Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is caused by human papillomavirus. This tumor is most often diagnosed when it occurs in the voice box as laryngeal papillomas. Although laryngeal papillomas can occur at any age, they most commonly affect children aged 1 to 4 years.
Symptoms
Papillomas are suspected when parents notice hoarseness, a weak cry, or other changes in the child’s voice. Papillomas reappear often and occasionally spread into the windpipe Throat The throat (pharynx) is located behind the mouth, below the nasal cavity, and above the hollow tube that leads from the throat to the stomach (esophagus) and windpipe (trachea) (see figure A... read more (trachea) and lungs, blocking the airway. Rarely, they become cancerous (malignant).
Diagnosis
Biopsy
Laryngeal papillomas are detected using a laryngoscope to view the voice box. Doctors remove a piece of the papilloma for examination (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Surgical removal
Although some tumors may begin to disappear at puberty, treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is recommended. Surgical removal is the usual treatment. Many children require numerous procedures throughout childhood to remove the tumors as they reappear.
Other treatments (such as pulsed-dye laser therapy or photodynamic therapy—see Using Lasers to Treat Skin Problems Using Lasers to Treat Skin Problems Port-wine stains are flat pink, red, or purplish discolorations present at birth due to malformed blood vessels. (See also Overview of Skin Growths and Overview of Growths and Malformations... read more 
) as well as an antiviral drug (cidofovir) or a drug that is used to treat cancer (bevacizumab) may be given to children who have a severe case.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
acetaminophen |
TYLENOL |
ibuprofen |
ADVIL, MOTRIN IB |
cidofovir |
No US brand name |
bevacizumab |
AVASTIN |
