Papilloma

Overview

A papilloma is a small, usually noncancerous growth that develops from the surface layer of the skin or from the moist linings (mucous membranes) inside the body. Papillomas often have a raised, wart-like, or finger-like shape and can appear in many locations, including the skin, the mouth and throat, the eyelids, the breast ducts, and elsewhere.

Most papillomas are benign and harmless, though some can cause symptoms depending on where they grow. Many are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), while others arise for reasons that are not fully understood. Because a few growths that look like papillomas can be more concerning, a healthcare provider may examine or sometimes remove and test them to confirm the diagnosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type and location of the papilloma. Many cause no symptoms and are noticed only as a small lump or growth. Possible features include:

• Skin papillomas: Small, raised, often rough or wart-like bumps, sometimes on a stalk.
• Mouth or throat papillomas: A small lump that may cause irritation, a change in voice, or, rarely, breathing or swallowing difficulty if large or in the airway.
• Eyelid papillomas: A growth on the eyelid that may cause irritation.
• Breast duct papillomas: A lump near the nipple or clear or bloody nipple discharge.
• Bladder or other internal papillomas: Symptoms related to the affected organ, such as blood in the urine.

Because growths in some locations can occasionally be more serious, any new, changing, or symptomatic growth should be evaluated.

Causes

Papillomas have several possible causes depending on their type:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Many papillomas, including common warts and some growths in the mouth, throat, and genital area, are caused by HPV infection.
• Unknown or non-viral causes: Some papillomas, such as certain breast duct papillomas and some skin growths, are not linked to a virus and arise from changes in the tissue itself.
• Chronic irritation in some locations may play a role.

The specific cause influences how a papilloma behaves and how it is managed.

Risk Factors

Risk factors vary by type of papilloma but can include:

• HPV exposure, which can spread through skin-to-skin contact or, for some types, sexual contact.
• A weakened immune system, which can make HPV-related growths more likely.
• Age, as some types, such as certain breast papillomas, are more common in particular age groups.
• Chronic irritation of a tissue surface.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis depends on where the papilloma is located. Steps may include:

• Physical examination, in which a clinician inspects a visible growth on the skin, eyelid, or mouth.
• Specialized examination, such as endoscopy to view growths in the throat or airway, or imaging for internal sites.
• Imaging for breast papillomas, such as mammography and ultrasound.
• Biopsy or removal and examination, in which the growth or a sample is examined under a microscope to confirm it is benign and rule out other conditions.

Confirming the nature of the growth is especially important when it is changing, bleeding, or located somewhere that warrants closer evaluation.

Treatment

Many papillomas do not require treatment if they are benign and not causing problems. When treatment is needed, options depend on the type and location:

• Observation for small, harmless growths that are not bothersome.
• Removal of skin or eyelid papillomas for symptoms, irritation, or cosmetic reasons, using methods such as excision, freezing, or other in-office procedures.
• Surgical removal of growths in the throat, airway, breast ducts, or other internal sites, especially if they cause symptoms or need to be examined.
• Follow-up for types that can recur, such as some respiratory papillomas, which may need repeated treatment.

The goal is to relieve symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and address any growth that could be more than a simple papilloma.

Prevention

Not all papillomas can be prevented, but some steps may lower the risk of HPV-related growths:

• HPV vaccination, which protects against the types of HPV linked to certain warts and cancers.
• Good hygiene and avoiding direct contact with warts.
• Not picking at or scratching existing growths, which can spread some types.
• Following recommended screening, such as breast imaging, to detect changes early.

When to See a Doctor

See a healthcare provider if you notice:

• A new, growing, or changing lump or growth anywhere on the body.
• A skin growth that bleeds, becomes painful, or changes color.
• A breast lump or nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody.
• Hoarseness, voice changes, or difficulty breathing or swallowing that does not resolve.
• Blood in the urine.

Seek prompt or emergency care for any breathing difficulty caused by a growth in the throat or airway. A clinician can determine whether a growth is a harmless papilloma or needs further testing.

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. American Cancer Society.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HPV.
4. Mayo Clinic.