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Otolaryngology (ENT)120 papers

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a chronic, benign neoplasm of the respiratory tract caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, characterized by recurrent growths in the larynx and trachea leading to airway obstruction and respiratory complications 15.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Presentation: Hoarseness, stridor, and respiratory distress 17.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Flexible laryngoscopy with biopsy for histopathological confirmation 17.
  • Grading Systems: Various staging systems exist but are not uniformly applied; often based on the extent and location of lesions 17.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments:
  • - Surgical Excision: Laser surgery (e.g., CO2 laser) is commonly used for debulking 16. - Repeat Interventions: Frequent endoscopic procedures due to recurrent nature 15.
  • Adjunctive Treatments:
  • - Antiviral Therapy: Limited evidence; cidofovir and other antivirals may be considered in refractory cases 1. - Immunomodulatory Agents: Pidotimod has shown promise in managing recurrent infections but not specifically RRP 1011.

    Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Higher prevalence and specialized pediatric otolaryngology care required 7.
  • Comorbidities: No specific guidelines provided in abstracts; management tailored to individual patient needs 17.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Regular Monitoring and Surgical Interventions: Frequent endoscopic evaluations and surgical debulking are essential for managing RRP 156. (Evidence: Strong)
  • Use of Laser Surgery: Preference for laser techniques (e.g., CO2 laser) in surgical management due to precision and reduced complications 16. (Evidence: Moderate)
  • Awareness of HPV Exposure Risk: Healthcare providers should be aware of and implement protective measures against HPV exposure during RRP surgeries 23. (Evidence: Moderate)
  • References

    1 Rotman A, Tchernegovski A, Phyland D, Paddle P. Contemporary management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a survey of Australian otolaryngologists. European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 2026. link 2 Lackey TG, Gartling G, Nakamura R, Maria CS, Johns M, Branski RC et al.. An Observational Study of the Prevalence of Oral Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Laryngologists. The Laryngoscope 2025. link 3 Chen T, Prasad J, Robotti C, Karagama Y, Dikkers FG, Van der Poel N et al.. Human Papillomavirus Exposure Risk and Vaccination Awareness Among Laryngeal Surgeons: A Worldwide Survey Study. The Laryngoscope 2025. link 4 Filauro M, Vallin A, Fragale M, Sampieri C, Guastini L, Mora F et al.. Office-based procedures in laryngology. Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana di otorinolaringologia e chirurgia cervico-facciale 2021. link 5 Harrison A, Montgomery J, Macgregor FB. Economic impact of recurrent respiratory papillomas in a UK adult population. The Journal of laryngology and otology 2016. link 6 Murono S, Nakanishi Y, Tsuji A, Endo K, Kondo S, Wakisaka N et al.. Trends in the management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in Japan. Auris, nasus, larynx 2015. link 7 Tasca RA, McCormick M, Clarke RW. British Association of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology members experience with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2006. link 8 Schweinfurth JM, Meyers C. Organotypic (raft) culture of biopsy-derived upper respiratory epithelium. The Laryngoscope 2006. link 9 Derkay CS. Task force on recurrent respiratory papillomas. A preliminary report. Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery 1995. link 10 Passali D, Calearo C, Conticello S. Pidotimod in the management of recurrent pharyngotonsillar infections in childhood. Arzneimittel-Forschung 1994. link 11 Careddu P. Role of immunoactivation with pidotimod in recurrent respiratory infections in childhood. Arzneimittel-Forschung 1994. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Contemporary management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a survey of Australian otolaryngologists.Rotman A, Tchernegovski A, Phyland D, Paddle P European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (2026)
    2. [2]
      An Observational Study of the Prevalence of Oral Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Laryngologists.Lackey TG, Gartling G, Nakamura R, Maria CS, Johns M, Branski RC et al. The Laryngoscope (2025)
    3. [3]
      Human Papillomavirus Exposure Risk and Vaccination Awareness Among Laryngeal Surgeons: A Worldwide Survey Study.Chen T, Prasad J, Robotti C, Karagama Y, Dikkers FG, Van der Poel N et al. The Laryngoscope (2025)
    4. [4]
      Office-based procedures in laryngology.Filauro M, Vallin A, Fragale M, Sampieri C, Guastini L, Mora F et al. Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana di otorinolaringologia e chirurgia cervico-facciale (2021)
    5. [5]
      Economic impact of recurrent respiratory papillomas in a UK adult population.Harrison A, Montgomery J, Macgregor FB The Journal of laryngology and otology (2016)
    6. [6]
      Trends in the management of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in Japan.Murono S, Nakanishi Y, Tsuji A, Endo K, Kondo S, Wakisaka N et al. Auris, nasus, larynx (2015)
    7. [7]
      British Association of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology members experience with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.Tasca RA, McCormick M, Clarke RW International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology (2006)
    8. [8]
      Organotypic (raft) culture of biopsy-derived upper respiratory epithelium.Schweinfurth JM, Meyers C The Laryngoscope (2006)
    9. [9]
      Task force on recurrent respiratory papillomas. A preliminary report.Derkay CS Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery (1995)
    10. [10]
      Pidotimod in the management of recurrent pharyngotonsillar infections in childhood.Passali D, Calearo C, Conticello S Arzneimittel-Forschung (1994)
    11. [11]

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