ABSTRACT
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a condition in which viral-induced warts grow within the larynx and elsewhere in the airway. It affects both children and adults and behaves somewhat differently in these groups. In the paediatric population, it is generally more locally aggressive. RRP is relatively uncommon; it may therefore be reasonable to ‘pool’ cases to develop expertise in management in order to give the best outcomes for patients. RRP is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are approximately 120 different types of HPV, and the nomenclature is based on the sequence of one of the two surface proteins called L1. The link between genital tract HPV infection and RRP is important, as juvenile-onset RRP is acquired through vertical transmission. The transmission of RRP in adults is thought to be predominantly horizontal rather than delayed activation of dormant HPV acquired at birth.
