Papilloma

Papilloma is a benign epithelial tumor that protrudes from a mucosal or cutaneous surface, producing a finger-like or papillary projection. The term derives from the Latin papilla, meaning nipple or pimple. Papillomas are typically slow-growing and may be solitary or multiple, depending on location.

Many papillomas are associated with HPV infection, especially cutaneous warts and mucosal lesions. Others occur without viral involvement, such as skin tags (acrochordons). Common examples include cutaneous warts, oral squamous papillomas, nasal and laryngeal papillomas. Some sites, like sinonasal inverted papilloma, have distinct biology and a risk of recurrence or malignant transformation.

Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and histopathology. A papilloma typically shows a papillary or exophytic architecture with a fibrovascular core and overlying stratified squamous epithelium; koilocytosis may be present in HPV-associated lesions. Management ranges from observation to complete surgical excision; other options include cryotherapy, laser ablation, and topical agents depending on location and size. Recurrence can occur after treatment.

Prognosis is generally good for most papillomas after treatment, though some forms, such as nasal or sinonasal papillomas, require longer-term surveillance because of higher recurrence rates and a small risk of malignant transformation.