Rare case of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with malignant transformation

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a benign neoplastic growth of the respiratory system, often linked to human papillomavirus types 6 and 11. This case report presents a rare progression to severe airway obstruction and potential malignancy in a 59-year-old male with a history of smoking, hepatitis B carrier status, pulmonary tuberculosis, and a tracheal papilloma. Initially hospitalized for right upper lobe pneumonia, a computed tomography scan revealed a bronchial tumor. Bronchial brushing, washing, and biopsy confirmed squamous cell papilloma. Treatment included bronchoscopy with argon plasma coagulation ablation and debulking surgery for the right upper lobe bronchus and airway tumor; however, recurrence was noted on a follow-up computed tomography scan. Repeat bronchoscopy with argon plasma coagulation ablation confirmed squamous cell papilloma with squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The patient was administered human papillomavirus vaccination to mitigate disease progression and remains under active surveillance. This paper highlights a rare malignant transformation of airway recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.