Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a vertically transmitted disease caused by members of the human papilloma virus family. Characterized by the relentless growth of papillomatous lesions of the larynx, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis imposes significant morbidity on patients and strain on their families. Surgical excision of the papillomata remains the mainstay of therapy, but human papilloma virus DNA persists in adjacent, normal-appearing mucosa and likely serves as a reservoir for viral reseeding. Despite multiple adjuvant treatment modalities, a cure for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis remains elusive. Most afflicted patients eventually enter spontaneous remission, but some endure several hundred surgical procedures before this welcome respite.