the microscopic world of pests. Their scientists have already discovered more than 600 strains. The external manifestation of infection with such a virus is papillomas of various types that appear on the skin and mucous membranes. According to available scientific statistics, by the age of 50, almost 90% of the world's population is infected with one or another type of these infectious agents.
More recently, it was believed that such infection does not bring any special problems, except for unsightly outwardly skin formations. The same warts are also an external manifestation of papillomavirus activity. But scientists are meticulous people. And in 2008, Harold zur Hausen, a German scientist, made a report saying that two types of these agents - HPV type 16 and HPV type 18 - cause, under certain conditions, cancer.
The main types of HPV
The big world of viruses is being studied by scientists all the time. Only some of them revealed their secrets and identified by science. Among them is human papillomavirus (HPV). What types of oncogenous of the 600 strains already known to mankind? Before answering this question, it is necessary to understand the "kinship" in the microscopic world. Human papilloma viruses (Human papilloma virus) were isolated in a separate group in 1971 at a meeting of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). To date, all human papillomaviruses are divided by science into 5 genera, including 27 types of infectious agents. In addition to such division, oncogenic HPV are separately allocated. They were identified by numbers and divided into three groups:
- non-oncogenic group; the probability of carcinogenesis in these viruses is practically absent;
- a group with a low degree of oncological degeneration of cells;
- a group with a high degree of oncogenic activity.
The human papillomavirus, in gynecology playing the role of a common cause of cervical cancer, is labeled 16 and 18 and is in the third group.
In the future, cancer?
For most people who have heard something about papillomaviruses and oncology, HPV and cancer are almost synonymous. But actually it is absolutely not so. Yes, science distinguishes viruses called HPV oncogenic risk. But not always infection with such an agent will necessarily develop into a cancer. Yes, such a health problem is best diagnosed in time. It is not difficult to do this by undergoing regular medical examination by a gynecologist or andrologist.
HPV of oncogenic types is a common cause of the development of pathogenic health problems, but infection with even an oncogenic agent does not always develop into cancer. There are several reasons for this transformation, and most often they work in combination, causing cells affected by HPV to mutate.
Human papillomavirus can cause:
- genital warts and condylomas, flat and plantar warts;
- cervical adenocarcinomas;
- cervical cancer (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia);
- cervical dysplasia (erosion);
- cervical leukoplakia;
- vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.
- intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva.
What triggers carcinogenesis?
The human papillomavirus of high oncogenic risk is one of the common causes of cancer. But not always infection leads to a sad outcome. It happens that a person lives all his life with such a pathogenic neighbor and does not suspect about it. In order for the tissues to begin to grow, leading to the appearance of a tumor, a whole system of pathological components is needed. They include:
- dysbiosis;
- frequent infectious diseases;
- intestinal infections;
- exposure, often associated with special working conditions;
- regular hypothermia over a long period;
- chronic diseases;
- HIV infection;
- constant stress and psycho-emotional stress;
- poor nutrition, depleted in essential minerals, vitamins and trace elements;
- abortions.
A person should know that most papillomaviruses do not cause cancer mutations in infected tissues. According to scientific research, only 3% of those who have HPV infection subsequently become hostages of cancer.
There have been cases when the virus was eliminated (self-destructive). Such self-healing was recorded only in women under 30 years of age. But you should not wait for self-healing when infected with the human papillomavirus. This pathogenic agent poses a particular health hazard in older women who have entered menopause. A decrease in the hormonal background also affects a decrease in the body's defenses, which leads to the activation of HPV and the development of cancer. Therefore, a regular examination by a gynecologist is indicated for women of any age, regardless of their sexual activity.
What to do?
The unsightly external manifestations of human papillomavirus activity are easily removed using modern aesthetic medicine. But if oncogenic HPV is detected in the body, you should devote as much time as possible to your health, because even the flu can become an impetus to increased activity of the pathogenic agent. Modern science does not yet know the absolute way to get rid of such a serious problem as viruses, including HPV viruses. But restraining agent mutations and supportive health therapy can save a person from a potential cancer disease.
If the examination revealed infection with papillomavirus, it is necessary to regularly undergo additional examinations for early detection of cancer mutations. This is especially true for the presence of HPV oncogenic type. Treatment in this case is carried out by antiviral drugs and the destruction of external manifestations. Modern clinical medicine uses several such methods for removing tumors:
- electrocoagulation;
- laser therapy using carbon dioxide and infrared lasers;
- radio wave hardware surgery;
- chemo-and drug destruction.
Each of these methods has its drawbacks. The main problem of any method is relapse. Absolute 100% method of getting rid of neoplasms, none of the methods does not. The surgical method does not allow to save a person from the papillomavirus, it only removes its external manifestations, while the pathogenic agent itself remains in the tissues.
A combination of drug antiviral drugs and surgical removal of the manifestation of the activity of the virus is necessary. Immunomodulators and immunostimulants are also used, which activate their own immunity and contribute to the work of antiviral drugs.
Necessary analyzes
When revealing the presence of a health problem at the next examination, the question suddenly arises - if there is HPV, which doctor should I contact? Usually, treatment is prescribed by a specialist who deals with the problems of the area of the body where papillomas are identified - external signs of a viral infection. These are narrow-profile doctors:
- andrologist;
- dermatologist or dermatovenerologist;
- gynecologist;
- immunologist;
- oncologist;
- ophthalmologist;
- dentist;
- urologist;
- surgeon.
But, in addition to external examination, it is necessary to undergo a clinical examination, which will include two main methods for detecting and identifying the virus:
- PCR analysis;
- HPV DNA analysis (Digene test).
Analysis of the DNA of the virus at the moment is the most accurate, allowing to identify its type, concentration in the tissues. What analysis for HPV oncogenic risk should be passed, the doctor will decide and the capabilities of the medical institution.
HPV under No. 16
HPV oncogenic types are a common cause of human health problems. A special role is played by viruses included in the third group with a high probability of the transformation of healthy cells into cancer cells. The studies, which were conducted and regularly conducted, absolutely accurately pointed to one of the reasons for the development of cervical cancer in women - the oncogenic human papillomavirus 16 and 18, with 16 of them being the most aggressive.
When this type enters the human body, it can make itself felt for a long time, but then begin aggressive life activity, forcing healthy cells to uncontrollably divide, transforming them into cancerous, forming neoplasms.
Woman and the virus
Infection with the human papilloma virus occurs in several ways - through the blood with microdamage to the integument of the skin and mucous membranes, by airborne droplets, during childbirth - from mother to child. Experts also talk about repeated self-infection, for example, during shaving.
Infection of healthy epidermal cells with the virus makes them actively divide, which contributes to the appearance of neoplasms - papillomas. As a result of failures in such cells, they can degenerate into cancer cells and cancer develops. HPV type 16 is aggressive, often it is this type of virus that causes cervical cancer. According to studies in 70% of cases, it was this strain that caused the development of cancer of the female genital area.
In principle, any type of HPV in women can be caused by oncologists; 30 types of the third oncogenic type of viral agent can affect the female genital area. For each woman, it is important to visit a gynecologist regularly, who will conduct examinations according to a plan that allows you to identify the presence of deviations in health status. If necessary, an additional examination will be prescribed to detect the presence of the virus, its type and quantitative presence in the tissues.
All this will allow a woman to prescribe high-quality treatment. She herself must carefully monitor her health, any abnormal sensations and deviations should alert and lead to a doctor. These are manifestations such as:
- spotting after intercourse;
- pain during intercourse;
- burning sensation during urination;
- itching and burning of the external genitalia and vagina;
- discharge.
The same pathological observations can be made during any other disorders of female health. Therefore, consulting a doctor is a mandatory step on the path to maintaining not only health, but also life.
Is prevention possible?
The development of a disease caused by HPV of oncogenic types can and should be prevented. Everyone from youth should be aware that infectious agents such as the human papillomavirus are sexually transmitted from person to person through the slightest damage to the skin or mucous membranes. During sex, microtrauma can hardly be avoided. So protection in the form of a condom and sex with one partner is the best way to protect yourself from becoming infected with any STDs.
Another factor that can prevent the development of cancerous tumors is a healthy lifestyle. Yes, exactly what parents and teachers teach everyone from early childhood can activate immunity: the correct regime of the day, good nutrition, rejection of bad habits, and hygiene in all spheres of life.
For several years now, all girls aged 15 to 26 have been offered vaccination against human papillomavirus. It allows the body to develop protective elements that do not allow it to be activated. This vaccine is effective only when the tests showed absolutely precisely the absence of HPV in the body. Therefore, some experts recommend vaccination for girls aged 12-13 years, since most of them have not yet had sex, which means that the possibility of carriage of HPV is minimal.
At present, two types of HPV vaccines are used in our country: Gardasil and Cervarix. Moreover, the first is suitable for men to protect against infection with this infectious agent. The peculiarity of the vaccine also lies in the method of setting it - only in the shoulder or in the thigh, since the suspension with the antigen must get into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Buttocks are not suitable for these purposes, since there is a great risk of getting into the fat layer, not in the muscle.
Like any other vaccine, the human papillomavirus vaccine can cause a slight deterioration in well-being - pain at the injection site, fever, general weakness. These manifestations do not require medical intervention and pass after a while.
What do virologists say?
The human papillomavirus has recently become the most talked about among ordinary people after the flu. Many have heard of him; they know that it can cause cancer. But what do experts - virologists - say about oncogenic HPV? In 1927, the International Union of Microbiological Societies - IUMS was founded. It is under his auspices that the world of viruses, including HPV, is being studied.
Scientists have found that the probability of contracting them through unprotected sexual contact is about 70%, and almost half of the planet’s sexually active population are carriers of this infectious agent. The fact that HPV is actively spreading among the population of individual states is affected by socio-economic, behavioral, medical and hygiene conditions. Most often, women under 30 years of age suffer from papillomavirus infection, and in most cases it is type 16 HPV. The scientific community is actively working on the problem of human papillomavirus. Studies have found that:
- human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer, which, according to statistics, more than 500,000 women per year get sick;
- with infection, about 80% of women are cured of HPV without any medical procedures for 9-15 months, this is the so-called transient infection;
- HPV leads to the development of precancer in only half of the infected women;
- in the vast majority of cases, about 20 years elapse between HPV infection and the development of precancer and cervical cancer;
- with HPV infection of oncogenic types, the risk of developing cancer of the female genital area is 300 times increased;
- HPV infection in most cases does not manifest itself for a long time.
Papillomavirus is an insidious disease that can lead to terrible consequences, but you need to and can fight it. For this, it is necessary to undergo regular medical examinations, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and if necessary, follow all the recommendations of doctors.