Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government
Español

oral papilloma

(OR-ul PA-pih-LOH-muh)
A benign growth of epithelial cells in the mouth or on the lips. This condition is associated with Cowden syndrome, which is a hereditary syndrome associated with the development of several types of cancer.
Two-panel photograph showing the tongues of two individuals with Cowden syndrome. The left panel shows a tongue covered with many small white bumps. The right panel shows a tongue with larger, irregularly shaped growths on its surface.Enlarge this image in new window
Oral papillomas are benign growths of epithelial cells that may be seen in individuals with Cowden syndrome, a hereditary syndrome associated with the development of several types of cancer. The papillomas may vary in size.
Search NCI's Dictionary of Genetics Terms