Papilloma
Pronunciation: pap-ih-LOH-mah
A benign exophytic epithelial lesion of the oral mucosa characterised by a finger-like or cauliflower-like surface projection, most commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Full Definition
Oral squamous papilloma is the most frequent benign epithelial tumour of the oral cavity, classically presenting as a pedunculated, soft, whitish or pink exophytic mass with a verrucous surface. The majority are associated with HPV types 6 and 11, though some appear unrelated to viral infection. Clinically and histologically, oral papilloma must be distinguished from verruca vulgaris (common wart), condyloma acuminatum (genital wart), and focal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck's disease). Editors should note that 'papilloma' is the preferred singular form; the plural is 'papillomata' in classical usage but 'papillomas' is now widely accepted in modern medical English.
Usage
Usage note: The plural 'papillomata' is acceptable in formal scientific writing; 'papillomas' is standard in contemporary clinical text. Verify the journal's preferred plural form before editing.
In Context
- "A pedunculated papilloma was excised from the soft palate and submitted for histological examination." — Oral surgery operative note
- "The paper used 'papillomata' and 'papillomas' interchangeably; the editor standardised to 'papillomas' per journal style." — Copyediting note