Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

J La State Med Soc. 1998 Oct;150(10):456-9.

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a disease characterized by the growth of wart-like neoplasms anywhere along the aerodigestive tract. The etiologic agent is the human papillomavirus, of which 90 subtypes have been described. The age distribution of those affected appears to be a bimodal curve, with the first peak around 5 years of age and the second occurring in adults in the third decade of life. The mainstay of treatment is surgical resection to maintain an adequate airway; patients often require multiple surgeries. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment options are discussed. Current evidence regarding prognosis and the multifactorial nature of pathogenesis are also reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Papilloma* / diagnosis
  • Papilloma* / epidemiology
  • Papilloma* / therapy
  • Papillomaviridae*
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Tumor Virus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Tumor Virus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Tumor Virus Infections* / therapy
  • United States / epidemiology