Term: oral papilloma

Pronunciation: (OR-ul PA-pih-LOH-muh)

Description:

A benign (not cancer), wart-like growth that occurs on the lips or in the mouth, including the tongue, gums, tonsils, and back of the throat. Oral papillomas often appear as pink or white bumps that may be different sizes. They are usually painless and do not cause symptoms. Oral papillomas may be caused by chronic infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They may also be found in people with a rare, inherited condition called Cowden syndrome. Oral papillomas most often occur in adults.