Benign white growths in the tongue appear due to papillomavirus infection. These neoplasms are small, but at the same time they can deliver very unpleasant symptoms to a person. White growths in the tongue, as well as in other parts of the oral cavity, can appear in absolutely any person, sometimes such papillomas are observed even in children.
Conditions for the appearance of growths
There are many different reasons why papillomas in the oral cavity can form. The primary factor that triggers the formation of white growth in the tongue is human papillomavirus. Infection with this virus usually occurs through sexual contact. This reason is the most common when these neoplasms occur.
As for children, white growths in their tongue may appear due to a genetic predisposition. For example, if the mother had the human papillomavirus, then it could be transmitted from her to the child. In addition, non-compliance with hygiene rules, as well as many household items that the child often pulls in his mouth, can be carriers of this infection, which is the reason for the appearance of these neoplasms.
White growths under the tongue and in other areas of the oral cavity prevent a person from living fully. The most common causes of infection in adults are:
- Sexual intercourse with a person who is infected with papillomavirus.
- The transmission of human papillomavirus through the use of various household items that are its carrier.
Provoking factors of education
At the same time, it is very difficult to identify who exactly is the carrier of papillomavirus. White growths under the tongue may not appear for 10 years, while this virus can sit in the body of a person. The main factors that can cause the appearance of these neoplasms are:
- Weakened immunity.
- Stressful situations.
- Various microtrauma in the oral cavity.
- Improper nutrition.
- Vitamin deficiency in the body.
- Unbalanced food.
It is important to note that no one is protected from white growths in the language whose photos are presented in the article. This is especially true for those people who drink alcohol, smoke, and also take a large number of medicines.
Varieties of benign formations
Speaking about what growths exist in the language, it is customary to divide them into two main types:
- Flat.
- Spiky.
Pointed papilloma is presented in the form of papillae. Such neoplasms often prevent a person from eating and talking. This is especially true in cases where a white growth is formed on the frenum of the tongue. These papillomas cling to the skin of the cheeks and teeth all the time. Such neoplasms grow quite quickly, and clinging to teeth can come off.
Squamous cell types of papillomas are distinguished by the presence of clear boundaries. These neoplasms are round in shape. Unlike genital species, squamous growths are pronounced. As a rule, these papillomas are painless, and also do not cause any discomfort to a person. These types of papillomas do not grow. Similarly, white growths form on the tip of the tongue, on the side, and also at its root.
It should be noted that in children quite often such papillomas form in sores, but they do not show any symptoms, and are also able to disappear without a trace. Statistics show that women are mostly affected by papillomas.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, white growths form on the root of the tongue, on the lateral surfaces, as well as on its tip. By color, they can be not only white, but also pinkish, as well as bright red.
As for the symptoms of these neoplasms, they are very simple. Small elevations form on the mucous surface of the tongue. A white growth in the tongue on the side or on its tip often gives the patient discomfort. If this neoplasm appeared on the back of the tongue, then it causes severe inconvenience during swallowing. Quite often, the pointed types of growths break off on their own, and bleeding ulcerative foci appear in their place.
Danger of neoplasms
Many people believe that if a white growth in the tongue appears, then it is safe for humans and can be treated very well. However, not everyone is aware that such neoplasms carry some danger. If treatment is not started in time, this can provoke the growth of growths, as well as the occurrence of problems with speech activity.
The main danger of such papillomas is that they can develop into a malignant neoplasm. The spread of the epithelium has atypical cell growth, which becomes uncontrolled in the future.
It is important to note that emerging ulcers that have not been treated are infected. In the end, the wounds begin to ooze and fester. In such cases, one can not do without surgical intervention.
Diagnostic Methods
If white growths have formed at the base of the tongue, on its tip or on the side, not everyone knows which specialist to contact in this case. As a rule, with the appearance of such growths, you should consult a dermatologist or dermatovenerologist. The specialist must conduct a diagnostic examination, and then make an accurate diagnosis. To do this, the doctor must:
- Carefully study the patient’s cell structure.
- Take for analysis a biopsy of the affected areas in the tongue, as well as microscopic examination of tissues.
- Conduct a virological and microbiological examination of the neoplasm.
All these tests and examinations are necessary for diagnosis, since papillomas are formed due to human papillomavirus. As for the number of these benign neoplasms, they do not play any role. Even if the patient has only one growth in the tongue, the specialist should examine the patient. Especially important is the study of the development of growths due to the possibility of their formation in a malignant form.
It is important to note that only a doctor should prescribe methods of treatment for this disease. Sometimes growths in the tongue dissolve with themselves. However, most of these papillomas require removal by surgical intervention.
Modern treatments
Currently, 3 main methods of therapy are used.
- Antiviral therapy.
- Surgical removal of papillomas from the tongue.
- Treatment using traditional medicine.
To get rid of growths in the tongue, it is best to use complex therapy. The treatment of this disease consists in the use of various creams that are designed to remove these neoplasms, as well as antiviral drugs, solutions, drugs that enhance human immunity.
The most popular and best drugs that are used to combat papillomas are the following:
- Alloferon.
- "Acyclovir."
- Allokin Alpha.
Antiviral agents are needed in order to improve the patient’s immune system, as well as suppress the development of growths and the human papillomavirus, which provoked their formation. The most effective drugs for eliminating the virus are Panavir and Isoprinosine.
The treatment regimen and drug administration should be determined individually for each patient. Since each remedy has possible side effects and contraindications, doctors do not recommend self-medication.
Papillomavirus removal
The main method for removing growths in the tongue is surgical excision. As a rule, after such an operation, stitches are applied.
The second method of removal involves the use of a laser. This method is performed once and is welcomed in many modern clinics. This procedure is painless and also does not cause any discomfort to the patient. Using a sterile laser, the tumor is cauterized. As a rule, bleeding does not appear during the procedure. Laser removal of growths on the tongue helps tissues regenerate faster. Puffiness passes rather quickly, and scar after surgery is almost invisible. This method is very effective, therefore, a repeated procedure is rarely required.
After the operation is completed, the patient is kept in the walls of a medical institution for some time. The specialist should prescribe special medications with an immunostimulating effect. It will also be necessary to take various antiviral agents in parallel.
The third method of removal is electrocoagulation. This procedure is a cauterization of neoplasms using special forceps. Electrical pulses are applied to the tips of the forceps.
The fourth method of removal is radio wave exposure.
Folk remedies
There are also many different folk recipes that are very effective in controlling the growths in the tongue. However, before using this or that home remedy, it is best to consult your doctor.
You should also pay attention to the fact that in no case can you cut, cauterize or pluck papillomas yourself. Otherwise, growths can begin to multiply by themselves. Such a possible spread of infection can even provoke the transformation of papilloma into a malignant form.
Celandine
Quite often, with home treatment for papillomas, celandine juice is used. Of course, it will be quite difficult to apply liquid on the surface of the tongue, but sometimes, this plant gives good results in the fight against this ailment. It is used if the growths in the tongue are small. Celandine juice should be applied to the neoplasm 3 times a day, kept on the affected areas for 5 minutes. The course of therapy by this method should be at least 1 month.
Potato juice and herbs
To quickly get rid of growths in the tongue, every day you need to eat potato juice. Potato juice should be made from red potatoes. At least one glass of such juice should be drunk per day.
Also a very effective tool in the fight against growths in the tongue is tincture of wild rose, chopped roots of dandelion or plantain.
Home therapy also involves boosting the immune system. To increase your immunity, in parallel with taking the appropriate medications that have been prescribed by your doctor, you can also use various fresh fruits and vegetables.
Preventative Compliance
To never form white growths in the tongue, it is necessary to regularly take various vitamin complexes, eat a balanced diet, use condoms during intercourse, periodically undergo a routine examination by a urologist, gynecologist, and dentist. It is also recommended to limit the use of alcoholic beverages, to stop smoking.