Slow Growing Lump on the Labial Mucosa: HPV Infection (Squamous Cell Papilloma/ Condyloma/ Viral Wart)

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in a variety of papillomatous and malignant squamous proliferations in the head and neck, including squamous cell papilloma, verruca vulgaris (common warts), condyloma acuminatum, multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck’s disease), sinonasal papillomas, laryngeal papillomas, and oropharyngeal (squamous cell) carcinoma. Common oral non-malignant lesions caused by the HPV are verruca vulgaris (Viral wart) squamous cell papilloma, condylomata, and multifocal epithelial hyperplasia. Verruca vulgaris (Common wart) is a sessile hairy-looking white lesion/s, elevated with discrete borders and a pointed verrucous surface. Papilloma is a common benign pedunculated lesion with a cauliflower-like surface. Condyloma acuminatum (Venereal Warts) is a sexually transmitted disease showing a papillary surface with cauliflower-like appearance, and often multiple. Single oral lesions of most of these diseases are treated surgically. Most of the skin lesions can be managed with topical antiviral applications, but it is difficult in the oral cavity. Surgery, cryotherapy or liquid nitrogen therapy and laser therapy are the common methods used in the management. Other treatment modalities include drugs, such as cimetidine and levamisole, retinoids, topical immunotherapy, and salicylic acid.