Juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis. An epidemiological study from the Copenhagen region.

All 23 patients treated for juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis (JLP) in the Copenhagen region during a 4-year-period were identified for this epidemiological study. The incidence of JLP was 0.6/100,000 among the population at risk, children aged 0-14 years, and the prevalence was 0.8/100,000. It is concluded that the condition in most cases has a good prognosis, i.e., short duration and low morbidity. Only in a few cases JLP will take a long-lasting course. Regression before or during puberty does not in all cases ensure complete recovery. Thus, 7 of 12 adult patients experienced a quiescent period of 21 years (median). Spread of papillomas to the bronchogenic system seems to be a serious prognostic sign.