Understanding Papilloma and Its Effects on the Body

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Pankaj Nandagawali , General Surgeons

Causes
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Diagnosis
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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Papilloma is a non-cancerous growth that develops from epithelial cells and is commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. These growths can appear on various parts of the body, including the skin, mouth, throat, genitals, and other mucosal surfaces.

Most papillomas are harmless, but some may cause discomfort, bleeding, or functional problems depending on their location. Certain HPV types are also associated with an increased risk of specific cancers, making appropriate evaluation important for unusual or persistent growths.

What are the Types of Papilloma?

Papillomas can occur in different locations and may have different characteristics depending on the tissue affected. Common types include:

Squamous Cell Papilloma: A benign growth arising from squamous epithelial cells, which can occur on the skin or mucosal surfaces.
Viral Papilloma: HPV-related growths that may occur on the skin or mucous membranes and can appear as flat or raised lesions.
Respiratory Papilloma: HPV-related growths that develop in the respiratory tract, particularly the larynx, and may cause hoarseness or breathing difficulties.
Cervical Papilloma: HPV-associated growths involving the cervix. Appropriate cervical screening is important because certain high-risk HPV infections can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Breast Papilloma: A benign growth that develops within a breast duct and may cause a lump or nipple discharge. It is different from an HPV-related papilloma.
Conjunctival Papilloma: A benign growth affecting the conjunctiva, which may cause irritation or other eye symptoms depending on its size and location.

What are the Symptoms of Papilloma?

Papilloma can cause different symptoms depending on its location and type. Common signs include small, flesh-colored or raised growths on the skin or mucous membranes. Some papillomas are painless, while others may cause itching, irritation, bleeding, or discomfort.

Small, flesh-colored or raised growths on the skin
Wart-like growths on mucous membranes or the genital area
Itching, irritation, or discomfort around the growth
Bleeding from an irritated or injured papilloma
Hoarseness or voice changes when the larynx is affected
Coughing or breathing difficulty with respiratory papillomas
Difficulty swallowing when growths affect the throat or upper airway

What are the Causes of Papilloma?

Many papillomas are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV can enter the body through small breaks in the skin or through contact with infected skin or mucosal surfaces. Different HPV types can affect different parts of the body.

HPV infection: Different HPV types can cause warts and papillomas on the skin or mucous membranes.
Skin-to-skin contact: Direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces can spread some types of HPV.
Sexual contact: Certain HPV types can be transmitted through sexual contact and cause genital papillomas.
Weakened immune system: Reduced immune function may make it harder for the body to control HPV infection.
Skin injury: Cuts, abrasions, or damaged skin can provide an entry point for HPV.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult a General surgeon if you notice a new, unusual, or changing skin or mucosal growth, as early evaluation can help determine whether it is a papilloma or another type of lesion.

New or growing warts, lumps, or unusual growths
Bleeding, itching, pain, or persistent irritation from a growth
Persistent hoarseness, cough, or difficulty swallowing

Get medical help immediately if:

Rapidly enlarging or severely painful growths
Breathing or swallowing difficulty
Heavy bleeding or signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or pus

These symptoms may indicate a complication or another condition requiring prompt medical evaluation.

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How Is Papilloma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of papilloma usually begins with a physical examination of the growth and a review of the person's symptoms and medical history. Additional testing may be recommended when the appearance or location of the growth is unusual or when cancer needs to be ruled out.

Physical examination: Assessment of the size, appearance, location, and characteristics of the growth
Biopsy: Removal of a tissue sample for microscopic examination when the diagnosis is uncertain or malignancy needs to be excluded
HPV testing: May be used in specific situations, particularly for cervical lesions and screening for high-risk HPV types
Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be used to evaluate papillomas in deeper or internal locations when necessary
Endoscopy: May be performed for papillomas involving areas such as the respiratory or digestive tract

An accurate diagnosis helps determine whether treatment is needed and identifies any underlying HPV infection or other condition requiring monitoring.

What are the Treatment Options for Papilloma?

Treatment depends on the type, size, location, number of growths, symptoms, and risk of recurrence. Some papillomas may not require treatment if they are harmless and do not cause symptoms.

Cryotherapy: Freezing certain skin warts with liquid nitrogen to destroy the abnormal tissue
Surgical excision: Removing the papilloma with a minor surgical procedure when necessary
Laser therapy: Using focused laser energy to remove or destroy selected papillomas
Electrocautery: Using electrical energy to destroy some types of growths
Topical medications: Certain medicines may be used for specific HPV-related skin or genital lesions
Observation: Some papillomas may resolve naturally as the immune system controls the underlying viral infection

Regular follow-up may be recommended for recurrent, extensive, or HPV-related papillomas. HPV vaccination can help prevent infection with HPV types associated with several cancers and genital warts.

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What are the Risk Factors of Papilloma?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing papillomas, particularly HPV-related growths. Risk varies depending on the type and location of the papilloma.