Last Updated on September 23, 2024
Tongue warts, caused by HPV, can appear as small, raised bumps on the surface of the tongue. These warts often result from oral HPV, which is more common than people might think. In fact, around 10% of men and 3.6% of women in the U.S. have oral human papillomavirus, according to the CDC.
Transmission of oral HPV typically occurs through direct contact, such as kissing or oral sex. The risk of getting HPV rises with the number of sexual partners and can be higher if one uses tobacco or alcohol regularly. Although many warts do not cause pain and may resolve on their own, tongue warts can potentially lead to more severe health issues, including oral cancer.
Prevention involves practicing safe oral hygiene, avoiding risky behaviors, and understanding how HPV spreads. Furthermore, identifying symptoms early can help manage tongue warts before they worsen. Treatment options vary from topical medications to surgical removal, depending on the size and severity of the warts. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, types, and treatment options available for tongue warts.
Types of Warts on Tongue
HPV can cause various types of warts on tongue, with around 40 strains linked to oral warts. Each type of wart has different characteristics:
Verruca Vulgaris (Common Wart)
Caused by HPV strains 2 and 4, verruca vulgaris accounts for 70% of warts. These warts are well-defined, less than 1 cm in diameter, and often appear white or pink. They are attached at the base and may have a warts like growth pattern with prominent hair like projections.
Squamous Papilloma
Resulting from HPV strains 6 and 11, squamous papillomas are less than 1 cm in diameter and have a cauliflower-like surface. They feature numerous tiny projections and are typically white to pink/red. These warts can also appear on the tonsils, gums, palate, and other oral areas.
Condyloma Acuminata
Associated with HPV strains 2, 6, and 11, condyloma acuminata usually presents as solitary or multiple lesions. In addition, these warts, which may form larger growths, have a cauliflower-like surface and are pink to white. They commonly appear on the tongue and upper lip.
Multifocal Epithelial Hyperplasia
Caused by HPV strains 13 and 32, this type, also known as Heck’s disease, frequently occurs in children and is more common in females. Moreover, these lesions are white or pink papules, often found on the back of the tongue and gingiva. These papules, or warts on back of tongue, can range from 1 mm to 1 cm in size and are typically stalkless, being attached at the base of the lesion.
Causes of Warts on Tongue
HPV can lead to warts on tongue through several transmission pathways. Here’s how warts can develop:
Inter-Site Transmission Between Individuals
The Genito-oral route is a common method of HPV transmission. This includes oral sex, anal sex, and indirect contact through virus-infected hands or fingernails. Additionally, mouth-to-mouth transmission through deep kissing can spread the virus.
Perinatal Transmission
HPV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her infant during delivery. Additionally, the virus can be acquired in utero via the placenta or umbilical cord. After birth, transmission can occur through skin-to-skin contact or through breast milk.
Autoinoculation
Autoinoculation happens when HPV is transferred from one area of your body to another. For instance, touching genital or anal warts and then transferring the virus to your mouth with your hands can cause tongue warts.
Risk Factors
Moreover, several factors increase the likelihood of developing warts on your tongue:
- Having a higher number of sexual partners
- Existing breaks in the skin or mucous membranes
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Smoking
- A weakened immune system
How to Get Rid of Tongue Warts
Warts on tongue often resolve on their own, but this process can take up to 2 years. During this time, managing discomfort and preventing irritation is crucial.
Self-Care and Preventative Measures
While waiting for a wart to disappear, eat on the side of your mouth opposite the wart to minimize irritation. This approach reduces the risk of biting the wart and causing further discomfort. Consulting with a healthcare professional can also provide guidance on available treatments.
Treatment Options for Tongue Warts
Several treatments can address persistent or troublesome warts:
Cryotherapy
One of the treatments for removing troublesome tongue warts is cryotherapy. It uses extremely cold substances, like liquid nitrogen, to freeze and remove the wart. This method is generally effective and involves minimal discomfort. Cryotherapy offers several advantages, including no bleeding and minimal scarring. However, it may cause swelling and depends on the operator’s skill.
Electrosurgery
Electrosurgery employs a low-voltage electrical probe to burn off the wart. Thus, this technique is suitable for small, isolated warts and provides good results with minimal pain.
Surgical Excision
Traditional surgical excision involves removing the wart through standard surgical techniques. This approach offers a low recurrence rate but may require stitches and general anesthesia.
Laser-Assisted Therapy
Laser-assisted therapy utilizes a concentrated laser to precisely remove the wart. Hence, this method ensures excellent hemostasis, high precision, and minimal postoperative pain. The treatment promotes rapid healing and avoids the need for stitches. An effective treatment to remove tongue warts.
Imiquimod
Imiquimod cream, often used for external warts, has shown effectiveness for oral HPV warts as well. It is self-administered, cost-effective, and minimizes potential side effects compared to surgical treatments.
Trichloroacetic Acid
Trichloroacetic acid effectively treats HPV warts on the tongue with a few short applications. So, it is a good option for widespread lesions and avoids surgical complications.
Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for your specific situation. Each method has its benefits and considerations, so professional advice will ensure the most appropriate choice.
Let’s briefly explore HPV and the various types of warts it can cause.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread virus with over 100 types affecting various body parts. Therefore, HPV can cause warts on the hands, feet, and face, and about 30 strains affect the genitals, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, rectum, and anus.
Genital HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) spread through skin-to-skin contact. While the majority of genital HPV strains are harmless and cause genital warts, some strains are high-risk and can lead to cancers, such as cervical cancer. Early detection and treatment can often prevent cancer.
Are All Warts HPV?
Yes, all warts are caused by HPV, but not all HPV types cause warts. HPV types 6 and 11 are commonly responsible for genital warts, while other strains cause flat warts, plantar warts, common warts, and periungual or subungual warts. The HPV types associated with cancer do not cause warts.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Certain HPV strains, particularly types 16 and 18, can cause cervical dysplasia, which may progress to cervical cancer if untreated. Regular Pap smears are crucial for detecting these changes. Most HPV infections in people under 30 clear up on their own. By age 30, testing and follow-up may be needed based on your results. Regular screening helps manage risk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tongue warts, including warts on back of tongue or warts under tongue, can be bothersome but are usually manageable with appropriate treatment. Understanding the types, causes, and preventive measures can help in addressing these warts effectively. Moreover, consult a healthcare provider for tailored advice and treatment options to ensure optimal management and relief.
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