A papilloma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor arising from an epithelial surface and usually known to grow in an outward direction. Commonly, a papilloma refers to squamous cell papillomas which appear as frond-like tumors that can develop almost anywhere on the body with squamous epithelium:
Skin: as warts and cutaneous papillomas
Lip
Oral cavity
Eyelid
Tongue
Pharynx
Larynx
Esophagus
Cervix
Genital tract: known as genital warts
Most of these lesions are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They are contagious upon contact with the exception of cutaneous papilloma, which is also called an acrochordon or more commonly known as a skin tag. Most of these lesions are usually self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals.
Copyright © 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.