Papillomas are benign tumors that can grow anywhere on the body, including the breast tissue and genitals. While they are not usually dangerous, some types caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) can lead to cancer, especially in the throat and genitals. HPV is often transmitted sexually and can be more common in people with weakened immune systems or those who smoke or use oral contraceptives. Surgery may be necessary to remove papillomas that cause discomfort or pain.
A papilloma is a benign tumor known to grow outward. It produces frond-like tumors that can develop anywhere on the body. The most common places for a papilloma can be the neck, upper chest, groin and armpits. Because these tumors aren’t malignant, they aren’t usually considered dangerous. Surgery can be done to remove a papilloma, but only when it causes discomfort or pain.
An intraductal papilloma develops in the sinus. It grows inside the breast tissue and produces a small, wart-like bump. These are made up mostly of fibrous tissue and can form within the milk ducts. Occasionally, a papilloma can cause a milk duct to rupture, causing clear or bloody discharge to leak from the nipple. When small tumors form anywhere else within the breast, they often go unnoticed.
A small wart-like tumor is often referred to as a papilloma due to its appearance. While these aren’t considered cancerous, they can develop into tumors because they’re caused by a virus known to cause cancer in certain parts of the body. Warts that form on your hands or feet probably won’t turn into cancer. If a papilloma forms on the genitals or throat, however, it can be considered cancerous.
Papilloma warts that form on the genitals are often referred to as human papilloma virus (HPV) and can lead to cancer. HPV is generally thought to be transmitted sexually, but the initial cause of the viral infection cannot be determined. In most cases, an HPV infection goes unnoticed because it is asymptomatic. The infection can clear up on its own over a period of time. If the infection doesn’t clear up on its own, it can cause cell damage and progress to cancer.
Oral human papilloma virus can also develop into cancer. This can occur when the disease comes into contact with the base of the tongue or the tonsils. Heavy use of alcohol and tobacco can increase the chances of contracting this type of virus.
One third of all human papilloma virus types are transmitted by physical contact. This condition is more likely to affect people with damaged immune systems. Using oral contraceptives, having more than one sexual partner, and smoking cigarettes can significantly increase the risk of human papilloma virus.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
