Papillomas are noncancerous growths that can develop on your skin or mucous membranes. They rarely turn cancerous but can cause problems if they grow large and press on healthy tissue.

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) usually causes papillomas. When they develop on your skin, they can cause warts or another kind of bump called skin tags.

Some papillomas might not need treatment if they’re not causing problems and aren’t expected to grow larger. Papillomas that cause complications have the potential to become cancerous may need to be removed with surgery, freezing, or topical medications.

This article examines papillomas in more detail, including why they appear and how to treat them.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes most papillomas, especially low risk forms of HPV. There are more than 170 types of this virus. Types 6, 7, and 11 are most associated with papillomas.

Some papillomas are nonviral in origin, such as inverted papilloma of the urinary tract. This papilloma is strongly associated with smoking.

When papillomas develop on your skin, they appear as a wart or a skin tag. Locations they can develop include your:

  • lips
  • mouth
  • eyelids
  • tongue
  • throat
  • cervix
  • genitals, causing genital warts

Most of these papillomas are contagious through physical contact, except for skin tags. Genital warts are usually transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Papilloma signs and symptoms can vary depending on where they develop.

Warts that develop on your skin may appear as a small, raised bump that may:

  • have an irregular surface
  • bleed
  • itch
  • occur in clusters

Genital warts may cause:

  • swelling around your genitals that may or may not be skin-colored
  • a cauliflower-like shape from a cluster of warts
  • itch or cause pain
  • bleed during sex

Most skin tags appear as painless bumps, but they may bleed if they rub against your clothes or other objects.

Papillomas that develop in your nasal cavities can cause symptoms such as:

The following images provide examples of what a papilloma may look like.

HPV strains are generally divided into high and low risk strains, depending on their risk of leading to cancerous changes.

Warts on your skin and genitals do not usually become cancerous, but may in rare cases, such as in people with compromised immune systems.

Some high risk HPV infections are related to cervical cancer. Persistent infection with high risk strains is present in 99% of cervical cancers.

Some types of papillomas can become cancerous and are generally surgically removed. For example, roughly 5% to 15% of inverted papillomas that develop in your nasal cavities or sinuses become cancerous.

According to the National Cancer Institute, other cancers associated with HPV infection include:

Some papillomas may need to be removed with surgery, freezing, or other techniques. About 80% of people clear an HPV infection without treatment within 18 to 24 months.

Genital warts

Removing general warts doesn’t necessarily stop the transmission of underlying HPV infection. The best treatment to remove genital warts depends on factors such as:

  • number of warts
  • size of warts
  • location or warts

The American Urological Association doesn’t recommend treating subclinical warts, meaning warts that don’t cause visible symptoms.

When treatment is required, options include:

  • topical agents, such as creams or ointments containing:
    • podophyllotoxin
    • imiquimod
    • sinecatechins
    • isotretinoin
    • trichloroacetic acid
  • surgical removal with techniques such as:
    • simple surgical excision
    • surgical removal under general anesthesia for anal warts
    • liquid nitrogen cryotherapy
    • electrocauterization
    • laser vaporization
    • photodynamic therapy using a photosensitizing agent

Skin warts

Some painless warts on your skin can be left untreated and get smaller by themselves over time. The chances of them turning cancerous are very low. Nearly two-thirds of skin warts spontaneously disappear within 24 months.

Salicylic acid is often the first-line treatment. It has a cure rate of about 50% to 70%. Other treatments include:

Skin tags

Skin tags don’t usually seem to be contagious. A doctor or other healthcare professional can remove skin tags during an in-office visit. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, removal options include:

  • cryosurgery
  • electrodesiccation
  • curettage (cutting with surgical scissors)

Papillomas are noncancerous lumps that form on your skin or inside your body on mucous membranes.

Most papillomas aren’t a cause for concern, but some may need removal if they cause pain or other complications, such as obstructing your airways.

Visit a doctor if you notice any new lumps on your skin. Most of these lumps aren’t cancerous, but a doctor can help differentiate them from skin cancer or other conditions that need treatment.