HPV decoding. HPV infection in women - what is it? Diagnosis and treatment

Many people face such a problem as papillomas on the body. But not everyone knows why they arise and what consequences such neoplasms can lead to. The impetus for the formation of such growths is the human papillomavirus (abbreviated HPV). When this virus enters the body, it is able to live there without any manifestations, and only when the immune system weakens does it make itself felt. Therefore, you need to know what tests are taken to detect the virus.

The HPV test is interpreted by the attending physician

What is HPV and why is it dangerous?

HPV is the human papillomavirus. It occurs frequently, although not everyone knows about its presence. This is due to the fact that once the virus enters the human body, it can remain dormant for some time and not disturb in any way. When HPV appears as small papillomas, people usually don't notice it.

Doctors consider this virus to be the most widespread on the planet. Some experts produce deplorable statistics on this matter. They believe that 80 percent of the world's population is infected with HPV. These numbers are due to the ease of transmission of the virus from person to person.

You can become infected with HPV:

• during sexual intercourse, all forms of its manifestation;
• during everyday contact, during a handshake, if a person has a small wound on the body;
• during a kiss;
• during childbirth;

if you neglect personal hygiene products, use one towel; when visiting public places such as the beach, swimming pool, gym. At the moment, scientists know more than a hundred stamps of this virus. It can appear on any part of the body, including the genitals and oral cavity. But in addition to external manifestations, some varieties of this virus can manifest themselves on the esophagus, nasal mucosa or cervix.

When shaking hands with a person sick with HPV, the virus is transmitted to a healthy person

What tests are there to detect HPV?

To determine whether there are papillomaviruses in the body, you need to undergo certain tests. Any doctor can issue a referral, but most often the reason to send a person for tests is from a dermatologist, urologist and gynecologist. It is these doctors who encounter the manifestations of the virus on the human body.

There are many ways to determine the presence of a virus in the body. Modern techniques will be able to detect not only the presence of HPV in the body, but also tell whether this type belongs to a dangerous strain of the virus. Such studies include:

1. Colposcopy. This method will help the doctor visually examine the cervix. Using a special device, the doctor receives a picture of the cervix enlarged several times. If a woman has papillomas, it will be visible.
2. Cytological studies, another name, Pap test. With this method, a smear is examined under a microscope. If the test results show numbers from one to two, then everything is fine, if the analysis shows the number three, then additional tests are required. If the test results show numbers from four to five, then this indicates the presence of malignant cells in the body. When testing for HPV, the laboratory technician looks for modified cells. However, this analysis may show false results, this happens if the smear was taken incorrectly or it was interpreted incorrectly. The error in this case is 5%.
3. Histological method. In this method, the doctor takes a scraping from the area where there is a growth similar to papilloma. After this, an examination is carried out under a microscope to identify changes in the cells.
4. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This research method is not 100% reliable, but it is sometimes carried out. The fact is that the immune system produces antibodies before the virus manifests itself. Such testing is carried out as an additional analysis.
5. Amplification test. This is the latest and most accurate method for studying HPV. With its help, the amount of virus in the body is determined. The amplification method also helps determine whether a neoplasm is oncogenic. In order to conduct this test, the doctor makes a scraping of the mucous membrane.
6. PCR. This is a popular type of analysis for identifying papillomavirus and oncogenic cells. This test is liquid, as it examines: urine, blood, saliva, amniotic fluid, or a mucosal smear. This test is accurate and aims to detect HPV DNA in the body. But if the analysis is carried out by an unqualified specialist, then there is a high probability of an erroneous result.

Cytological examination involves examining a smear taken under a microscope.

Preparing for the HPV test

In order for the results of HPV tests to be correct, you need to follow certain rules when preparing to collect research material.

If you intend to collect test material from the vagina, then certain rules should be followed:

• you cannot take the test five days before the start of the menstrual cycle, and within five days after its end;
• douching is prohibited;
• taking antibiotics is prohibited;
• It is prohibited to use antibacterial products, including hygiene products;
• for two days before the study, sexual intercourse is prohibited;
• 2-3 hours before sampling, it is recommended to refrain from urinating.

If you plan to draw blood, it is best to do it in the morning on an empty stomach. Also, three days before the test, it is not recommended to drink alcohol.

After the patient has passed the tests, he is given the results of laboratory tests. The HPV analysis is deciphered by the attending physician.

You should not drink alcohol 3 days before your test.

Interpretation of HPV tests

If a doctor suspects that a patient is infected with the human papillomavirus, he prescribes a series of tests. One of these tests will be a complete urine and blood test. They will not show if there is papilloma in the body, but with their help you can find out the presence of concomitant diseases that are sexually transmitted.

The next direction that the doctor can prescribe is a quantitative analysis (Digene test). This is a modern, accurate and fast method of detecting the virus, based on the capture of DNA cells. For this study, you will need to take a scraping of the material being studied.

Quantitative HPV analysis transcript:

• a unit of virus less than 3 per 10⁵ cells is an insignificant concentration;
• a unit of virus from 3 to 5 per 10⁵ cells is a significant concentration;
• a unit of virus greater than 5 per 10⁵ cells is a high concentration.

The first indicator is the HPV norm, since such a content of the virus in the body rarely carries any consequences. Most often, the human immune system copes with such indicators of the virus on its own, so no additional treatment is required.

In the second case, the concentration of the virus is high enough for neoplasms to appear on the body. In this case, the doctor will recommend treatment and further observation.

With an increased concentration of the virus in the body, there is a possibility of the development of malignant cells. Therefore, the doctor prescribes treatment and further observation of the patient.

An HPV test will show the strains and concentration of the virus

If the patient decided to take a quantitative test for no apparent reason, and as a result a small concentration of the virus was detected, then there is no need to worry. The virus could enter the body not through sexual intercourse, but through the skin. In this case, if the doctor does not consider it necessary to prescribe additional treatment, you can take a course of vitamins to maintain immunity.

The doctor may also order a test test using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. In this method, research material is immersed in a special apparatus for four hours. This device is able to determine not only the amount of virus in the body, but also how many HPV stamps are detected. This method is good because it can detect the virus even during the incubation period.

In PCR analysis, it is important to correctly take the material for research, since the device may show incorrect information. Therefore, biological matter must be taken by a highly qualified specialist.

Decryption features

It must be remembered that the doctor should decipher the tests, and only he, then, prescribes treatment.

Sometimes HPV test results can be wrong. The following factors may influence this:

• dirty test tube;
• incorrectly taken biological material;
• before the tests, the patient took medications;
• urination shortly before taking a scraping for analysis;
• if before the procedure of taking a smear, the woman douched.

In order for the test results to be correct, you need to consult a doctor and follow his instructions.

Skin growths of various shades of flesh color often indicate infection with the human papillomavirus. In total, there are 100 or more types of HPV - of which we can distinguish both the most dangerous (with a high carcinogenic risk) and the non-dangerous (medium risk and non-oncogenic).

This disease requires accurate diagnosis with the prescription of effective therapy. No less important are further prevention and periodic examination by a specialist, including testing.

Deciphering the analysis for papillomavirus is an important step in diagnosing the disease. Based on the indicators obtained as a result of the study of biological material, the attending physician prescribes antiviral therapy and the most appropriate method for removing pathological growths.

HPV - complete blood test

A general blood or urine test cannot determine the presence of HPV in the body. This research method is used to identify concomitant sexually transmitted diseases, because in almost all cases several pathogens are identified.

In case of HPV, a general DNA analysis of this pathogen will not determine the pathogen, but it will identify concomitant infections, which allows the specialist to adjust the therapy.

Such infections include:

• Chlamydia;
• Mycoplasmosis;
• Hepatitis;
• Human immunodeficiency virus, etc.

If the general test for HPV is negative for concomitant sexually transmitted infections, therapy is directed only at the treatment of this virus.

Diagnostic methods should be aimed at qualitative and quantitative determination of the pathogen, as well as a detailed study of the affected surface.

HPV - quantitative analysis. Decoding. Norm

The Digen test is considered quantitative - it is a diagnostic method based on hybrid DNA capture. To carry out the analysis, it is necessary to collect biological material (smear, scraping). This study determines both the viral load (HPV titers) and the strain type (typing).

Only an experienced doctor can interpret the results. The following indicators are provided for informational purposes only:

• Virus particles<3 на 10 5 клеток эпителия - малозначимая концентрация;
• 3-5 Lg (HPV/10 5) - significant;
• Pathogen particles >5 per 10 5 cells. ep. - high.

In the first case, there are very few papillomavirus DNA particles even to cause the appearance of body growths. Most often, such indicators are accompanied by independent elimination of the pathogen from the body.

A clinically significant amount of HPV implies a concentration of the virus sufficient to cause external symptoms of the disease to manifest in the form of cutaneous or anogenital neoplasms. This will require further regular monitoring and prevention.

If with HPV, a clinically insignificant concentration of the virus cannot be a precursor to oncology, then an increased concentration in most cases is observed in severe forms of dysplasia. In this condition, atypical cells multiply - there is a high probability of their malignancy.

If a patient, for the purpose of prevention, decided to be tested for the presence of a pathogen and several non-oncogenic strains of HPV were identified, this is the norm. The virus can enter the body not only sexually, but also through the skin (if its integrity is damaged) - more than 95% of people are carriers of the pathogen. If the doctor has not identified external symptoms, this condition does not require therapy (only if there is a small concentration of non-oncogenic strains).

HPV - PCR test results

This research method is carried out using a special device - an amplifier. To obtain results, it is necessary to load pre-prepared samples into the device, which are examined for 4 hours.

Using the polymerase chain reaction method, you can determine the number of pathogen particles for HPV, as well as perform DNA typing, which will provide information about the presence of one or more strains of the virus.

The test is able to detect HPV, even if the sample contains several particles of viral DNA, or it is in the incubation period of development. Automation of the process eliminates the situation when HPV is negative, but papillomas are present.

Advantages of the PCR method:

• Versatility;
• Painless;
• Speed ​​of obtaining results;
• High sensitivity;
• Ease of implementation.

Taking biological material is no less important stage of the procedure than decoding the analysis. Papillomavirus can be on the mucous membrane of the epithelium, but sometimes it does not get into the scraping. Based on this, only a highly qualified specialist can correctly remove a piece of epithelium, having first assessed the degree of damage and possible zones of transformation.

False HPV test results

Methods for determining the concentration and strains of the virus are high-tech and automated - the results are given by machines, so errors on the part of the machine can be excluded. There are factors that contribute to obtaining incorrect results.

When testing for HPV, a false positive result can be obtained in the following cases:

• Contamination of the sample with foreign particles;
• During the period of elimination of the neutralized virus after effective therapy.

The course of treatment is aimed at stimulating the immune system, which inactivates the pathogen cells (removed from the body due to the high phagocytic activity of the cells).

If the HPV test is negative, and body growths or anogenital warts were detected during examination, then one of the factors influenced the course of the study:

• The material was taken unsuccessfully;
• Inflammatory processes in the ovaries, fallopian tubes (in women), or in the prostate gland (in men);
• Use of antibacterial and contraceptive medications before sampling;
• Douching was performed.

If men test negative for human papillomavirus and have genital warts or other pathological growths, the results of the test (scraping or smear from the urethral canal) could be affected by urination an hour before taking the material.

To obtain reliable information about the presence or absence of a pathogen in the body, you need to check with your doctor whether there are recommendations for preparing for the procedure.

Enzyme immunoassay for HPV - explanation

To conduct this study, the patient's blood is required. The essence of the analysis is to determine antibodies specific to the papilloma virus. Leukocytes, due to the pathogen entering the body, produce immunoglobulins.

With HPV, enzyme immunoassay indicators can only describe the state of the immune system in relation to a foreign agent, but not the fact of the presence of the virus.

ELISA provides an opportunity to learn about:

• Duration of presence of the pathogen in the body;
• The presence or absence of tumor markers (malignant process).

When examining for human papillomavirus, test results may give the following indicators:

This indicates the presence of specific immunoglobulins. The first indicator indicates a fresh infection, the second - a recent one. When examining for HPV, the IgG value will indicate the presence of the pathogen in the body for a long time.

Since the papilloma virus of a high oncogenic type is capable of causing dysplasia, as a result of which a malignant neoplasm can develop, tumor markers may be present along with IgG. This is due to the presence of a large number of atypical cells (at a severe stage of dysplasia).

This method cannot accurately determine whether the papillomavirus is in the body. The norm is its absence, but even when the virus was detected during PCR, the ELISA results may not show it. This is due to insufficient functioning of the immune system, when immunoglobulins are not produced in response to the presence of infection.

HPV reference values

The parameter is used to decipher test results. Any laboratory test has its own reference values ​​or ranges. With their help, a specialist has the opportunity to determine deviations from the norm.

The results of tests for human papillomavirus were normal - no HPV was detected. At the conclusion of any study for this type of pathogen, the reference value will be indicated: not detected.

This does not mean that there is no virus in the body. After this, HPV groups, strains and their concentration in the blood can be written. When the test for human papillomavirus is positive, digital values ​​are indicated. If these lines of the conclusion, after listing the types, also indicate “not detected,” it means that the pathogen is absent and the patient is healthy.

These digital values ​​indicate the amount of HPV (normal - not detected). They can range from<3 до >5, where the first indicator indicates a low concentration of the pathogen, the second - a high one.

Positive test for HPV - further actions for the patient

If test results show the presence of a virus of a highly carcinogenic type, patients are indicated for treatment with further prevention and regular testing for viral load. In women, such strains of the pathogen can provoke intraepithelial cervical neoplasia, and there is also a risk of developing dysplasia and cervical cancer.

• Transitory;
• Persistent;
• Reinfection.

There is no standard treatment regimen, because each patient has different symptoms, load and strains - therapy is selected individually, taking into account concomitant diseases.

If the test for papillomavirus is positive, you need to carefully consider treatment - if dangerous strains are identified, the patient is automatically transferred to a high-risk group for developing cervical cancer.

Papillomaviruses (HPV, Latin abbreviation - HPV) are a large group of viruses, numbering about 150 strains and infecting epithelial tissues. Some subtypes of HPV are harmless, others are unpleasant because they lead to the appearance of warts on the skin, but there are also varieties that are life-threatening.

Doctors are especially concerned about those subtypes that cause degeneration of epithelial tissue, leading to the development of benign and malignant tumors.

The papilloma virus is easily transmitted through sexual contact. Today it is considered the second most common after the group of herpes viruses. Up to 70-75% of adults are its carriers, and at least half of them have clinical manifestations.

As they study, virologists identify strains of increased oncogenic risk that can cause cervical cancer, breast cancer (according to 2011 data) and other types of malignant tumors. Strains 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 54, 56, 66, 68, 82 are considered the most dangerous - they have a high risk of oncogenicity, cause precancerous conditions and cancer in women and men. In approximately 70% of women with severe dysplasia and cervical cancer, the main provocateur was HPV 16 and 18.

Doctors are concerned about flat and genital warts, papillomas and neoplastic changes in the cervical epithelium that occur under the influence of HPV. If during a gynecological examination the doctor finds such manifestations, he will definitely refer the patient for examination and take an HPV test to find out whether she is infected with a high-risk subtype of oncogenicity.

A man will also need to undergo the same analysis if genital warts occur in the perianal area or on the genitals.

Why diagnose HPV?

There are a lot of HPV strains, and a person can be simultaneously infected with several of them, and also be re-infected more than once during his life. If he has clinical manifestations of HPV, for example, condylomas, then during sexual contact the virus will definitely be transmitted to his partner. In this case, short-term skin contact is sufficient, so the use of condoms does not fully protect against HPV.

The incubation period lasts from a month to 5-10 years, and clinical manifestations are not always observed, or the infected person does not notice them. In approximately 90% of cases, a healthy immune system suppresses the virus on its own, even without treatment.

But in some cases, the pathogen can linger in the body, then doctors talk about a persistent infection. However, even this does not always lead to severe dysplasia or cancer. If condylomas, papillomas on the genitals or cervical neoplasia are detected, then these diseases are treated as independent, regardless of the results of HPV tests, which are used to assess risks for oncology and control the strength of the immune response.

HPV tests: how often to get tested

Since women are at risk and HPV is especially dangerous for them, they are advised to get tested regularly. With the onset of sexual activity, approximately 70-75% of girls become infected with the HPV virus, which can be detected in tests (smear). In some cases, a slight cervical ectopia is detected. Usually it only requires observation, and after a year or two, HPV is successfully suppressed, and ectopia disappears.

At the age of 21, according to modern standards, all girls, regardless of whether they are sexually active, are recommended to undergo screening for cervical cancer (cytological examination, PAP test) and an HPV test. If the latter is negative, and the cervix is ​​normal, then subsequent cytology, until the age of 30, is recommended to be done every three years, and at the same time an analysis for papillomavirus (HPV screening) is taken.

If HPV infection is present, especially if subtypes of the virus with high oncogenicity are detected, there are neoplastic changes in the epithelium of the cervix, a PAP test and examination by a gynecologist are recommended once a year.

After age 30, women are recommended to undergo annual screening. It is believed that the virus is successfully suppressed at a young age, but over time it is more difficult for the immune system to maintain protection. Plus, the risk of developing cervical cancer increases, which is rarely diagnosed before the age of 30.

Possible indications for testing:

1. Routine gynecological examination;
2. Unprotected sexual intercourse or contact with multiple partners in the period after a routine examination;
3. Preparing for pregnancy;
4. The presence of epithelial neoplasms on the genitals.

An unscheduled test can be prescribed for both men and women with the following symptoms:

• Urinary disorders (condylomas and papillomas can be localized in the urinary tract);
• Burning and itching in the genitals;
• Pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• Pain in the anus (condylomas are localized around the anus, in the rectum);
• Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes.

Screening procedure

The examination of a woman begins with a routine appointment with a gynecologist. He conducts an examination, collects anamnesis, and inquires about complaints. At this stage, condylomas and papillomas can be detected.

During the examination, the doctor takes a smear for HPV PCR and a smear for cytology (Papanicolaou test, PAP test). Below we will take a closer look at the essence of these studies. If the PCR result is positive and changes in the epithelium of the cervix are detected, the woman is sent for colposcopy - an instrumental examination to assess the condition of the cervix. You can read about this study below.

What does a Pap test show?

The method of examining cervical smears for the presence of pathologically altered cells was invented by a Greek doctor named Papanikolaou back in the 30s of the 20th century. And today it remains the leading method of screening studies to identify precancerous conditions of cervical cancer and PVI infection. As mentioned earlier, WHO recommends that healthy women undergo it every three years.

It is believed that, on average, a persistent human papillomavirus infection caused by a highly oncogenic strain can develop into cancer in 10-15 years. Therefore, regular examinations protect the health and life of women.

Smears from the vaginal vault, surface of the cervix and cervical canal are taken with special instruments and applied to a glass slide. This material is then treated with a special compound so that the cells do not dry out or become deformed, and is stained using the Papanicolaou method. The stained glasses are sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Under a microscope, a specialist examines cells, analyzing their shape and size. Based on the results of this study, a conclusion is given that classifies the obtained material into one of five classes.

Table 1 provides a description of the cytological classes:

In the last three cases, the woman will be sent for further in-depth examination; in class 2, the smear will need to be taken again after treatment of the cervical inflammation.

During papillomavirus infection, among the atypical cells, koilocytes (cells with an atypical light zone around the nucleus and numerous vacuoles are present in the cytoplasm) and dyskeratocytes (elements with an unusually large nucleus) are found.

Preparation and cost of the study

The Pap test gives the best results if it is performed immediately after menstruation. 48 hours before the test you need to avoid sexual intercourse. You cannot use medications for insertion into the vagina (suppositories, spermicidal contraceptives), or douching.

If there are signs of infection (itching, discharge), they must first be treated, then a test should be performed. The examination itself is completely painless and lasts only a few minutes along with the examination.

A Pap test is done free of charge (according to the compulsory medical insurance policy) in any gynecology, but if you want to get the most accurate results, you can do thin-layer liquid cytology (a more advanced method) in a private clinic. The approximate price in Moscow clinics is 1,500 rubles.

Molecular biological research methods

The second part of the screening is the actual tests for papillomavirus. They are important because even with normal cytology, a positive molecular test result indicates that the woman is at risk.

This includes two types of research:

• Polymerase chain reaction;
• Digene-test.

HPV PCR analysis

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detects viral DNA in biomaterial. There is a qualitative analysis - its result shows only the presence of one or another group of HPV, but not the concentration of the virus in the body. The result of the analysis is “detected” or “not detected”. Used for screening.

Quantitative analysis already makes it possible to see the concentration of the pathogen per 100 thousand cells (total viral load) of highly oncogenic strains. This allows you to assess the risks to a person and track the effectiveness of treatment during control tests.

The quantitative analysis form may contain the following indicators:

• Lg less than 3 – the virus is in a clinically insignificant amount;
• Lg 3-5 – the viral load is increased, there is a risk of malignant degeneration;
• L more than 5 – a very high level, the probability of rebirth is very high.

Quantum real-time PCR studies are used to determine the type of HPV. This is both quantitative and qualitative analysis. HPV Quantum 4 identifies the 4 most oncogenic viruses - 6, 11, 16, 18. Quantum 15 and 21 cover the corresponding number of strains with medium and high oncogenic danger. Infection with several highly incogenic strains at once requires particularly careful attention from a doctor.

When an infection with a highly oncogenic strain is detected for women over 30 years of age, genotyping is used - blood is taken for control tests (repeated once a year) to determine whether the same strain is circulating in the blood as before. A persistent infection will not disappear on its own and requires treatment, but if the strain has changed, then it is a different infection, which the immune system will most likely cope with.

For PCR analysis, a scraping of epithelial cells is taken during a gynecological examination (the first half of the cycle). The same test is performed on men if there is a suspicion of HPV infection, only a scraping is taken from the urethra. Sometimes blood or urine is taken from men for testing.

Preparing for PCR is simple: abstain from sexual intercourse for three days. Women - do not douche or wash with antibacterial soap the day before. Men - do not urinate an hour and a half before scraping.

The cost of such analysis depends on the research method. Since the method requires high-tech equipment, the price ranges from 1-3 thousand rubles.

Hybrid capture method. Daijin test

This is the most sensitive and informative test for human papillomavirus that exists today. It is both quantitative and qualitative, determining both the concentration of the virus and the strain. Therefore, this analysis is used both for the primary study and for monitoring therapy. Various biomaterials can be used for research: a smear from the cervical canal, urethra, material taken for biopsy or cytology.

Typically, private clinics offer comprehensive identification of strains with both low and high oncogenic risk. All this, together with the collection of material, will cost approximately 6-7 thousand rubles. State clinics do not offer such a procedure as part of compulsory medical insurance.

In-depth examination: colposcopy and histology

It is carried out for appropriate indications: if cytology is poor and/or infection with a highly oncogenic virus is detected. During colposcopy, the vaginal part of the cervix is ​​examined in detail using sophisticated equipment - a special binocular microscope (colposcope) with illumination. This allows the doctor to see even minor changes in the epithelium. To obtain an accurate diagnosis, special optical filters are used.

During extended colposcopy, a test is performed with Lugol's solution and a 5% acetic acid solution. These tests help identify altered cells that are not visually noticeable. When using iodine, they do not become colored like healthy ones, but when treated with vinegar they become white.

During the examination, the doctor decides whether a biopsy is necessary, and if so, from which area it is better to take the material, and in what way. For example, when identifying unstained cells on the Schiller test (Lugol test), tissues are taken from this area. The biopsy is also performed under the control of a colposcope. The biological material taken is sent for histological examination to identify malignantly changed cells.

Histology, unlike cytology, uses biomaterial taken not only from the surface, but also from underlying tissues. This makes it possible to make an accurate diagnosis.

Men are also prescribed a biopsy if genital warts are detected on the skin or mucous membranes. Usually this manipulation is prescribed by a urologist or dermatovenerologist.

Preparation and cost of procedures

Colposcopy is performed in gynecological clinics, both public and private. It is not difficult to prepare for the procedure: give up vaginal sex, the use of tampons, and douching 48 hours in advance. An examination with a colposcope lasts 15–25 minutes. If any manipulations were performed with the cervix, there may be slight spotting bleeding after the procedure, this is normal.

How much does a colposcopy cost? A simple one is about two times cheaper than an extended one - from 1200 rudders in Moscow. The cost of a biopsy depends on the method used, on average it is 3,000 rubles. Moreover, this procedure can be completed completely free of charge - under the compulsory medical insurance policy. Where to have the examination done, in a public clinic or a private one, is decided by the patient himself.

Video on topic

HPV analysis for human papillomavirus, Digene PCR blood test

Description of hybrid capture and PCR methods

The advantages of the HPV test are:

• identification of 13 high-risk strains;
• detection of 5 HPVs of low risk of oncogenicity;
• determination of concentration in tissue.

Polymerase chain reaction will help identify HPV and other pathogens. Since the microorganism is in a latent state, the virus can be detected if it is asymptomatic.

Preparing for the Digene HPV Test, Hybrid Capture Technology

To prevent studies from showing false results, you should properly prepare for testing. It is not recommended to take alcoholic beverages or antiviral medications the day before the test. Otherwise, the examination result may be false, and the disease will progress slowly.

A woman should not use intimate gels with bactericidal properties or local medications for 3 days before the test. Digene HPV Test is not done during menstruation. On the day of sampling, the genitals are not cleaned with soap and water. This can be done after passing the test.

Indications for HPV testing

A man can consult a doctor if he suspects an infection, and examinations are carried out as needed. The main indications for taking tests may be:

• control of therapy;
• screening examination of a woman after 30 years of age;
• a complex of cytological studies to detect cancerous changes.

If infection is suspected, the doctor will refer the patient for testing, regardless of age. The virus lives in the mucous membranes and skin membranes. The higher the immunity, the fewer viruses.

When the virus rages, it changes the function of the epithelium. Cells begin to divide uncontrollably, and skin growths turn into condylomas and papillomas. In the clinical form of the disease, exophytic formations grow rapidly, leading to the appearance of a Buschke-Levenshtein tumor.

The subclinical form of papillomavirus is characterized by flat-shaped condylomas located on the cervix or vagina. With the latent form of HPV, it is difficult to detect the infection, since there are no morphological tissue changes.

Interpretation of HPV diagnostic results

The classification of viruses is determined by specific values, for example, flat warts - 3, 10, 49, and plantar warts - 1, 2, 4. The genitourinary system is attacked by more than 30 HPVs. The virulent types are 16 and 18, which cause genital cancer.

The doctor examines the examination and also uses data from the anamnesis and tests. The result is provided in semi-quantitative form for determining HPV Test DNA types 16-68 and is measured in arbitrary units.

The reference values ​​are deciphered as follows:

• below threshold (not detected);
• above the threshold – answer in relative units, with 1= rlu 100,000 genocopies/ml;
• HPV detected for the first time from 1 relative unit. indicates the presence of a virus;
• During dynamic observation, a decrease in values ​​is observed.

If HPV DNA is not detected, there is no risk of developing cancer, then the answer is negative. The presence of microorganisms in samples requires medical attention and further treatment.

According to statistics, more than 74% of the population is infected with HPV, so the likelihood of the disease is high. Not every virus carrier can get sick. A dangerous cancer disease develops exclusively against the background of persistent infection.

Papillomas on the neck - says a dermatologist

In a very large number of people, upon careful examination, you can notice small growths on the neck.

For some they are single small ones, similar to papillae, for others they are multiple, resembling cauliflower inflorescences. The sizes can be from the most insignificant - 1-2 mm, to very noticeable - up to several centimeters.

Soon after their appearance, their color does not differ from the surrounding tissues, but gradually they become darker and brown. Photos of papillomas are in our database.

All these are manifestations of papillomatous infection; such formations are called papillomas. Translated from Greek, this means “tumor that looks like a papilla.” The main reason for the appearance of papillomas on the neck is a virus. It has been found that there are more than 100 varieties of this virus, some of which can cause malignant tissue degeneration.

Human papillomavirus - where did it come from?

Why do papillomas appear on the neck? It is impossible to know exactly when the virus entered the body. It is believed that at least 90% of people are carriers of it.

Someone becomes infected at the time of birth, receiving it from the mother during movement through the birth canal. Others get it from their first sex partner. Many people become infected through contact, by touching the body, sharing washcloths and towels.

But the presence of a virus in the body does not always indicate a disease; with normal immunity and the absence of chronic pathologies, it may not manifest itself at all. To start vigorous activity, this pathogen needs a push. It could be:

• Any cold. Especially if it was difficult, with complications.
• The use of antibiotics for a common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. These medications themselves can reduce immunity and suppress the struggle of a person’s defenses. In addition, the composition of the intestinal microflora changes, which also opens the way for papillomatosis.
• Frequent stress, nervous and physical fatigue.
• Habit of alcohol and tobacco.
• Taking hormonal drugs in women to prevent pregnancy.
• Chronic inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs, gastrointestinal tract, pathology of the liver and kidneys.
• Passion for tanning. This also applies to those who like to spend a long time on the beach and fans of solariums. In addition to a beautiful skin tone, you can also get unsightly papillomas on the neck.
• Violation of hygiene rules. Sweaty, sticky, contaminated skin, which is further scratched and injured by tight collars, scarves, and straps, is not able to resist the invasion of viruses. They easily enter skin cells, settle in them, and integrate their DNA into human DNA. Cells begin to multiply, their clusters form outgrowths on the skin.

Each papilloma has its own feeding vessels; a certain amount of connective tissue is determined in its structure. Depending on its predominance in the structure of the skin outgrowth, it can be soft or dense.

Damaged papillomas, if their nutrition is disrupted, can turn black, fall off, and ulcerate.

If the papilloma is located on the neck in a place that is often rubbed by clothing or jewelry, then daughter papillae quickly appear around it.

If papillomas appear on your neck, new ones may additionally form on the face, especially the eyelids, in the armpits, natural folds of the body, and on the genitals. By the way, in men, skin papilloma most often occurs on the neck.

Diagnosis of papillomatous infection

The HPV formations themselves are quite characteristic - more often the rounded body of the papilloma is attached to the skin with a thinner stalk, less often they look like flat warts. In older people, they can be in the form of threads up to 0.5 cm long, hanging down.

Before getting rid of papillomas on the neck, to clarify the diagnosis, a scraping or smear is performed and examined for the presence of viral particles. The PCR method is predominantly used - polymerase chain reaction. Not only the virus itself is detected, but its subtype is also determined, this is very important for predicting the possibility of the tumor degenerating into malignant.

If the papilloma has already been surgically removed, then a biopsy is performed, characteristic cell changes under the influence of papillomavirus are detected and oncology is excluded.

If necessary, examine the immune status. Immunity is a very complex system, the correct operation of which requires a certain balance of all its components. Without clarifying this data, you cannot take any drugs that “raise” it.

At best, it can be useless and only harmful to your wallet. For many other conditions, these medications can significantly harm health and make it difficult to treat papillomas in the future.

Methods for removing papillomas on the neck

There are several modern methods for removing papillomas on the neck. All manipulations are performed only by a certified dermatovenerologist!

As a doctor, I am in favor of natural drugs for the treatment of papillomas, for example, Papillux drops.

• Surgical excision. The main advantage is the preservation of the tumor body and its accessibility for research at the cellular level. The downside is the possibility of scarring. As a rule, it is performed under local anesthesia. The method is good if you need to remove one or two large tumors. It is quite difficult for them to get rid of a large number of small papillomas.
• Laser coagulation. Depending on the size of the formation, the laser beam is adjusted and the formation is burned out. There is no bleeding with this method, since the blood vessels are sealed due to exposure to high temperature. The affected area becomes covered with a crust, which disappears after a while. With correctly calculated exposure, scars will not form. If the beam was too strong, a deeper tissue burn may occur. Therefore, you should trust your body only to proven medical centers with modern, high-quality equipment and qualified doctors.
• Cryodestruction. If the previous method was based on exposure to high temperature, then low temperature is used here. Liquid nitrogen (-220 degrees) is applied pointwise to the papilloma. “Frostbite” occurs, it turns white, the nerve endings die, and no nutrition is provided. After a few days, the formation disappears and a crust remains in its place. If the cold only affected the tissue of the skin growth, after it falls off there will be smooth skin. With deeper penetration, a small scar may remain. Since during exposure the patient sometimes feels pain and burning, local anesthesia may be used.
• Electrocoagulation. With this method, papillomas are burned out with electric current. Equipment used in medical centers allows you to control the current strength and prevent damage to surrounding tissues. But this method also requires anesthesia.

This is what the wound healing process looks like after laser cauterization - as you can see, after a month the scar is almost invisible:

The cost of removing papillomas with a laser in Moscow clinics: 500-1000 rubles for 1 growth.

In addition, it is necessary to carry out general health improvement of the body and cure all chronic diseases. Proper nutrition, quitting smoking and frequent alcohol consumption, hardening, physical activity - all this is necessary to prevent papillomas on the neck from returning.

What happens if you tear off a papilloma yourself?

Often people are afraid to go to doctors and try to solve this problem on their own. Papillomas are torn off, cut off with scissors, and the base is tied with thread to disrupt its nutrition. What could happen in this case?

Firstly, in place of the removed papilloma, with a high degree of probability, a new one will appear, and more than one. After all, some of the cells containing the virus remained on the skin. After such exposure, the pathogen is activated and begins to force cells to divide intensively.

Thirdly, rough scars and long-term non-healing ulcers may appear at the site of tumor removal.

Let's summarize

1. The human papillomavirus can be present in almost anyone, and there is no need to be afraid.
2. Only a healthy person who monitors his condition can keep it under control.
3. How to remove papillomas on the neck? Under the supervision of a doctor, after all necessary examinations.
4. The choice of method for removing papillomas depends on concomitant diseases, the qualifications of the doctor, and the technical capabilities of the medical center.
5. After accidentally or intentionally removing a papilloma at home, you should see a dermatologist; it is advisable to bring the remainder of the formation for analysis.

The phrase human papillomavirus or occurs quite often and some people believe that infection with this microorganism causes only papillomas to appear on the body.

But not everything is so rosy; HPV infection sometimes leads to the development of a rather serious disease -. It is possible to guess how the infection will behave in the body, but only by knowing the type of papillomavirus.

Types of human papillomavirus

Research conducted over the past decades has made it possible to establish that HPV is transmitted only from one person to another, and this can be either a carrier of the infection or a patient with pronounced clinical signs of papillomatosis.

It has been established that papillomavirus is divided into types; there are more than one hundred of them. Depending on the type of virus that has entered the body, all external and internal changes will occur in the future.

Some types of HPV are not at all dangerous to our internal health, and their manifestations on the skin in the form of papillomas and warts are quite successfully eliminated using aesthetic medicine methods. Other subtypes of HPV belong to the group with high oncogenicity, that is, they can affect the formation of malignant tumors in the body.

The division of HPV into types has made it possible to develop treatment tactics for patients with microorganisms detected through testing.

Photos of different types of papillomas

You need to know that infection with one type of papillomavirus does not guarantee that the body is infected from other subtypes. That is, a person can simultaneously be a carrier of several types of HPV, some of them may not pose any danger, while others increase the likelihood of cancer.

The virus is transmitted in several ways, the main one being sexual. Infection is possible when several people use the same towel, razor, or scissors. The pathogen can be transmitted from a woman giving birth to her child; there is also a risk of self-infection, that is, transfer of the virus from one part of the body to another.

The microorganism is so microscopic that it easily penetrates through the slightest cracks in the skin, abrasions and scratches. According to the latest data, up to 90 percent of the entire population of the planet is infected with different types of the virus.

The virus does not always become active immediately. That is, it can remain in the body for a long time in a “sleeping” state, from which a number of provoking factors bring it out.

Oncogenic classification

Oncogenic classification is a division of virus types that takes into account the likelihood of developing cancer depending on the subtype. In total, the division is used in practical medicine into three groups.

First group

A non-oncogenic group, it includes HPV 1,2,3,4,5. If the tests reveal one of these subtypes, then we can assume that you are not at risk of developing cancer from this particular microorganism. But do not forget that infection with other types is possible in the future.

Second

HPV 6,11,42, 43,44 belong to the group with a low probability of developing cancer cells. Under the influence of certain provoking factors, these types of papillomatosis pathogens can lead to cell mutations, which in turn pushes them to develop a malignant tumor.

Third

HPV 16,18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,59,68 this group of viruses with high. It has been proven that their presence in the body increases the risk of a possible cancer process in and. It has been found that oncogenic HPV subtypes can cause.

Naturally, the presence of these stamps does not always indicate that cancer will definitely occur. But if there is the slightest change in well-being or if various growths appear on the mucous membranes and skin, it is necessary to undergo a full examination as soon as possible.

What is the danger of types 16 and 18?

The risk of developing oncogenic diseases is greatly increased if a person has two types of papillomavirus, 16 and 18.

A study of women with cervical cancer made it possible to accurately establish that in more than half of the cases the direct cause of cell mutation is the type 16 virus.

For a long time after infection, a woman may not realize that she is a carrier of a microorganism dangerous to her health. And only under the influence of certain external and internal influences the virus is activated and begins its work in cells, changing their DNA.

As a result of this, cells begin to rapidly divide and papillomas and genital warts form on the skin, genitals, mucous membranes of the mouth, and inner thighs. Virus type 16 also affects the development in a woman’s body of a precancerous condition such as cervical dysplasia.

Genital warts, caused by virus types 16 and less commonly 18, grow very quickly. Individual elements can merge with each other, and then a large, cauliflower-like growth is formed. The presence of such tumors in the vagina leads to injury and inflammation, which is manifested by corresponding symptoms.

Infection of men with types 16 and 18 of papillomavirus also does not go away without leaving a trace. This microorganism may remain in an inactive state for a long time, but if it develops, men are at risk of infertility and impotence. Virus type 16 also leads to the formation of bowenoid papulosis on the skin of the genitals - spots, erythema, plaques.

Virus strains numbered 16 and 18 can cause and in men, it is manifested by the formation of a red plaque on the skin of the penis, which over time becomes rough and covered with scales. Bowenoid papulosis and Bowen's disease are considered precancerous changes on the skin.

Virus type 18 is less common than type 16, but at the same time it develops much faster. Treatment consists of using methods to remove external manifestations of the virus - papillomas, condylomas and systemic antiviral treatment. It is also necessary to increase immunity with the help of immunomodulators and vitamin complexes.

After the course, it is imperative to take tests again in order to make sure that the main goal of therapy has been achieved, that is, transferring the virus to an inactive state. If the virus is present, tests must be repeated constantly, this will allow a relapse of the disease to be caught at the very beginning.

HPV 31 and 33

These two types of virus belong to a group with a high degree of oncogenic risk and most often lead to diseases such as bowenoid papulosis and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Bowenoid papulosis is most often detected in men, and the risk of developing this disease is increased with an excessive number of sexual partners. Sometimes self-healing occurs.

Cervical neoplasia can be mild, moderate or severe. In the first case, all changes are revealed only by cytological examination of the smear. Severe neoplasia is considered intraepithelial cancer. Neoplasia in women is often combined with the formation of condylomas, which occur under the influence of viruses types 6 and 11.

HPV 51, 52 and 56

Virus strains numbered 51, 52 and 56 also belong to the group with high cancer risk; they are transmitted through sexual contact. These types of virus mainly cause the formation of genital warts.

In women, viruses of types 52 and 56 often lead to cervical dysplasia and erosion. HPV type 52 leads to the formation of genital warts near the anus and inside the rectum. In the future, changes in the structure and division of cells in these places can cause cancer.

HPV type 51 is found in women with cervical carcinoma, vulvar cancer, and in men with cancer of the penis and anus.

Diagnostic methods

in the body in several ways, currently two are widely used:

• . This analysis reveals the presence or absence of a virus in the body, its type and the number of viral particles. For diagnosis, a smear taken from women during a gynecological examination and blood are used.
• Daijin test or HPV DNA test. To perform this test, a scraping is taken from the cervical canal. The analysis determines the concentration of the virus in tissues and types HPV, that is, it identifies strains.

If necessary, a biopsy of material taken from removed genital papillomas is prescribed. The data from all examinations are assessed by an oncologist, and only after this a decision is made on choosing the most effective treatment method.

Treatment

If a high concentration of oncogenic viruses is detected in tissues, antiviral treatment is prescribed. Immunomodulatory therapy is required, since only strengthening the defenses will avoid re-exacerbation and prevent the transformation of normal cells into atypical ones.

If precancerous diseases are detected, a course of therapy is selected that corresponds to the manifestations and changes. Cervical cancer, combined with viruses type 16 and 18, is treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Antiviral treatment is optional.

Prevention

It is quite difficult to prevent HPV infection, since some strains can be transmitted when visiting swimming pools, baths, beauty salons and even hospitals. But you can minimize your risk of contracting the types of HPV that are sexually transmitted.

The likelihood of their penetration into the body decreases if you follow these conditions:

• Have one sexual partner. Often, even a condom cannot completely protect against the virus, and therefore it is advisable to be completely sure that your partner does not have HPV.
• After unprotected and protected sexual intercourse with an untested partner, be sure to carefully perform intimate hygiene and use aseptic preparations.
• Begin sexual activity no earlier than 18 years of age. Until this time, girls develop a protective layer of the vagina, and any infection during sexual intercourse quickly penetrates the body.
• Lead a completely healthy lifestyle.
• Treat acute and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Methods of prevention include periodic visits to a gynecologist for women and a urologist for men. Carrying out examinations will allow timely detection of changes that develop under the influence of HPV.

This video will tell you whether the papilloma virus can cause cancer and who should be vaccinated:

All women dream of looking attractive. But sometimes the skin can be somewhat upsetting to the fair sex. It is especially unpleasant when warts or unsightly papillomas appear on it. Of course, young ladies most often perceive such a defect solely as external. But these formations are caused by an unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous, HPV infection in women. What it is? How does the infection enter the body? What methods can be used to combat it? Let's figure it out.

HPV infection in women - what is it?

HPV is the Latin name for a family of viruses: Human Papillomavirus. The abbreviation is often used in medicine. For example, it can be found in analyses.

So, if HPV infection is detected in women, what kind of pathology is it? Translated from Latin, human papilloma (HPV). This is a large family of microorganisms. HPV includes more than 70 types of viruses. They can become sources of development of various diseases in the body. Some HPV viruses cause skin diseases. Others provoke the appearance of genital warts. Today, doctors have fully established the connection between the presence of certain types of HPV in a woman’s body and oncology.

This infection is quite dangerous for the body. It is characterized by mild symptoms and at the same time has an impressive incubation period. Therefore, HPV can remain in the body for a long time without revealing itself. Especially when it comes to women. The vaginal microflora is a favorable environment for the virus.

The main features of HPV are:

• latency of manifestations;
• long incubation period (sometimes extending for several years);
• mild clinical symptoms;
• the ability to quickly transform from papilloma to dysplasia.

Since warts and condylomas may not cause discomfort to a woman for a long period, the pathology can go undetected for several years. But you must understand, if HPV infection is detected in women, what it is. Indeed, in some cases, if HPV treatment is not started in a timely manner, cancer develops in the body.

According to statistics, about 70% of the world's inhabitants are infected with one type or another of HPV.

Transmission routes

There are only 2 methods of infection with HPV:

• sexual (most common);
• domestic.

HPV infection in women can be caused by the following reasons:

1. Sexual contact with an infected person. And even a condom is not always a sufficient means of protection. During oral sex there is a high risk of contracting HPV.
2. Procedures in a cosmetology salon. Unfortunately, this route of infection with the virus comes in second place. Infection occurs through insufficiently disinfected instruments. Most often, HPV enters the body after permanent makeup procedures or epilation of the bikini area. To protect yourself from the risk of infection, you can ask that tools be disinfected in front of you or require that only disposable items be used.
3. Lack of personal hygiene. If personal toilet products are used by other family members, there is a high risk of infection. Each person should have their own personal hygiene items. This applies to all items: washcloths, towels, pumice stones, tweezers, manicure scissors.

Main reasons

Thus, HPV infection in women most often occurs through sexual contact. However, the risk of infection through friendly kisses, handshakes and even household objects cannot be ruled out. Through minor damage to the skin or mucous membrane, the pathogen easily penetrates the body.

And it is almost impossible to identify pathology in the early stages. After all, the virus can be present for a long time, but in a latent form. In some cases, the incubation period reaches even up to three months.

There are several factors against which HPV infection most often develops in women. Doctors give the following reasons for infection:

• frequent change of sexual partners;
• constant stress;
• smoking;
• vitamin deficiency, significant decrease in immunity;
• alcoholism;
• early onset of regular sexual activity;
• disrupted metabolic processes;
• gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis);
• gynecological ailments (ureaplasmosis, thrush, cervical erosion, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia);
• frequent visits to places with a high risk of infection (baths, saunas, swimming pools);
• changes in hormonal levels as a result of using contraceptives.

Types of virus

The HPV family includes many types of viruses. It is the type of microorganism that determines how HPV infection will manifest itself in women.

Virus types are classified as follows:

1. HPV underlying the appearance of warts. Types 1 to 4 lead to the formation They resemble a callus. Thanks to types 3, 10, 28 and 49, flat warts appear. And the 27th type leads to the appearance of ordinary formations.
2. HPV affecting the respiratory tract, genitals. Types 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 are responsible for damage to these organs.
3. HPVs that provoke These are types that have a high oncogenic risk. This category includes 30, 39, 40, 42, 43, 55, 57, 61, 62, 64, 67, 69, 70th.

Manifestations of the virus

Of course, the type can only be determined using laboratory research methods. But at the same time, even by appearance, one can suspect that there is an HPV infection in women. The photo given in the article shows what external manifestations an infected person may encounter.

So, human papillomavirus infection can manifest itself as follows:

1. Genital warts. Such formations are most often provoked by viruses with a low oncogenic risk. may be focal or isolated. They appear in areas that are injured during sexual intercourse. The size of these formations ranges from 1 mm to several centimeters. They are located on a narrow “leg”. In appearance they can resemble “cauliflower” or “cockscomb”. Most often they are discovered by chance, during personal hygiene, as unevenness of the mucous membrane. Sometimes women can injure condyloma. In this case, it bleeds and causes discomfort during sexual intercourse or childbirth.
2. Papillomas. These are wart formations. Viral papillomas, unlike tumor ones, can appear and then disappear. The appearance of these formations depends on the strength of the immune system at the time. Viral papillomas can grow in any area. In color they practically do not differ from normal skin tone.
3. Flat They signal the presence of an old infection in the body. In this case, a change in the cervical epithelium at the cellular level may be observed. Such violations cause serious concern to the doctor. After all, it is these changes that often lead to the development of oncology. However, the presence of a virus in the body does not mean a 100% chance of developing cancer. Oncology appears only if there are additional factors that contribute to the degeneration of benign cells into malignant ones.

Characteristic symptoms

What signs can indicate HPV infection in women?

Symptoms that you should definitely pay attention to:

• the appearance of itching, unpleasant burning in the genital area;
• the presence of constant discharge (white, yellow-green, bloody);
• slight enlargement of lymph nodes;
• multiple formations (papillomas, warts) in different parts of the body.

If you have even several symptoms, be sure to consult a gynecologist for examination.

What does the virus lead to?

This infection is extremely dangerous due to the consequences that it can provoke without adequate treatment.

In some cases, the following complications may develop:

• head cancer;
• hyperplasia of the oral mucosa;
• neck cancer;
• respiratory tract papillomatosis;
• lung oncology.

If we are talking about the genitals, the virus can lead to the development of:

• cervical oncology;
• dysplasia;
• anal cancer;
• oncology of the vagina or external organs.

Diagnosis of the disease

Now let's look at how HPV infection is determined in women.

Diagnostics involves an integrated approach and includes the following activities:

1. Examination by a gynecologist. Women should visit their doctor regularly. Even a routine examination can help identify HPV.
2. Colposcopy. This study is carried out using a special microscope. A colposcope magnifies female organs many times over. This allows you to clearly see the condylomas. The use of additional substances helps detect HPV.
3. Cytological smear. Scraping allows you to examine tissue in detail under a microscope. The study makes it possible to determine the initial stages of cancer. This examination is mandatory for dysplasia. It's called a Pap test.
4. Biopsy. A small piece of uterine tissue is examined under high magnification. A biopsy is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women.
5. Histological examination. Allows you to study the structure of cells and the arrangement of layers. The tissue sample initially undergoes special preparation and only then is carefully analyzed.
6. PCR. The analysis gives an idea of ​​the type of virus and allows you to determine its oncogenicity.

Treatment methods

There is no single program for treating HPV. For each specific case, its own therapy is selected. Moreover, even complex treatment is not able to completely rid the patient of this disease.

Therapy for genital warts

The main method of control is mechanical removal. What methods are most effective if HPV infection is diagnosed in women? The description of the procedure given for each method will allow you to understand the essence of this intervention.

So, for the treatment of genital warts, the following are undertaken:

1. Laser therapy. Defects are removed under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed with a laser.
2. Cryodestruction. Unpleasant defects are removed using liquid nitrogen. The procedure is completely painless and leaves no scars.
3. Electrocoagulation. Therapy is performed using electric current. The method is quite painful.
4. Radio wave coagulation. The procedure has excellent therapeutic results and is performed under local anesthesia. Condylomas are removed using a radio wave knife.
5. Surgical removal. An extremely rare treatment method. Used only for tissue malignancy.

Antiviral therapy for human papillomavirus infection

No special treatment has been developed. Therefore, the patient is prescribed antiviral drugs that stimulate the immune system:

1. Medicines that block and activate the immune system. Effective drugs are Isoprinosine and Inosiplex.
2. Interferons. Medicines provide antiviral effects and help improve immunity. In addition, they have an antitumor effect. Such drugs are “Intron-A”, “Alpha-interferon”, “Genferon”.
3. Drugs that activate the body’s production of its own interferons. Medicines “Cycloferon” and “Amiksin” may be recommended.
4. Medicines that prevent the proliferation of cells affected by the virus. Excellent drugs are Podophyllin, Condilin, Podophyllotoxin.

However, none of the drugs listed above can completely cure the infection.

Prevention of human papillomavirus infection

This topic is extremely relevant today. Do not forget that HPV infection in women can lead to cervical cancer.

Prevention methods include:

• non-specific methods;
• specific.

In the first case, we are talking about sex education for the younger generation. It is very important to explain how to protect the body and in what ways HPV infection is transmitted in women.

Specific prevention is vaccination aimed at protecting against the most oncogenic types of the virus. The strong immunity formed after vaccination helps protect a woman from cancer. Such vaccination is recommended for girls before sexual activity begins.

The most effective and internationally recognized vaccines against HPV are:

• "Gardasil."
• "Cervarix".

These vaccinations are also given if the woman is already sexually active. However, before vaccination, she must undergo a doctor-prescribed examination to rule out the possibility of having HPV in her body.