From the records of 23 patients with juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis, various aspects of the aetiology, natural history and treatment of the condition have been presented. The lesions are thought to be viral in origin, they are notoriously unpredictable in their behaviour, and treatment can often be prolonged and frustrating. Tracheostomy should be avoided, if possible, owing to the risk of further dissemination down the trachea and bronchi. The CO2 laser now seems to be the surgical treatment of choice, and early reports of adjuvant interferon therapy are encouraging. However, the laser is only available in certain centres, and interferon supplies are limited at present.