II. Pathophysiology
- Human Papillomavirus (most commonly HPV 6, 11) affecting squamous epithelium on the Oral Mucosa, lip or Tongue
- Similar to Genital Human Papillomavirus
III. Signs
- Single, exophytic tumors most commonly on the Oral Mucosa or ventral Tongue
- Lesions are typically smaller (<1 cm), and not clustered (unlike Condyloma acuminatum)
- Numerous finger-like projections from a rough surface (verrucous lesions with cauliflower appearance)
IV. Differential Diagnosis
- See Tongue Mass
- See Oral Lesion
- Condyloma acuminatum
- Although also caused by HPV 6 and 11, also caused by higher cancer-risk types (HPV 16 or 18)
- Single or multiple dome shaped lesions, larger than papilloma
- Localized to the dorsal Tongue and lingual frenulum
V. Management
- Cryotherapy
- Surgical excision
- Laser ablation