Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes the growth of the epithelium of the skin, the anogenital region, and the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. Less commonly affects internal organs - esophagus, bronchi, rectum, bladder. Due to the activity of the virus, various forms of tumors are formed. Some of them are quite benign in nature, while others carry the threat of cancerous tumors. Under what circumstances do papillomas require special attention and removal? The article will tell about it.
route of infection
Infection occurs after contact with virus carriers and patients or animals. It is worth noting that infected individuals may have no clinical manifestations of papillomatosis at all. He sometimes doesn't even know about his infection. Viruses enter the body through tiny lesions of the skin or mucous membranes. For the development of the infection process, a single viral particle is sufficient. The virus is able to maintain its viability in the environment. This is why self-infection can also occur during hygiene procedures and daily life (shaving, depilating, grooming, self-injection). Baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc. are considered major public hotbeds for spreading infections, with large-scale illnesses among schoolchildren. Newborns can become carriers of human papillomavirus infection when they pass through the mother's birth canal.
Types of HPV
Currently, scientists have identified about 180 types of HPV, 29 of which are thought to be carcinogenic. They are divided into viruses according to their carcinogenic potential:
- low degree of tumor activity (types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70, 72, 81),
- Average degree of tumor activity (types 26, 31, 33, 35, 51, 52, 53, 58, 66)
- High tumor activity (16, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 68. 73, 82).
According to the latest data, one or the other strain of 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 have papillomatosis. What factors contribute to the development of the disease?
Immunity and papilloma
Why does the virus disappear without a trace from some people, in others it lasts a lifetime with no consequences, and in others it leads to the formation of papilloma? HPV is an infection that suppresses the immune system. In healthy people and virus carriers, a robust immune system was observed to suppress the proliferation of foreign agents. The special role of cellular immunity has been confirmed. It prevents the persistence of the virus at its level (the ability to remain active for extended periods of time outside the acute phase), and in some cases aids in regression of lesions. Spontaneous regression of papillomatosis occurred within six months. However, not everyone's body defenses are at such a high level before a latent HPV infection becomes an open (manifested) form. Papillomas form under the influence of:
- messy sex life, frequent partner changes;
- Contact with a partner with a history of genital papilloma;
- the presence of concomitant sexually transmitted infections;
- Vitamin deficiency, atopic dermatitis, pregnancy, immunodeficiency states of AIDS;
- Frequent colds and SARS;
- hormonal contraception;
- autoimmune disease;
- Smoking and drinking.
Skin that is prone to damage or inflammation becomes a powerful irritant and it is no longer protective. 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, papilloma occurs in any area - from the nasopharynx to the lung parenchyma. But it most often attacks the mucous membranes of the throat. The severity of the disease depends on the presence or absence of growths in the narrowest areas, which can lead to obstruction of breathing, up to suffocation. In adults, it is considered an obligate precancerous lesion due to its high degree of malignancy (regression to malignancy). The main symptom of this disorder is usually hoarseness, which then progresses to the loss of a loud voice. The patient can still speak in a low voice. In the first stage, the manifestations of respiratory papillomatosis are sometimes mistaken for acute laryngitis. Therefore, it is impossible to prescribe treatment without endoscopy. Various physical therapy procedures in the throat area cause papilloma to grow rapidly.
baby warts
Warts are benign epidermal growths that are mostly seen in children and adolescents. They develop on the face, hands, neck, and often cause a lot of emotional problems to their owners. However, more than 70% of these types of papillomas disappear without a trace within 1. 5-2 years. Therefore, doctors only remove it in extreme cases, because as the hormonal changes come to an end, the body is likely to deal with the HPV infection on its own. Other risk factors in childhood include frequent stress associated with studying and passing exams, overwork, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, delicate skin in babies, and teenage acne.
Is it necessary to remove papilloma on the skin
Some tumors regress to malignant. If one focuses on oneself, the process cannot be ignored. If you notice one of these symptoms, it is necessary to sound the alarm:
- Changes in the size and shape of the papilloma (it grows rapidly, with blurred edges, forming additional growths and seals);
- darkening of the tumor;
- Inflammatory processes join, peeling skin, cracks, exudate exudates;
- Pain occurs.
All of the above are signs of removal of growth. If the papilloma is located in an area prone to everyday injury (neck, armpits, lower back, etc. ), it is also worth taking an aggressive approach to the problem. Constant grazing and friction can initiate tumor processes and also aid infiltration of pathogenic microorganisms.
Methods of removing tumors
Destructive methods of treating skin growths are divided into:
- chemicals (trichloroacetic acid 80-90% and other drugs);
- Physics (plasma coagulation, cryo-destruction, laser therapy, electrosurgery).
Laser treatment is only used if excision is expected in adolescents or pregnant women. After destruction, topical antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs are indicated.
But the main method of eliminating laryngeal papilloma is intralarynx surgery under anesthesia using micro-instruments or a surgical laser, after which only one-third of patients record stable remissions. In practice, a combined approach is used: additional cryodisruption (using a localized form of the disease), local antineoplastic drugs are prescribed. The most common is inhalation with a special solution.