Laryngeal Squamous Papilloma Mass: No changes in the Size

Posted by ipantheri @ipantheri, Oct 3, 2022

Hello,
One year ago, The doctor found out that I have a squamous papilloma roughly 4 mm on the right side of his vallecula abutting the epiglottis. Last week I saw the doctor and informed me that There are no changes in the size of this squamous papilloma and informed me that I don't need to surgical intervention or biopsy required because It is a benign squamous papilloma.
Please, my questions are:
1. Can the doctor, through FLEXIBLE LARYNGOSCOPY, know whether it is benign or malignant?
2. In the same size for a year, does this mean it is benign?
3. what percentage, squamous papilloma turns to cancer?
4. Can I have children? Because my marriage is in a few months.

Best regards

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 3, 2022

Welcome, @ipantheri. Given the location of the squamous cell papilloma in the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis, I moved your questions to the Head & Neck Cancer group.

I know that this can be worrisome, especially as your getting ready to start a new important chapter in your life with your partner. Congratulations!

You're asking all the right questions. I found this webpage that helps explain:
- Squamous cell papilloma https://dermnetnz.org/topics/squamous-cell-papilloma

In relation to your questions, the article states:
"Management of squamous cell papilloma
Oral papillomas are painless and may be left untreated. They appear not to change in size, spread to other parts of the oral cavity, or turn into malignant tumours. If treatment is indicated then conservative surgical excision that removes the head and the base of the lesion may be performed. Recurrence is unlikely.

Papillomas found on the nasal or throat regions although sharing the same clinical features and histology as oral papillomas, differ in that usually more than one lesion is present, they proliferate continuously over time and often recur. In some cases, papillomas in the throat region may proliferate so much that they cause life-threatening asphyxiation (prevent breathing)."

The risk of squamous cell papilloma becoming cancerous is low, especially if it has not changed in size. They don't typically become cancerous.

A biopsy may give your doctor more information, but I would discuss the pros and cons of a biopsy. I don't see how this would affect your ability to have children. These are all very good questions to ask your doctor.