A patient presents with a small, soft, exophytic, cauliflower-like lesion on the soft palate that has a rough, white surface and has been slowly growing for six months. It is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). What is the most likely diagnosis?

Squamous papilloma is the most common benign epithelial neoplasm of the oral cavity, caused primarily by HPV subtypes 6 and 11. It presents as a pedunculated or sessile, exophytic, soft lesion with finger-like projections giving it a cauliflower or warty appearance. Common locations include the soft palate, uvula, tongue, and lips. Treatment is conservative surgical excision with a small margin of normal tissue. Recurrence is uncommon. Verruca vulgaris (common wart) is caused by HPV 2 and 4, typically on skin but can occur in the mouth. Pyogenic granuloma is a vascular lesion. Fibroma is a fibrous reactive lesion without HPV etiology.