HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a papilloma?

1. A benign tumor arising from epithelial cells

2. A type of lymphatic tumor

3. An infection causing oral warts

4. A form of bone growth

The correct answer is: A benign tumor arising from epithelial cells

A papilloma is a benign tumor that originates from epithelial cells, which are the cells lining the surfaces of the body, including the skin and mucous membranes. These tumors are characterized by a growth that can appear as a small wart-like projection, and they usually have a finger-like or frond-like appearance. Papillomas are non-cancerous and often associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), although not all papillomas are virus-related. In contrast, lymphatic tumors pertain to lymphatic tissue and do not describe the epithelial origin of a papilloma. Likewise, while infections can lead to warts, that specifically refers to a viral condition rather than a tumor. Bone growth is outside the scope of what is defined as a papilloma, which is confined to epithelial tissues. Therefore, the definition and characteristics of papillomas clearly align with the description of them as benign tumors arising from epithelial cells.