HPV is spread through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes. Most often, this virus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Infection can also occur through direct contact with infected skin, even if there are no visible symptoms. In rare cases, HPV can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, which can cause respiratory papillomatosis in the baby.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread virus that is divided into more than 200 different types, which can be low or high risk. These types are classified according to their health effects and potential to cause malignancy.
LOW RISK HPV
Low-risk HPV types, such as HPV 6 and HPV 11, usually cause benign skin and mucosal papillomas or warts. These warts can appear on the hands, feet or genital areas and are usually harmless, although they are uncomfortable and cause aesthetic problems.
HIGH RISK HPV
High-risk HPV types such as HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, and others are associated with the development of various types of cancer. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers. These viruses cause cellular changes in the cervical epithelium that can progress from initial dysplasia to invasive cancer if not diagnosed and treated in time. In addition to cervical cancer, high-risk HPV can also cause cancer of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and certain areas of the head and neck, including cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx.
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SYMPTOMS
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is usually asymptomatic, so many infected people do not know they are carriers of the virus and can pass it on to others. When HPV symptoms appear, they can vary depending on the type and location of the infection. One of the most common symptoms of low-risk HPV infection is warts. Genital warts appear on the genitals and around the anus and can vary in appearance from small, smooth bumps to larger, circular growths. In addition to genital warts, HPV can cause warts on the hands, feet, face, or neck.
High-risk HPV infections are usually asymptomatic until they cause serious cell changes. Women can only find out about HPV infection through a routine Pap test, which can reveal abnormalities in the cells of the cervix. If left untreated, these abnormalities can progress to precancerous conditions such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and eventually to cervical cancer. In men, high-risk HPV infections most commonly cause cancers of the anus, penis, oropharynx, although these types of cancer are less common.
CONSEQUENCES
Long-term consequences of HPV infection can be extremely serious, especially if it is high-risk types. Without early diagnosis and treatment, the infection can lead to various types of cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer associated with HPV, but HPV can also cause anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and certain types of head and neck cancer. The treatment of these cancers often requires radical surgical interventions, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can have a long-term impact on the patient's quality of life.
In addition to cancer, HPV infections can cause other health problems. For example, respiratory papillomatosis is a rare condition in which a virus causes benign growths in the airways, usually in the throat. This can cause breathing difficulties and require frequent surgical interventions to remove the tumors.
It is important to note that many health problems caused by HPV can be prevented or the risk can be reduced through regular medical screening and prevention. Pap tests and HPV tests allow early detection of cell changes and timely treatment, thus preventing cancer. HPV vaccination is a highly effective means of protecting against the most common types of HPV that cause cancer. Early sexual health education and responsible sexual behavior also help reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is diagnosed in different ways, depending on the site of infection and the symptoms. Most commonly, HPV is diagnosed in women through a routine cervical screening using a Pap test and an HPV test. A Pap test, also called a Pap smear or cytology test, is a procedure that collects samples of cells from the surface of the cervix. These cells are examined under a microscope to detect any changes or abnormalities that may indicate precancerous conditions or cancer.
If the Pap test shows abnormal results, additional tests such as a colposcopy may be done. During a colposcopy, the doctor uses a special instrument called a colposcope to take a closer look at the cervix, vagina, and vulva. A biopsy may also be performed during this procedure, in which a small sample of tissue is taken for further laboratory testing. A biopsy allows more accurate determination of the nature and degree of cell changes.
HPV testing is another important diagnostic tool. This test can be done together with the Pap test or separately. The HPV test detects the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the virus in cervical cells. This test is particularly useful because it can identify high-risk HPV types that are most associated with cervical cancer risk. While the Pap test detects cell changes, the HPV test identifies the specific cause of the infection and the potential risk of cancer.
In men and women with visible genital warts, the diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms. The doctor may perform a visual examination to determine the presence of warts. In rare cases where the diagnosis is unclear, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible skin conditions.
In addition to the cervix, HPV can also infect other parts of the body, such as the anus, throat, and mouth. Therefore, depending on the symptoms and site of infection, specific tests may be performed. For example, anoscopy or proctoscopy may be used to diagnose anogenital HPV infection. During these procedures, the tissues of the anus and rectum are examined and examined.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention is an essential part of public health to reduce the prevalence of HPV infections and the risk of associated diseases such as cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and head and neck cancers. There are several effective measures to help prevent HPV infection, including vaccination, changes in sexual behavior, regular health screenings, and education.
In general, HPV prevention involves a multifaceted approach that includes vaccination, responsible sexual behavior, regular health screenings, and public education. Together, these measures can significantly reduce the prevalence of HPV infections and the burden of health problems associated with them.
# žmogaus papilomos virusas # žpv
