Oral Squamous Papilloma

Oral squamous papilloma refers to the benign proliferation of stratified squamous epithelium, which exhibits a papillary or verrucous exophytic growth on the surface and is composed of benign epithelium and small amount of connective tissue core that is supportive. It is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11 (HPV 6 and HPV 11) which contain double stranded DNA. 4 in 1000 persons exhibit oral squamous papilloma and is seen in the age group of 30-50 years with equal sex incidence. It is commonly found on the tongue, hard and soft palate, gingival, buccal, labial or lingual mucosa and sometimes area near to the uvula. Clinically, this lesion presents as an exophytic growth with a verrucous, roughened or cauliflower or wart-like surface and is often a solitary lesion. Histologically, it is a benign proliferative exophytic or verrucous growth lined by stratified squamous epithelium with acanthosis and well ordered stratification. Treatment is conservative surgical excision or use of keratinolytic agents.