Oral warts are benign growths that can appear within the mouth, on the lips, tongue, or other oral surfaces. These lesions are a manifestation of infection with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While often small and unobtrusive, their presence can sometimes raise questions about their nature and implications for oral health.
Do Oral Warts Cause Pain?
Oral warts do not cause pain or discomfort. They are asymptomatic, due to their benign nature and limited nerve endings in the oral mucosa.
Discomfort can arise if warts are in areas subject to frequent friction or irritation. Activities like chewing, brushing, or dental work can rub against them, leading to soreness or inflammation. If a wart becomes secondarily infected, it may result in pain, tenderness, or swelling. Larger warts or those on mobile structures like the tongue might also be bothersome.
Appearance of Oral Warts
Oral warts appear as small, elevated bumps within the mouth. Their surface can have a cauliflower-like, rough, or pebbly texture. These growths may present as singular lesions or in clusters.
Their color ranges from flesh-colored to pink, whitish, or gray, matching surrounding oral tissues. They vary in size, measuring from a few millimeters up to one or two centimeters. Common locations include the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and the hard or soft palate.
Causes of Oral Warts
Oral warts are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Specific strains, such as HPV types 6, 11, 2, 4, 13, and 32, are most commonly associated with oral lesions.
The virus enters the body through direct contact between skin or mucous membranes. Transmission occurs through oral contact, including oral sex with an individual who has HPV or genital warts. Open-mouth kissing can also spread the virus. Touching an HPV-infected area on one’s own body, then placing that hand in the mouth, can also lead to oral warts. The virus takes hold when it enters through small cuts or abrasions in the oral lining.
Treatment Options for Oral Warts
While some oral warts may resolve spontaneously, various treatment options are available if they cause discomfort, interfere with oral function, or are a cosmetic concern. Surgical excision involves removing the wart with a scalpel. This method allows for complete lesion removal.
Laser removal uses focused light beams to destroy wart tissue, either by targeting blood vessels or vaporizing cells. Cryotherapy freezes the wart with liquid nitrogen, causing tissue to die and slough off. Multiple sessions may be required for complete resolution.
Electrocautery uses an electric current or controlled heat to burn away wart tissue, destroying the lesion while managing bleeding. The goal of these treatments is to alleviate symptoms or remove the visible lesion, though recurrence is possible as the underlying HPV infection may persist.