What type of lesion is a papilloma?

• A. Malignant growth
• B. Benign scar-like reaction
• C. Wart-like lesion often associated with HPV
• D. Inflammatory ulcer

Answer: (C)

A papilloma is classified as a wart-like lesion that is often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This type of lesion is characterized by a benign epithelial tumor that appears as a finger-like projection or a small growth on the skin or mucous membranes. The presence of HPV is significant because certain types of the virus are responsible for the development of these lesions, which can occur in various locations, including the skin, oral cavity, and genitals.

The benign nature of papillomas sets them apart from malignant growths, and while they can be associated with HPV, they are not inherently cancerous. This characteristic reinforces their classification as benign. Moreover, a papilloma's similarity to warts highlights its viral etiology, which is crucial in understanding its development and potential risk factors.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the nature of a papilloma. Malignant growths involve uncontrolled cell proliferation and can lead to cancer, which is not the case with papillomas. Benign scar-like reactions are different in pathology and presentation, and inflammatory ulcers pertain to a distinct category of lesions, primarily resulting from inflammatory processes rather than viral infections like HPV. Therefore, the key identification feature of a papilloma is its benign, wart