laryngeal papillomatosis

Etiology

• human papilloma virus (HPV) (HPV 6 & HPV 11)

Epidemiology

• rare
• affects infants & small children as well as adults
  • 60-80% of cases occur in children, generally < 3 years of age

Pathology

• papillomas in the larynx, vocal cords
• papillomas may block the airway

Clinical manifestations

• children
  • dyspnea when sleeping
  • dysphagia
• adults
  • hoarseness
  • chronic coughing
  • dyspnea

Diagnostic procedures

• indirect & direct laryngoscopy

Management

• surgery, including carbon dioxide laser surgery, chemotherapy, or antibiotic therapy used to remove papillomas
• tumors have a tendency to return unpredictably
• not uncommon for patients to require repeat surgery
• tracheostomy may be needed

More general terms

• laryngeal disease

Patient information

laryngeal papillomatosis patient information