Laryngeal papillomatosis in children

Thirty-one cases of juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx treated in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Hospital for Sick Children are reviewed. The incidence, pathology, and etiology of laryngeal papillomata are described. Various types of treatment reported from the literature are discussed. Favorable results have been attained by careful frequent endoscopic removal of papilloma lesions using forceps, the cryoprobe, or the carbon dioxide laser. With the use of the operating microscope, the tumor population is reduced and this may allow the circulating antibodies to be more effective on the residual tissue. Tracheotomy is avoided unless near obstruction is present. Decannulization is not advisable until the danger of obstruction from regrowth of the tumor is passed.