I have a wart on my tongue. i'm scared to death it is hpv and/or cancerous. what kind of doctor should i go to? there is a spot on the top of my tongue that has been bothering me for about a week now. i thought i had cut my tongue and that this was a l

Diagnosis : Diagnosis of a lesion over the internet, sight unseen, is not prudent. Neither is treating yourself by cutting lesions off your tongue or any other body part for that matter. And the internet cannot be a substitute for the care of a doctor. Let us assume it is nothing serious. But to be absolutely, positively sure, i suggest you see an oral surgeon who can perform a biopsy if he/she feels it necessary. In this way you will know for sure if it was nothing, or have it treated by a professional. It may save your life.

First, : First, a lay individual performing surgery on themselves is highly discouraged. Without proper knowledge of anatomy and proper equipment could lead to a major problem such as severe hemorrhage, permanent nerve injury, or severe infection. The tongue is a very vascular muscle with numerous nerve injuries that makes surgery complicated. Intraoral "warts" are generally caused by the hpv virus (of which there are several hundred variations). These growths are generally benign, though on rare occasion they can be malignant in nature. The best couse of action is to be evaluated by a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Typically the lesions are removed in total and submitted for histological analysis. I would recommend against any ablative procedure such as using a laser to destroy the lesion as it does not permit analysis. Because they are of viral origin they can return even when completely removed.

You : You should go to an oral surgeon or an oral medicine doctor to get a thorough exam and a biopsy.

Don't : Don't procrastinate, find a maxilofacial surgeon to take a biopsy of the area. And best wishes of good luck!

Dermatologist!: Your dermatologist will be happy to remove the lesion and send it for biopsy all at one visit! many dermatologists have same or next day appointments available.

See Oral Surgeon: Oral surgeons treat these problems daily. They are experts at oral anesthesia, diagnosis of oral lesions, and will best handle this problem.