Oral human papillomavirus infection: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care if swelling or another mouth or throat problem makes it difficult to breathe, if you cannot swallow saliva, or if bleeding from the mouth will not stop.

   Oral HPV infection without these problems is not an emergency.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek a prompt medical assessment for:

   • A neck lump that persists or grows
   • Ongoing one-sided throat or ear pain
   • Pain or difficulty when swallowing
   • A lasting hoarse voice or sore throat
   • A mouth ulcer, red or white patch, or growth that does not heal
   • Unexplained weight loss alongside mouth or throat symptoms

   These symptoms often have causes other than cancer, but persistent changes should not be ignored.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment with a dentist or medical professional if you notice a new mouth growth, wart-like area, or unexplained change.

   This is especially important if it remains for more than two or three weeks.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Oral human papillomavirus infection. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.