Recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis: a case of florid papillomatosis following a remission of 30 years

Abstract

Laryngeal papillomatosis is the commonest benign tumour affecting the larynx. Two forms are found i.e. juvenile onset and adult onset. Typically the juvenile onset form has a greater rate of recurrence and often remits with the onset of puberty (Corbitt et al., 1988). The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the causative agent (Abramson et al., 1987; Corbitt et al., 1988), specifically types HPV6 and 11. Attempts have been made to correlate the clinical behaviour of these two modes with the viral serotype and other aetiological factors such as smoking and hormonal factors (Abramson et al., 1987; Rimmel et al., 1992). Studies, however have shown that there is considerable variation in behaviour (Steinberg et al., 1983; Corbitt et al., 1988; Crissman et al., 1988). It is widely accepted that the disease ‘burns’ itself out, particularly with respect to the juvenile form. It is interesting and unusual therefore when the disease reappears after many years of remission. The following case report illustrates this point.