• Infections
• Vaginal Changes
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Everything You Need to Know About HPV Bumps on the Tongue

Medically reviewed and edited by Dr. Banita Sehgal

What is HPV?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be transmitted through contact with an infected person.

HPV is a common STD, and most people who are sexually active could contract the virus at some point.

Although most HPV strains only cause a mild infection, certain variations of the virus can cause more serious conditions like oral cancer.

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Signs and Symptoms of an HPV Infection

The HPV virus usually won’t cause any symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect infection. If symptoms do appear, they may include one or more of the following:

• Genital warts

• Itching or burning in the genital area

• Pain and discomfort during sex

• Abnormal bleeding

Women may also receive abnormal Pap smear results, which indicate that the virus has infected the cervix.

How Does HPV Spread to the Tongue?

An HPV infection can spread to the tongue and other parts of the mouth, including the tonsils and throat. This condition is called oral HPV or an oropharyngeal HPV infection.

This can happen when the mouth comes into contact with infected genital fluids, such as during oral sex. Some research also suggests that oral HPV is prevalent in smokers.

If you develop oral HPV, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Oral warts on the tongue (squamous papilloma)

• Pain and discomfort

• Difficulty swallowing

• Voice changes

• Swollen lymph nodes

In rare cases, you may develop a condition called focal epithelial hyperplasia, which causes pus-filled growths and bumps on your tongue.

Can HPV on the Tongue Be Treated?

Although there is no cure for HPV itself, treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the complications that may develop from infection.

For cases like oral HPV, the infection and physical symptoms — like tongue warts and other growths — usually resolves without treatment.

In severe cases, an HPV infection may include procedures to remove the abnormal growths, like surgery, laser therapy, or cryotherapy.

However, if symptoms persist or if you suspect that you may have a more serious condition, it’s recommended to seek medical treatment immediately.

In the rare cases that the HPV growths in the oral cavity are cancerous, you will need to undergo chemotherapy to treat the infection.

How Long Will it Take for an HPV Tongue Infection to Go Away?

The duration of oral HPV infections will differ from person to person. It also depends on the type of HPV strain, the strength of the immune system, and if you’re receiving any treatment.

In most cases, the body can clear the infection without treatment within two years. With treatment, an oral HPV infection may resolve within a few weeks or months.

Is it Serious When an HPV Infection Spreads?

If HPV spreads to other parts of the body, it may mean that your immune system isn’t strong enough to clear the infection by itself.

This also increases your risk of developing more severe conditions like cervical and oral cancers.

It’s recommended to seek medical attention as soon as you suspect that you have HPV or that the initial infection has spread.

This can help your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate treatment regime to manage your symptoms and minimize the chances of long-term health conditions.

How Can You Prevent HPV from Spreading to the Tongue?

HPV is typically transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or activities like oral sex. Although the best way to prevent STIs is to abstain from sex, this isn’t always practical.

However, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of contracting HPV, including:

• Getting the HPV vaccine

• Not engaging in oral sex or open-mouth kissing if you have any growths on your tongue

• Getting tested for HPV and other STIs regularly

• Being honest with your sexual partners about your HPV status and asking them about theirs

• Getting screened for oropharyngeal cancer and other illnesses regularly

• Not touching or picking at the growths on your tongue

When Should I See My Doctor about HPV?

Although oral HPV typically resolves on its own, it’s important to keep an eye on your infection and symptoms.

If you experience any abnormal symptoms — like unexplained weight loss or enlarged growths in the mouth — it’s recommended that you see your doctor.

The medical professionals at LifeMD are also able to help you if you suspect that you have an HPV infection.

Speak to any of our board-certified physicians for a professional diagnosis, all from the comfort of your own home.

Head over to LifeMD to schedule a telehealth appointment, today.

Dr. Banita Sehgal

Dr. Sehgal received her medical degree from Western University in Los Angeles and trained as Chief Resident at White Memorial Medical Center, also in Los Angeles. She’s been practicing medicine for 20+ years and has a specific interest in women’s health.

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