Hi

I have tentatively been diagnosed with oral warts in the last two weeks. However because this virus is so rare apparently, I am having trouble finding a doctor to treat them (Australia), I have been to four GP's and none have seen them before..or really have any information on them. Does anyone know a good source which will give me an indication of how serious this is and what implications this has on my life. What I can be doing at home to prevent them flaring up etc..I have small bumps at the moment in my inner cheeks and have just found a small blood blister.

Hoping some can help...thanks!

Hello Saffy

I am sorry your post was missed.

The diagnosis of oral warts usually is based on the appearance of the lesions. If lesions are unusual in appearance, are ulcerated, or have grown rapidly, then a biopsy is performed to rule out cancer. If there is suspicion of other causes, then other diagnostic evaluations are indicated. The clinical diagnosis of an oral wart can be confirmed by excision biopsy and histopathology. HPV may be demonstrated with electron micropsy or in situ hybridization; this testing is not required routinely.



Once the diagnosis has been confrmed, other warts or recurrent warts may be removed or destroyed by several different means. Treatment options include surgical or laser excision, cryosurgery. Extra-oral lesions (lip or corner of mouth) may benefit from use of topical agents to prevent recurrence, such as Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara), podofilox topical solution (Condylox), or fluorouracil 5% topical (Efudex).

Treatment is difficult as these lesions tend to recur. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, you may not wish such intervention. Observation of these lesions is important due to the potential, however minimal, for development of squamous cell carcinoma.

Best wishes
Vinod