Symptoms and diagnosis of HPV type 68 in women, examination methods

Not everyone knows about the dangers of HPV type 68 in women, the features of the strain’s DNA. Most people do not even suspect what such simple-looking warts can indicate.

It turns out that some warty formations can be very dangerous and are a manifestation of a serious pathology. The HPV 68 strain refers to just such dangerous pathogens that can cause onco-dangerous neoplasms.

What is a virus, what is it?

HPV type 68 is a type of human papillomavirus DNA. In total, this virus has more than 100 strains, and the variant under consideration is the 68th genotype (strain) . In fact, any HPV is an infection that causes the growth of warty formations (papillomas).

Initially, these formations are exclusively benign in nature, but in the future, some of them are able to transform into malignant formations, and HPV 68 is the most prominent representative of oncogenic pathogens.

In general, HPV is considered one of the most common infections, and almost 2/3 of all women are infected with it. HPV 68 is much less common, but the degree of its danger is very high. All papillomaviruses have an important feature – a normally functioning human immune system can easily cope with them, but they do not die, but go into a latent state, in which they can be for decades.

Even drugs cannot completely eliminate them, but only “pacify” them. With a decrease in immunity, hidden viruses are activated, causing the growth of papillomas. Thus, most women are carriers of the infection without even knowing it.

The problem of infection in women

Infection with HPV 68 occurs from the carrier of the infection when the pathogen enters the mucous membrane, skin or blood of a healthy person. Being a DNA virus, HPV in the human body is embedded in tissue cells, entering its genetic information, which causes their abnormal development and growth of papillomas.

In the vast majority of cases, infection of women with HPV 68 occurs sexually. It should be noted that even barrier contraceptives cannot provide complete protection against infection. Infection occurs with a high degree of probability during any type of sexual contact (traditional and non-traditional sex).

Much less often, infection occurs by contact-household. However, there is a risk when using common hygiene products and underwear, when kissing a sick person. The probability of infection of the fetus during pregnancy or when the child passes through the birth canal of an infected woman is quite high.

How does infection occur?

Women are susceptible to HPV 68 attacks in two characteristic circumstances – when the normal immune system cannot cope with an excessive amount of invading pathogens or with a significant decrease in immune defenses.

In other cases, infection occurs, but the virus immediately goes into a latent state. Thus, the formation of papillomas can begin with primary infection or with the activation of a previously penetrated infection.

The group of increased risk of developing pathology includes women in the presence of such factors:

• promiscuity, frequent change of sexual partners;
• gross violation of the rules of personal hygiene, especially intimate places;
• alcohol abuse and drug use;
• frequent and severe stress, psychological overload;
• physical exhaustion of the body with excessive physical exertion, lack of proper rest, thoughtless starvation;
• bad ecology, harmful emissions at work;
• diseases of an inflammatory and infectious nature that can lower immunity;
• hereditary predisposition.

The cause of the pathology can be any factors that can reduce the immune defenses.

Features of the symptoms of the DNA virus

Features of the symptoms of the 68th strain of HPV depend on the stage of development of the disease:

• Stage I (initial) . Symptoms practically do not appear. In rare cases , the formation of papilloma  in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe penis may begin .
• Stage II . The first characteristic signs appear – pointed growths of a whitish, flesh or pink hue. Typical localization is the genital organ, urethra, anus.
• Stage III (dysplastic) . At this stage, the DNA of the pathogen actively changes the structure of cells. koilocytosis develops. There are many papillomas of various types – flat, raised, loose.
• Stage IV . As a result of the rapid progression of papillomas, carcinoma is born. A benign formation is transformed into a malignant neoplasm.

If in the first 2 stages the symptomatology is limited to a visible manifestation, i.e., the appearance of warty growths, then at the next stages a pathological picture with such signs is added:

• gastrointestinal dysfunctions with stool disorders (constipation or diarrhea);
• pain and discomfort during bowel movements;
• increased gas formation, flatulence;
• bloody vaginal discharge not associated with menstruation;
• noticeable weight loss;
• general weakness, fatigue;
• unpleasant odor from the vagina;
• pain syndrome during intercourse.

These symptoms indicate the presence of a serious danger of malignancy of the formations. Already at the appearance of the first such signs, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

Strain Danger

Different types of HPV are classified by oncogenicity – low, medium and high degree of oncological risk. The virus of the 68th type is usually classified as a category with high oncogenicity, while the probability of malignancy in women reaches 5-6 percent (for men, this process is not typical).

Most often, if left untreated, women develop dysplasia, and then cervical cancer. In addition, complications such as cancer of the rectum, anus, ovary, external genital organs, and urethra are possible. It must be taken into account that the disease gives time to take effective measures. Malignancy of papillomas occurs no earlier than 9-12 years after the first manifestations of HPV 68. Timely and adequate treatment can completely eliminate the risk of transformation.

Diagnostic features

To identify papillomas is most often not very difficult, for which a simple examination is enough. It is important to determine the strain of the virus and its oncogenicity. For this, a whole range of diagnostic studies is carried out:

1. Colonoscopy. Using a special magnifying device (tenfold magnification), the surface of the mucous membrane is examined.
2. General analysis of blood and urine, analysis of venous blood for HIV and syphilis, examination of a smear from the genital organ.
3. PCR analysis. These studies make it possible to establish the type of virus, but the probability of error is also quite high for any violations during PCR.
4. Digene testing or hybrid capture method. This is a fairly new technique that allows you to analyze the virus for DNA. So you can give not only a qualitative, but also a quantitative assessment of HPV 68.
5. Cytology. The study of smears makes it possible to assess the degree of cellular destruction.
6. Histology. The study of a biopsy sample taken in the affected area makes it possible to establish with a high probability the risk or onset of cell malignancy. Only in this way can oncology be established.

Comprehensive diagnostics allows you to accurately identify HPV and its type, as well as the stage of pathology and the risk of complications. When conducting research, the participation of such specialists as a gynecologist, urologist, oncologist, surgeon will be required. Also find out what indirect signs will help you identify HPV.

Medication treatment

Modern medicine cannot completely rid  a woman of HPV. Doctors are faced with a real task – to reduce the concentration of the pathogen as much as possible; completely suppress its activity, forcing it to fall into a latent state; eliminate symptomatic manifestation, including papillomas; eliminate the risk of complications; maximize immune defenses. to prevent recurrence of the disease. Treatment is provided by conservative and surgical methods. The choice of technique is made by the doctor on the basis of reliable diagnostic data.

Drug treatment can be prescribed as an independent way to fight the virus or in addition to surgical exposure as a symptomatic and immunostimulating therapy. Basic treatment is based on antiviral agents:

1. Allokin alpha . It is a solution with antiviral and immunostimulating properties. It is administered by intravenous injection.
2. Groprinosin . Tablets with a pronounced immunomodulatory effect, allowing you to quickly eliminate papillomas.
3. Viferon . Available in the form of aerosols, ointments and suppositories. The drug blocks the activity of HPV 68 and normalizes immune defenses.
4. Genferon . The drug contains benzocaine, taurine and interferon, which provide an effective fight against the pathogen. At the same time, immunity increases and papillomas are eliminated.
5. Isoprinosine . This tool is aimed at stimulating the immune system.

In addition to drug therapy, folk remedies can provide real help . Symptomatic manifestations can be eliminated using lotions and compresses. Solutions based on garlic and lemon are used as effective remedies. Potato juice has a positive effect.

Surgical and other methods

For surgical removal of papillomas, the following technologies are used:

• cryogenic destruction . The growths are destroyed by exposing them to liquid nitrogen. This method cannot be used in the presence of cervical dysplasia.
• Electrical coagulation . The build-up is captured by a loop through which a high-frequency current is passed. The procedure is dangerous postoperative bleeding.
• Radioknife . The impact on the formation of a wave with a radio frequency is considered one of the most sparing methods of surgical treatment. “Radioknife” allows you to remove papilloma by a non-contact method.
• Laser Surgery . This is one of the most effective methods to eliminate the risk of bleeding, because in the process of exposure to a laser beam, blood vessels are cauterized, i.e. clogged. This method has one drawback – the need for special equipment, and therefore the operation is performed only in specialized clinics.
• Surgical excision . A full-fledged surgical operation using a scalpel is performed with a large area of ​​the lesion. It can not be dispensed with when identifying a real risk of oncology.

The doctor chooses an operative method of treatment in the absence of the effect of therapy. The indication for surgery is an increased risk of complications.

Prevention of pathology

Any woman should remember that HPV cannot be completely destroyed, and it remains in the body for life. Only preventive measures can avoid infection, as well as the activation of a previously penetrated virus. To ensure timely treatment at the earliest stages of the disease, preventive examinations by a gynecologist help, which should be carried out regularly, without waiting for pathological manifestations.

As a prevention of HPV 68, it is recommended to lead a proper lifestyle, give up bad habits, and maintain a high level of the immune system. Sexual intercourse should be carried out using barrier contraceptives. They do not give a full guarantee, but significantly reduce the risk of infection. An important role is given to proper and nutritious nutrition. The body needs vitamins and minerals.

The papilloma virus of the 68th genotype is not very common, but it poses a great danger to the female body. It has a high degree of oncogenicity, and therefore, when it is detected, effective treatment should begin. Modern techniques make it possible to avoid serious complications during infection, but it is best for the woman herself to observe preventive measures, preventing it.