laryngeal papillomatosis

Etiology: - human papilloma virus (HPV) (HPV 6 & HPV 11) Epidemiology: 1) rare 2) affects infants & small children as well as adults - 60-80% of cases occur in children, generally < 3 years of age Pathology: 1) papillomas in the larynx, vocal cords 2) papillomas may block the airway Clinical manifestations: 1) children - dyspnea when sleeping - dysphagia 2) adults - hoarseness - chronic coughing - dyspnea Special laboratory: - indirect & direct laryngoscopy Management: 1) surgery, including carbon dioxide laser surgery, chemotherapy, or antibiotic therapy used to remove papillomas 2) tumors have a tendency to return unpredictably 3) not uncommon for patients to require repeat surgery 4) tracheostomy may be needed

References

Laryngeal Papillomatosis http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/laryngeal.asp