My situation and concerns:
I was diagnosed with genital warts around 7 months ago and have had some trouble with recurrence, though the outbreaks have thus far been fairly minimal. Recently I have noticed bumps on my lateral tongue and the very meeting point of the hard and soft palate. These bumps are not unusually colored, and have a smooth, raised surface (though one seems bumpier than the others). When I visited my University's health center several days ago, I asked about the possibility of oral warts and (after the clinician looked briefly in my mouth) was told not to 'lose sleep over it'. Please forgive my continued questioning - after I requested during a routine gynecologist exam to be checked for genital warts after noticing small abnormalities in the area, I was also instructed not to worry. I persisted in my worrying, however, and was diagnosed with genital warts only two weeks later. Though I know oral warts are rare in persons without compromised immune systems, I found through my research that oral warts are becoming increasingly common in individuals suffering from HIV and AIDS. I do not have HIV, but I am concerned with the rising prevalence of oral warts in this community, and the possible implications for my own case.
My questions:
Is there evidence that oral warts are becoming more common in the general population? Are there available statistics on the non-HIV positive population with oral warts? How contagious are oral warts compared to warts on the genitals? I have read conflicting accounts of whether HPV is life-long or if the immune system clears the body of HPV after a period of 6 months to several years. Do you have any thoughts on the subject? And, most pertinent to my situation, would you recommend making an appointment with my dentist to discuss these bumps? I realize that the oral cavity has many normal lumps and bumps, but I am concerned nevertheless.
Thank you in advance for your help, Doctor. This website is truly an invaluable resource.