HPV Human Papillomavirus: Everything You Need to Know

What is HPV Human Papillomavirus?

HPV Human papillomavirus is a virus that belongs to the papillomavirus family. It can affect the skin and mucous membranes, causing warts and papillomas. HPV is transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that can cause a variety of diseases including warts, papillomas and even cancer. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and can affect both men and women. In this article, we will look in detail at what HPV is, its types, symptoms, diagnostic methods, prevention and treatment.

History of HPV research

Research on the human papillomavirus (HPV) began in the early 20th century, when scientists first discovered its existence. At first, HPV was studied as a cause of various skin diseases such as warts and papillomas. At that time, scientists could not yet fully understand its potential and the mechanisms of its effects on the human body.

In the 1970s, HPV research began to take a new direction. Scientists noticed that certain types of the virus had a special link with precancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix. An important step in this direction was a discovery made in 1983. Researchers Harald zur Hausen and Peter Peyers discovered that HPV types 16 and 18 play a key role in the development of cervical cancer.

These discoveries provided the basis for further research and led to important medical advances. In 2008, Harald zur Hausen received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on the link between HPV and cervical cancer. This research also contributed to the development of HPV vaccines, which has significantly changed the approach to preventing cervical cancer and other viral diseases.

As a result, modern research continues to advance our knowledge of HPV, its types and mechanisms of action. This helps in the development of new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases associated with this virus.

HPV types

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a vast group of viruses with more than 200 types. These types are classified into two main groups according to their ability to cause certain diseases and their association with cancerous processes.

HPV types

The human papillomavirus (HPV) includes more than 200 types, which are classified according to their ability to cause different diseases. These types are divided into two main groups: the types that cause acute condylomas (genital warts) and the types associated with the development of cancer. It is also worth mentioning papillomas, which are small benign growths on the skin and mucous membranes.

HPV group	HPV types	Description	Symptoms	Cancer risk
Acute condylomas	6, 11	HPV causing genital warts, which look like spiky growths.	Genital warts, which can be single or multiple.	Low risk but may be associated with some precancerous conditions.
HPV types that cause cancer	16, 18	HPV, most commonly associated with the development of cervical cancer, as well as other cancers such as anus and oropharyngeal cancer.	There are usually no obvious symptoms in the early stages.	High risk of developing cancer of the cervix, anus, oropharynx and other areas.
Other HPV types	31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68	HPV, which may also be associated with the development of precancerous changes and cancer, but are less studied or less common.	Symptoms may include warts or precancerous changes in the cervix.	Medium risk, requires monitoring and diagnosis.
Papillomas	2, 7, 10, 49	HPV causing benign papillomas that can appear on the skin, mucous membranes and in the oral cavity.	Small, soft, sometimes colored masses on the skin or mucous membranes, usually without pain.	Low risk, but may be associated with precancerous conditions if prolonged.

Explanation of the table:

• Acute condylomas: Viruses types 6 and 11 most commonly cause acute condylomas, which appear as warts on the genitals and anus. These growths can cause discomfort and aesthetic problems, but usually do not lead to cancer.
• Cancer-causing HPV: HPV types 16 and 18 are of significant importance in oncology. They are associated with the development of precancerous changes and cervical cancer, and can also lead to cancer of the anus and oropharynx. These types of HPV can remain in the body for a long time and contribute to the development of cancer if not diagnosed and treated in time.

Regular medical check-ups, such as PAP tests for women and urologist check-ups for men, are important for diagnosing and preventing diseases caused by HPV, as well as vaccination, which protects against the most dangerous types of the virus.

How is HPV Human Papillomavirus transmitted?

HPV is transmitted through contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. The most common mode of transmission is sexual contact. However, the virus can also be transmitted in other ways, such as through contact with infected objects.

Sexual pathway:

HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Even when condoms are used, the risk of transmission cannot be ruled out because the virus can be found on areas of the skin that are not covered by a condom.

Other modes of transmission:

Although the sexual route is the primary mode of HPV transmission, the virus can also be transmitted through contact with infected items such as towels or toys.

HPV symptoms

HPV symptoms can vary depending on the type of virus and where it affects you.

External manifestations

The most noticeable symptoms include the appearance of warts and papillomas on the skin or mucous membranes. They may be single or multiple, and may vary in shape and color.

Types of warts:

Type of warts	Description	HPV types	HPV numbers
Common warts	Rough formations that often appear on the hands, fingers, and feet. They can be single or multiple.	2, 4, 27, 29	2, 4, 27, 29
Flat warts	Small and smooth warts, often found on the face and hands. They can be numerous and have a flat surface.	3, 10, 28	3, 10, 28
Plantar warts	Hard, painful warts located on the soles of the feet. Often cause discomfort when walking.	1, 2, 4	1, 2, 4
Condylomas	Spiky warts that appear on the genitals and anus. Usually have a “cauliflower” appearance.	6, 11	6, 11

Types of papillomas:

Type of papillomas	Description	HPV types	HPV numbers
Acute condylomas	Papillomas on the genitals and anus, have a “cauliflower” appearance, can be single or multiple.	6, 11	6, 11
Skin papillomas	Small, soft masses that can appear on the skin in various locations, often skin-colored or slightly brown.	2, 7, 10	2, 7, 10
Papillomas of the vocal cords	Rare papillomas that form on the vocal cords can cause voice changes and difficulty breathing.	6, 11	6, 11
Papillomas in the bladder	Papillomas, which can appear on the walls of the bladder and cause symptoms such as pain when urinating.	18, 31	18, 31

Symptoms of cancer

Some types of HPV may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages. Late stages may present with symptoms associated with cancer, such as unusual discharge, pain, itching or bleeding.

HPV diagnosis

Several methods are used to diagnose HPV, depending on the type of infection and symptoms.

• Visual inspection

A doctor can determine the presence of warts or papillomas by visual inspection. However, further examination may be required for a more accurate diagnosis.

• PAP test

To diagnose HPV in women, a PAP test is performed to detect precancerous changes in the cervix.

• PCR diagnostics

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to detect viral DNA in tissue or fluid samples. This method can determine the presence of HPV and its type.

Human papillomavirus prevention

There are several prevention methods that can help prevent HPV infection.

1. Vaccination: Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from HPV. There are vaccines that protect against the most dangerous types of the virus, such as types 16 and 18.
2. Safe sex:Using condoms and avoiding casual sex can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. However, remember that condoms do not provide complete protection against the virus.
3. Regular checkups: Regular medical checkups, such as PAP tests for women, can help in the early detection of HPV-related changes.

How to treat HPV Human papillomavirus

HPV treatment is aimed at eliminating symptoms and preventing complications.

Treatment of warts and papillomas

There are several effective treatments for warts and papillomas that can be chosen depending on the type, size and location of the growths. Here are the main methods:

1)Cryotherapy (freezing)

Cryotherapy is a treatment method in which warts or papillomas are frozen using liquid nitrogen. This causes a bubble to form underneath the mass, which then dies and falls off.

• Procedure: During the procedure, liquid nitrogen is applied to the wart with a special applicator. The wart is frozen for a few seconds.
• Benefits: Effective in treating warts, especially on hands and feet.
• Disadvantages: May cause pain and temporary discoloration of the skin. Sometimes several sessions are required to completely remove the wart.

2) Laser removal

Laser removal of papillomas and warts is based on the use of a laser to destroy the tissue of the mass. The laser beam is directed at the wart or papilloma, which results in vaporization or coagulation of the tissue.

• Procedure: The laser beam is applied to the mass, destroying it. A crust may form after the procedure and fall off after a few days.
• Advantages: High precision, suitable for removing warts and papillomas on all skin areas, including sensitive areas.
• Disadvantages: The procedure can be painful, several sessions are required, temporary skin discoloration may occur.

3)Medical treatment

Medication treatment involves the use of creams, ointments, and solutions containing chemicals that destroy or dissolve warts and papillomas.

• Creams and ointments: Remedies such as salicylic acid creams or imiquimod help remove warts by stimulating the immune response and destroying viral cells.
• Solutions: Solutions based on podophyllin or trichloroacetic acid can be used to remove warts. These products are applied to the affected areas and help to destroy them.
• Advantages: Easy to use at home, affordable.
• Disadvantages: Requires regular use, possible side effects such as skin irritation.

4)Surgical removal

Surgical removal is used to remove large or stubborn warts and papillomas.

• Procedure: The mass is surgically excised under local anesthesia.
• Advantages: Effective for removing large masses.
• Disadvantages: Possible scarring, takes time to heal, postoperative pain.

5)Electrocoagulation

Electrocoagulation involves the use of electric current to destroy warts and papillomas.

• Procedure: A special instrument delivers an electric current to the mass, causing it to collapse.
• Advantages: Effective in removing small masses.
• Disadvantages: Possibility of pain and crusting.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the appropriate method should be made taking into account the doctor’s recommendations and the peculiarities of the particular case. It is also important to remember that after treatment of warts and papillomas, monitoring may be required to ensure that the growth has not reappeared.

Treating cancer caused by HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to the development of various cancers, the most common HPV-related cancer is cervical cancer. Treatment of cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient.
Early and timely treatment of HPV is the best way to prevent the development of cancer. Regular examinations and screening help to detect and treat the virus at an early stage, which significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer.Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to the development of various cancers, the most common HPV-related cancer is cervical cancer. Treatment of cancer depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient.
Early and timely treatment of HPV is the best way to prevent the development of cancer. Regular examinations and screening help to detect and treat the virus at an early stage, which significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer.

HPV Human papillomavirus and pregnancy

Как ВПЧ может повлиять на беременность и роды

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can affect pregnancy and childbirth, but in most cases it does not cause serious complications. Here’s how HPV can affect pregnancy:

• Condylomas and pregnancy: Genital warts caused by HPV can increase in size and become more pronounced during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Although this can cause discomfort and sometimes difficulty in labor, it usually does not pose a serious threat to the health of the mother or baby.
• Risk of transmission: In rare cases, HPV can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. This can cause respiratory papillomas in the newborn, which can lead to respiratory problems. However, this is extremely rare.
• Cervical cancer and pregnancy: If a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, it may require special attention and management during pregnancy. In some cases, early delivery or other medical interventions may be needed to ensure the health of mother and baby.

Recommendations for pregnant women with HPV

Pregnant women with HPV are advised to follow certain guidelines to minimize risks and ensure the health of both mother and baby:

• Regular medical check-ups: It is important to have regular medical check-ups and consultations with your doctor. This will help monitor your health, especially if there are genital warts or precancerous changes in the cervix.
• Monitoring warts: If you have genital warts, talk to your doctor about treating or monitoring them. Treatment may be delayed until after pregnancy if it is not dangerous.
• Informing health care providers: Make sure your OB/GYN knows about HPV and any problems associated with it. This will help your doctor better plan your delivery and take steps to minimize risks.
• Planning for childbirth: If there are large genital warts that may make delivery difficult, your doctor may recommend a cesarean section to prevent possible problems during a vaginal delivery.
• Prevention and vaccination: HPV vaccination is recommended before pregnancy, but if you are already pregnant, discuss the possibility of vaccination after delivery. Vaccination can help prevent re-infections and protect future pregnancies.
• Reproductive health care: Continue to monitor your reproductive health after childbirth and have regular check-ups to prevent the possible effects of HPV. This will help keep you and your baby healthy.

Following these guidelines will help pregnant women with HPV reduce their risks and ensure a safe pregnancy and delivery.

Prognosis and possible complications

Most cases of Human Papillomavirus do not cause serious problems and can be easily treated. However, in some cases, the virus can lead to serious complications such as cancer.

• Cervical cancer

Without timely treatment, cervical cancer can lead to serious consequences and even death. Regular checkups and vaccinations can help reduce the risk.

• Other cancers

HPV can also be linked to other cancers, such as cancers of the anus and oropharynx.

HPV The human papillomavirus is a common virus that can cause a variety of diseases, from warts to cancer.

Coolaser Clinic reminds you that it is important to understand how the virus is transmitted, what prevention methods are available and what treatment options are available. Regular medical check-ups and vaccination play a key role in protecting against HPV and its consequences.

Sources:

• cdc.gov
• my.clevelandclinic.org
• National Institutes of Health