Differential Diagnosis for Wart
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Verruca vulgaris (common wart): This is the most common type of wart and is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It typically presents as a rough, hyperkeratotic lesion on the skin.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Verruca plana (flat wart): These are flat, smooth lesions that are also caused by HPV. They often appear in clusters and can be found on the face, hands, or feet.
- Verruca plantaris (plantar wart): This type of wart occurs on the sole of the foot and can be painful. It is also caused by HPV.
- Seborrheic keratosis: A benign growth that can resemble a wart, but is not caused by a virus. It is more common in older adults.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that can resemble a wart. It is more common in areas exposed to the sun and can be aggressive if not treated.
- Keratoacanthoma: A low-grade malignancy that can resemble a wart. It typically grows rapidly and can resolve on its own, but can also be aggressive.
- Rare diagnoses
- Epidermodysplasia verruciformis: A rare genetic disorder that causes an abnormal susceptibility to HPV, leading to the development of multiple warts.
- Molluscum contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, pearly lesions that can resemble warts. It is highly contagious and can be spread by skin-to-skin contact.