Spotting

Nicole
Does anyone know what the term spotting is specifically referring to? 
Recently my gyno called and said that I had a wart in my pubic area and I guess this means I have hpv so I've been freaking out about it. Then today it's three days after my period and when I wiped my CM was slightly tinged brown! Is this serious? I've had a pap in September and everything was ok so my dr said I didn't need another one. But I don't know what's ok and what isn't. What are signs of cervical changes that are serious enough to see a doctor. 
Sorry guys I'm just a mess and my gyno was so nonchalant about the hpv that I didn't get any info.