Oral papillomas are benign neoplasms in the oral cavity that grow from epithelial cells. Papillomas are discovered during a dental examination and look like separate growing seals on a small stalk, they are painless and have a white or pale pink color.
This type of neoplasm in the oral cavity is diagnosed most often. About 60% of patients are women aged forty years, about 20% are teenagers of any gender. Often, adults experience the appearance of individual papillomas, while children may experience so-called papillomatosis (multiple papillomas). In half of the cases, papillomas are localized on the mucous membrane of the tongue.
Papilloma in the mouth: causes of appearance
The most common cause of this type of tumor is the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Factors that provoke the appearance of papillomas in the oral cavity are, for example, constant microdamage to the cheeks and tongue. A relatively small damage is enough for viral particles to penetrate inside and trigger the formation of papilloma. In children, the provoking factor is a too short frenulum of the tongue - the lower incisors injure it, creating a gateway for infection.
When analyzing papilloma under a microscope, it can be noted that this neoplasm is a tumor, which consists of many layers of epithelial tissue, which in some places has become significantly keratinized. In some areas, traces of the appearance of a focus of inflammatory infection can be noted.
How and why we become infected with HPV:
- In most cases, HPV is transmitted through sexual contact.
- Infection is possible through household means, through touch, while staying in public places, such as baths, saunas, swimming pools, toilets or gyms.
- Self-infection, such as when you accidentally cut yourself while shaving.
- There are known cases of infection of a newborn during passage through the birth canal.
The danger of HPV lies in the fact that, once it enters the human body, it can remain in an inactive state for a long time, but then suddenly (during stress, a cold or other immune system failure) make itself felt in the form of the appearance of tumors on the body and growths on the tongue.
Classification of oral papillomas
Based on the number and concentration of neoplasms, oral papilloma is differentiated from papillomatosis – a massive accumulation of neoplasms in one place.
According to their origin, papillomas are divided into the following types:
- Traumatic (reactive) papilloma. May appear after traumatic effects of a mechanical, chemical or temperature nature. A distinctive and characteristic feature of reactive type oral papilloma is that their growth stops immediately after the irritant that caused them is eliminated.
- True (neoplastic) papilloma. This type of papilloma begins to develop after the mechanism of cell division, growth, and differentiation is disrupted. In most cases, this type of papillomas appears in the distal part of the cheek, in the area located behind the molars and in the area of the pterygomandibular fold.
- Viral papilloma of the oral cavity. May appear after the patient has been infected with the human papillomavirus. This type of infection occurs through direct contact with a carrier of the virus. When the integrity of the oral mucosa is compromised (for example, due to microtrauma), a path for infection appears.
Laser removal of papilloma in the throat. Progress in medicine helps.
The main thing is to keep up with it and take advantage of all the new opportunities. In the treatment of papillomatosis, these include the use of CO2 laser, narrow-spectrum endoscopy and certain antiviral drugs. But there is one prerequisite to achieve the best result - everything must be performed by a highly qualified surgeon with extensive experience in treating laryngeal papillomatosis. This is extremely important to understand.
Papillomatosis is characterized by the formation of exophytic growths that affect the mucous membrane of various parts of the larynx and underlying parts of the respiratory tract.
Treatment of oral papillomas
Diagnosis of this disease includes a collection of the patient’s medical history, as well as a thorough histological examination of removed papillomas.
Treatment of papillomas is only surgical. The neoplasm is excised down to the borders of healthy tissue. Techniques such as electrocoagulation, cryosurgery, sclerotherapy and others are rarely used, since as a result of their implementation it is impossible to conduct a histological analysis of the papilloma removed to the base.
If a large accumulation of papillomatous neoplasms is detected, a combined technique is used: a scalpel is used to dissect the largest number of papillomas accumulated in one place, and single papillomas are removed using electrocoagulation.
If oral papillomas have a viral etiology, antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy is prescribed along with surgical intervention to prevent relapses.
Depending on the etiology of the disease, relapses may occur with greater or lesser probability. So, if there is a human papillomavirus in the body, the risk of papillomas returning after surgery is quite high.
More than 10 years without recurrence of papillomatosis.
All patients treated by Professor Roberto Pujedo have not experienced a relapse of the disease for more than ten years .
“A comprehensive approach is a key success factor. Starting with detailed diagnostics using cutting-edge technologies, ending with careful monitoring in the postoperative period.”
Along with the expertly performed complete removal of papillomas, Professor Roberto Pujedo carries out targeted administration of antiviral drugs into the mucous membrane of the affected areas of the larynx.
Reliable source:
Enhanced contact endoscopy (ECE) in head and neck surgery
Many patients talk about dozens of surgeries in their history and endless relapses. It seems that it is impossible to cope with this disease. Each time the voice becomes worse, numerous scars form in the larynx.
Now this is history!
What is the danger of developing growths on the tongue?
Often a person does not even suspect that HPV is present in his body, which manifests itself in the form of papillomas. If the growth is localized on the inside of the tongue, closer to the palate, then the patient may not notice the growth. And then the doctor accidentally finds the papilloma during an examination of the patient’s oral cavity.
Papillomas that are located on the tip of the tongue are less common, but they are always noticeable. Such growths interfere with talking and eating, so people with such growths most often seek help from a medical facility.
What else can you expect from a growth on the tongue, besides discomfort:
- Papilloma is a benign neoplasm that in itself does not pose a threat to human health. But in 1.2% of cases, malignancy of such processes occurs, i.e. The tumor goes from benign to malignant.
- The oral cavity is an extremely undesirable place for papillomas to be found. If in other parts of the body growths can “live” quietly, and the doctor will not recommend removing a tumor that does not pose a threat, then papillomas on the tongue are often injured. This can lead to inflammation.
How to avoid relapse of the disease?
After the growth has been removed from the patient's tongue, the person should not relax. Typically, single papillomas do not recur, but with multiple formations, the reappearance of growths on the body occurs quite often.
Therefore, after surgical removal of papillomas from the surface of the tongue, you should:
- Take precautions and limit risk factors (see above).
- Take a course of antiviral treatment as recommended by your doctor.
- Seasonally take immunomodulatory drugs and vitamin complexes, which your doctor will also help you choose.
- Maintain oral hygiene and avoid tongue injuries.
One of the main conditions for achieving a favorable outcome in the fight against papillomas is choosing the right medical center, since much in the procedure for removing a tumor depends on the actions of the doctor. We hope that the recommendations of specialists from the LeaderStom network of dental clinics helped you clarify the picture of the growth that has developed on your tongue, and now you can solve this problem without unnecessary emotional distress.
Gum cancer
This dangerous neoplasm is worth highlighting separately. Mutation cells begin to divide uncontrollably, which is why a red tumor forms on the gum. The disease progresses quickly and over time can develop into jaw cancer.
What are the symptoms?
- General weakness;
- increased body temperature (37 C°);
- loss of appetite;
- constant drowsiness.
The doctor makes an accurate diagnosis after a detailed examination. As a rule, treatment is long and painstaking. With timely medical intervention, the outcome is favorable.
Non-infectious diseases that can cause a lump on the gum
- Epulis.
A small growth that has some kind of stalk, which occurs mainly due to injuries, malocclusions, improper prosthetics, during teething (in children), and also due to hormonal disorders (less often). In appearance, epulis may resemble a tumor due to gingivitis, so diagnosing the disease may require x-rays and histological examination. - Ecostosis.
This pathology is a bone growth that is formed due to a jaw anomaly. The main cause of ecostosis is considered to be a genetic predisposition, but pathology can develop after injuries and traumatic tooth extraction. In this case, the bone extends beyond its usual boundaries, resulting in the formation of a noticeable lump. The disease is not accompanied by an inflammatory process, but it can occur due to mechanical damage to the growth. - Hematoma.
It is formed as a result of a strong blow and may well go away on its own or with the use of special means. If the tissue structure is disrupted as a result of injury, the help of a surgeon is needed.
Infectious diseases that can cause a lump on the gum
- Periostitis (flux).
Periostitis, or flux, usually occurs against the background of complications of caries, pulpitis and periodontitis, when infection and pus extend beyond the periodontal tissues and penetrate into the soft tissue area. You can notice with the naked eye that there is a swollen lump on the gum. - Complications of periodontitis (granuloma, cyst).
When infections occur at the root apex, a periodontal abscess occurs. Gradually, pus penetrates into the periosteum area, and then directly under the mucous membrane. Thanks to its elasticity, the patient often does not feel any unpleasant symptoms from the lump that appears, so he is in no hurry to see a doctor. Quite dangerous are cases when the pathology takes the form of a fistula, which looks like a small white lump near the tooth. The fistulous tract allows pus to come out, but this does not mean that the inflammatory process will disappear on its own; - Gingivitis and periodontitis.
With periodontal inflammation, swelling and hardening of the gums are almost always observed. Gingivitis is considered the initial stage of the disease, therefore it is characterized by the so-called red ball (gum tumor), while with periodontitis, purulent discharge is observed, and the tumor acquires a beige or grayish tint. In some particularly advanced cases, against the background of periodontal problems, gumboil may appear, which visually looks much more noticeable.
