CHICAGO-Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) begins with a pretty small virus, relatively speaking, but it can lead to some pretty big problems for both the patient and the treating physician. Recent surgical and pharmaceutical advances, however, are already making a difference and researchers may be on the verge of answering some big questions that may lead to improved treatments and, ultimately perhaps, prevention.
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September 2006The American Laryngological Association (ALA) and the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) joined forces to present a special panel discussion here at the 2006 Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (COSM). Robert T. Sataloff, MD, Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., served as moderator of the discussion, which covered some of the current issues surrounding the treatment of RRP.
Etiology and Natural History
The viral etiology of RRP is the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is also associated with genital warts and cervical cancer.