title: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
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.
authors.affiliation: Tulane University Medical School, USA.
authors.forename: L N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D010212:Papilloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D027383:Papillomaviridae; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D012142:Respiratory Tract Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology