Tracheal papillomatosis: what do we know so far?

Chron Respir Dis. 2011;8(4):233-5. doi: 10.1177/1479972311416381. Epub 2011 Oct 4.

Abstract

Tracheal papillomatosis (TP) is a benign condition characterized by papillomatous growth of the bronchial epithelium that involves the trachea. This abnormal growth is a result of infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Two subtypes of HPV were found in most cases of TP, HPV-6 and HPV-11. TP, presents in two forms, the juvenile onset (JO) or adult onset (AO). The clinical presentation is typically nonspecific and it ranges from mild symptoms like cough to life-threatening conditions like upper airway obstruction. Treatment depends on the location of the papillomas and age of the patient and the plan of therapy is usually made on an individual basis. Treatment can range from observation with symptomatic control to specific medical therapy and multiple surgeries in case of recurrence or progressively worsening disease. The recent invention of HPV vaccine is expected to be the first step in eradicating respiratory papillomatosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Child
  • Female
  • Human papillomavirus 11 / immunology
  • Human papillomavirus 6 / immunology
  • Humans
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / therapy
  • Papillomavirus Infections / virology
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology
  • Tracheal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Tracheal Diseases / pathology
  • Tracheal Diseases / therapy
  • Tracheal Diseases / virology
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines

Supplementary concepts

  • Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis