[Juvenile laryngeal papillomatosis--a case report]

Juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx is a disease of viral origin and is a rare cause of hoarseness and stridor in childhood. Although the tumours are basically benign, they may present problems in therapy due to their localisation and marked tendency to recur. According to the present state of knowledge, a combination of laser coagulation and alpha-interferon therapy is the treatment of choice. It can be applied on a long-term basis effectively and with few side effects due to individualised dosage determination. We report on a girl patient of 2 1/2 years of age with recurrent juvenile papillomatosis of the larynx. Long-term alpha-interferon therapy was so far successful in preventing progress of the pattern of findings. Treatment is well tolerated after the most suitable dose has been found for a particular patient. No side effects were seen that would have compelled us to discontinue the treatment. We are planning to continue interferon therapy for at least 1 to 2 years with regular endoscopic control.