Overview | Understanding the Disorder | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Frontiers
Key Glossary Terms
Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP)
Wart-like growths in the airway passages caused by the human papilloma virus; these growths usually form on the vocal folds, causing a voice disorder
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
The virus that causes recurrent respiratory papillomatosis; HPV also causes genital warts
Papilloma
Wart-like growth caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV)
What is recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP)?
Three-Part Definition
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a disorder characterized by wart-like growths (papillomas) on the surface lining of the airway passages (also called the respiratory tract, which includes the throat, voice box, and trachea). RRP is caused by infection with a virus called human papilloma virus (HPV). Because this viral infection is very difficult to eliminate, RRP frequently recurs even after removal of the growths.
Recurrent: Regrows after removal since infection is very difficult to eliminate
Respiratory: Having to do with the breathing passageway, which includes the throat, voice box, and trachea
Papillomas: Wart-like growths caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) that occur on the surface of infected lining cells
Wart-Like Growths
RRP is characterized by the growth of wart-like tumors (papilloma) on the lining cells of the air passageway (respiratory tract); these tumors are caused by infection with HPV. These tumors often have a cauliflower-like appearance, and either have a slim stalk (pedunculated) or no stalk (sessile).
Wart-Like Growths Occur Mostly on the Vocal Folds
RRP occurs mostly on the vocal folds, although growths may also be detected in the trachea (windpipe), bronchi, and occasionally the lungs.
Tendency to Recur
A distinguishing aspect of this disease is the tendency for the growths (papillomas) to recur after surgical removal. Current therapies have not been able to prevent multiple recurrences.
Potentially Life-Threatening Disease
RRP is a potentially life-threatening disease because it can result in complete respiratory obstruction.
Red Flag
Any and all airway problems require immediate attention.
A Rare Disease
RRP is a rare disease. There are perhaps 20,000 active cases in the United States.
Who gets RRP?
RRP occurs in both children and adults.
Children
Juvenile onset RRP is rare and is almost always diagnosed by age ten and usually before the age of five. It occurs in boys and girls equally.
Statistics indicate that first-born children delivered vaginally to young mothers (under the age of 20) with active condyloma (viral warts of the genital tract) during pregnancy are at greatest risk.
Adults
In adults, RRP may be found at any age. Adult males in their 30s are somewhat more likely to get RRP.
Advisory Note
Patient education material presented here does not substitute for medical consultation or examination, nor is this material intended to provide advice on the medical treatment appropriate to any specific circumstances.
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