The human papilloma virus – HPV is a virus that penetrates and causes disorders in the epithelial cells in the human body. It is a DNA virus, that is, its genome is in the form of the double-stranded DNA molecule. Thanks to this, the different types of papilloma viruses can also be determined. HPV typing is a method of diagnosis and prevention that is used in modern gynecology. Determining the type of papillomaviruses is important, because a part of them are oncogenic in nature and can lead to the development of a preneoplastic condition that turns into a malignant one. Infection with the papilloma virus is most common in younger women under the age of 30. With a good general condition of the woman and a healthy immune system, in a large percentage of cases, about 80%, the infection “self-cleanses”. HPV infection most often affects the external genitalia, the epithelium of the vagina and the cervix. Disorders of the external genital organs as a result of HPV – infection When the human papilloma virus affects the external genital organs, it most often leads to the formation of warts. These are the so-called genital warts, which are small growths. Disorders in the mucous membrane of the vagina as a result of HPV – infection In about 50% of cases, the human papilloma virus, when it affects the epithelium of the vagina, leads to the development of a preneoplastic condition. It is referred to as vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, which has three degrees of severity. Disorders of the cervix as a result of HPV – infection Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in more than 98% of cases is the result of infection with the human papilloma virus. Most often, types 16 and 18 are detected during HPV typing. Viral particles lead to the blocking of proteins important for epithelial cells and thus support oncogenesis – the formation of malignant neoplasms. The formation of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is most often in the area of ​​transition between the columnar epithelium and the multi-layered squamous neuroprotective epithelium. The condition has three degrees of development and they are related to the degree of changes and disorders that have occurred in the epithelial cells. Diagnosis of HPV – infections of the genital system Due to the lack of clear symptoms in the development of disorders in the vaginal mucosa or in the cervix, they are most often detected during a routine gynecological examination. In order to establish the diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out a smear, colposcopic examination and biopsy. NEWS_MORE_BOX Cytological smear – a cytological examination is carried out in order to determine whether there are changes in the epithelial cells. After taking cytological material and carrying out the study, an assessment of the state of the epithelium is given in the form of Papanicolaou classification. A colposcopic examination is carried out on site in the doctor’s office by an obstetrician-gynecologist. Through the magnification provided by the colposcope, an examination of the mucous membrane of the organs in the lower part of the reproductive system is carried out.In order to conduct an examination of the epithelium, it is necessary to pre-treat the area with a solution. In this way, normal epithelium without disorders is stained in one color, and epithelium with disorders in another. In case of suspicion of the development of a preneoplastic condition of the mucous membrane in the vagina or cervix, it is necessary to conduct a biopsy. In it, a small piece of tissue is taken and determined, in addition to the presence or absence of intraepithelial neoplasia and the degree of development in the presence and. In mild degrees of cervical intraepithelial lesion, the condition can be followed by carrying out a Pap smear. In severe forms, removal of the affected area is undertaken.