HPV in the mouth: symptoms, treatment and how it is transmitted

HPV in the mouth occurs when there is a contagion of the oral mucosa with the virus, which usually happens due to direct contact with genital lesions during unprotected oral sex.

Lesions caused by HPV in the mouth, although rare, are more frequent on the lateral edge of the tongue, lips and palate, but anywhere on the oral surface can be affected.

The HPV in the mouth can increase the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, in the pharynx, so whenever there is a diagnosis of HPV, treatment must be received to prevent the development of cancer.

Main symptoms of HPV in the mouth

The symptoms that indicate a HPV infection in the mouth are rare, however, some people can present small lesions similar to white warts, which can join and form plaques. These little heirlooms can be white, light red or tener el mismo color de la piel.

However, most diagnosed cases know that they have the infection until more serious complications, such as cancer, arise. Some early signs of oral cancer include:

• Difficulty in swallowing;
• constant tone;
• Pain in the ear zone;
• Inflamed ganglion en el cuello;
• Recurrently inflamed throat.

If any of these symptoms are identified or that there is a suspicion of being infected by HPV in the mouth, it is very important to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start the treatment, if necessary.

What to do in case of suspicion

Occasionally, the dentist may observe any lesion that may indicate HPV, but the person may also suspect that he or she has an infection in the mouth or observe suggestive lesions.

In case of doubt, consult a doctor, as the infectious disease specialist is the most suitable doctor to observe the lesions, even if the general practitioner, gynecologist or urologist are also familiar with the HPV. The doctor can take a sample of the lesions and request a biopsy to identify if it really is HPV and what type it is, in this way he can indicate the most appropriate treatment for each case.

How is HPV transmitted by mouth

The main form of transmission of HPV to the mouth is through oral sex without protection, without embargo, it is also possible that the transmission occurs through a kiss, especially if there is some injury in the mouth that facilitates the entry of the virus .

In addition, HPV infection in the mouth is more common in people who have multiple partners, who smoke or drink too much alcohol.

Watch the following video and find out a little more about the VPH:

Treatment to cure HPV in the mouth

Many cases of HPV are cured without any type of treatment and without producing symptoms. For that reason, it is frequent that the person does not know that I am infected.

However, when lesions arise in the mouth, the treatment is usually performed with laser, surgery or medications such as 70% or 90% trichlor acid or alpha interferon, 2 times a week for around 3 months.

There are 24 types of HPV that can affect the mouth area, although they are all related to the onset of cancer. The types that pose a greater risk of malignancy are: VPH 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 and 55; poseen un riesgo medio, and tienen bajo riesgo los types 6, 11, 13 and 32.

After the treatment indicated by the doctor, it is important to carry out other tests to confirm the elimination of the lesions, however, it is very difficult to eliminate the HPV virus from the body, so not in all cases it can be decided that the HPV is cured , since the virus can reappear after some time.