Squamous Cell Papilloma

Generally benign papilloma that arises from the stratified squamous epithelium

Aetiology

  • Two peaks of incidence - <5 years and between 20-40 years
  • Related to HPV exposure - types 6 and 11
  • Children - aggressive disease
  • Adults - often solitary

Clinical presentation

  • Painless lesion most commonly found in the mucosa of the hard and soft palate
    • Commonly involves soft palate, tongue, lips, tonsils but can occur anywhere there is stratified squamous epithelium (e.g. skin, oesophagus, cervix)
notion image
notion image

Investigations

Biopsy

  • Macroscopic - exophytic, sessile or pedunculated mass
  • Microscopic - finger-like projection, fibrovascular core covered by stratified squamous epithelium
notion image

Management

  • Most cases require no treatment
  • When treatment required, options include cryotherapy, topical salicylic acid and surgical excision