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Mouth Diseases

Warts on the tongue

08/03/2007

Question:

I have read through all of the Q&A regarding bumps/lumps/warts on the tongue, but so far I have not found anything which describes my problem. Just recently I have noticed there is a patch of bumps which are flat and pink on the back of the tongue. Not as far back as the Circumvalate papillae, which I know everyone has, but these are in front of the Circumvalate papillae. I am worried that this might be warts and I do understand that without actually seeing these it is difficult for you to diagnose. I always brush my tongue and what made me notice them is that my tongue started to hurt after brushing it. I also occasionally have a feeling of something stuck in my throat and swallowing feels strange sometimes. I have never been diagnosed with a STD, but this is still worrying me.

Answer:

This is not something that can be diagnosed over the internet. More precise details such as the number of bumps in this patch, the size of the patch, the size of the bumps, their color relative to the rest of the tongue, and their surface texture would be helpful but not necessarily diagnostic. Ultimately, a biopsy will likely be required to let you know exactly what these bumps represent and, if necessary, how to treat them.

I recommend that you see your dentist or a dental specialist such as an oral surgeon or oral pathologist. If nothing else, it will help put your mind at ease.

Good luck!

For more information:

Go to the Mouth Diseases health topic, where you can:

Response by:

The Ohio State University John R Kalmar, DMD, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies
Dental Faculty Practice
Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University
John R Kalmar, DMD, PhD