Human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to the growth of skin epithelium, mucous membranes of the anogenital area and upper respiratory tract. Less commonly affects internal organs - esophagus, bronchi, rectum, bladder. As a result of viral activity, various forms of neoplasms are formed. Some of them are quite benign, and some carry the threat of cancerous tumors. In what cases does the papilloma require special attention and removal? The article will tell about it.
The route of infection
Infection occurs after contact with a virus carrier, as well as with a sick person or animal. Keep in mind that infected people may lack the clinical manifestations of papillomatosis completely. He sometimes did not know about his infection. Penetration of the virus into the human body occurs through micro damage to the skin or mucous membranes. For the development of infectious processes, a single viral particle is sufficient. The virus is able to maintain its viability in the environment. That is why self -infection is also possible during hygiene procedures and in everyday life (shaving, epilation, combing the skin, self -injections). Baths, swimming pools, gyms etc. are considered major public breeding grounds for the transmission of infections. Major illnesses have been recorded among school children. Newborns can be carriers of human papillomavirus infection when passing through the mother’s birth canal.
Types of HPV
To date, scientists have identified about 180 types of HPV, of which 29 strains are considered oncogenic. Depending on the oncogenic potential, they are divided into viruses:
- low levels of oncoactivity (types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81),
- mean level of oncoactivity (types 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66)
- high levels of oncoactivity (16, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 68. 73, 82).
According to the latest data, one or another strain of human papillomavirus can be found in the blood of about 80% of the world’s population. However, this does not mean that everyone who is infected has papillomatosis. What are the factors that trigger the development of the disease?
Immunity and papilloma
Why does the virus disappear from the body of some people without a trace, in others it lasts a lifetime without consequences, and in others it leads to the formation of papillomas? HPV is an infection that is quite capable of suppressing the immune system. In healthy people and in virus carriers, a strong immune system is observed that inhibits the multiplication of foreign agents. The special role of cellular immunity has been confirmed. It inhibits viral persistence at its level (the ability to remain active for long periods outside the acute phase), and in some cases contributes to lesion regression. Spontaneous regression of papillomatosis occurred within six months. However, not everyone’s body defenses are at a high level, and then latent HPV infection turns into an open (manifest) form. Papillomas are formed under the influence of factors such as:
- free sex life, frequent partner exchanges;
- relationship with a partner with a history of genital papillomatosis;
- the presence of concomitant sexually transmitted infections;
- immunodeficiency conditions in vitamin deficiency, atopic dermatitis, pregnancy, AIDS;
- frequent colds and SARS;
- hormonal contraceptives;
- autoimmune diseases;
- smoking and alcohol.
The skin, which has damage or a tendency to inflammation, becomes a strong provoking factor, it ceases to perform a protective function. Therefore, people with inflammatory skin diseases (acne, rashes), eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis are at risk.
Respiratory papillomatosis
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is the most common benign tumor of the larynx. In the respiratory tract, papillomas occur in any area-from the nasopharynx to the parenchyma of the lungs. But it most often attacks the mucous membranes of the larynx. The severity of the disease is determined by the presence of growths in the narrowest areas, which contribute to respiratory obstruction, up to asphyxia. In adults, it is considered a mandatory precancer because of the high degree of malignancy (degeneration into a malignant tumor). The main symptom of the disease is usually hoarseness, which then develops into hearing loss. Regular patients can speak in whispers. In the first stage, the manifestation of respiratory papillomatosis is sometimes mistaken for acute laryngitis. Therefore, it is impossible to prescribe treatment without endoscopic examination. Various physiotherapy procedures in the laryngeal area lead to the rapid growth of papillomas.
Baby warts
Warts are benign epidermal growths that are mostly found in children and adolescents. They develop on the face, hands, neck, often causing the owner a lot of emotional problems. However, more than 70% of these types of papillomas disappear without effect within 1. 5 - 2 years. Therefore, doctors use their removal only in extreme cases, because with the cessation of hormonal changes, it is very likely that the body will overcome the HPV infection on its own. Additional risk factors in childhood are stress that is often associated with studying and passing exams, overwork, lack of sleep, malnutrition, delicate skin in infants, acne in adolescents.
Is it necessary to remove the papilloma on the skin
Some neoplasms degenerate into malignant. This process cannot be ignored if one is concerned about oneself. An alarm should sound if any of the symptoms are encountered:
- papilloma changes in size and configuration (it grows rapidly, its edges blurred, additional growth and seal shape);
- the color of the neoplasm changes to dark;
- the inflammatory process merges, the skin peels off, cracks, exudates ooze;
- pain appears.
All of the above are indications for tumor removal. It is also worth using radical methods to solve the problem if the papilloma is located in a place that is accessible for daily injuries (in the neck, in the armpits, in the waist area, etc. ). Continuous grazing and rubbing can initiate oncological processes, and also contribute to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms.
Methods for removing neoplasms
Methods of damaging skin growth treatment are divided into:
- chemicals (80-90% trichloroacetic acid and other drugs);
- physical (plasma coagulation, cryodestruction, laser therapy, electrosurgery).
If removal is expected in adolescents or pregnant women, then only laser therapy is used. After destruction, the use of local antiviral drugs and immunomodulators is indicated.
But the main method of removing laryngeal papilloma is endolaryngeal surgery under anesthesia using either microinstruments or surgical lasers, after which stable remission is recorded in only one -third of patients. In practice, a combined approach is used: additional cryodestruction is performed (with local disease forms), local antitumor drugs are prescribed. The most common is inhalation with a special solution.