Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: an extensive review

Abstract

Recurrent  respiratory  papillomatosis  (RRP)  is  characterized  by  the  recurrence  of  benign  tumors (papillomata) in the aero digestive tract caused by Human Papilloma Virus. The burden for the patient and the society is non negligible, due to the high frequency of repetitive surgeries. The disease follows a  bimodal  age distribution.  Usually  the  very first  manifestation  is  hoarseness  or  voice  changes  but  if negligee  it  can cause    airway  obstruction    resulting  in respiratory  stridor  or  acute  respiratory  distress The  treatment  is challenging,  includes  surgery  (mostly  CO2 laser) and  adjuvant  medical  therapy  is almost always required (Cidofovir, interferon a, and others). The risk of malignant transformation is not negligent.  Advances  in immunology  will  lead  us  to  understand  the  biology  of  HPV  and  will permit successful therapies. Prophylactic HPV vaccines are a promising area of research concerning RRP.