Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with malignant transformation in a young adult

The term 'papilloma' was first used by Mackenzie 100 years ago, who claimed that this was the most benign tumour of the larynx. Today papillomas are considered to be caused by the Human Papilloma Virus group (H.P.V.). The majority of patients suffering from this disease which is also referred to as 'recurrent respiratory papillomatosis' require multiple surgical operations for tumour removal. Malignant transformation of papillomas, which is a rare condition, is considered to occur mainly to irradiated patients. The following report describes the case of a male patient, with a history of vocal cord papillomas since his first year of age, who developed bronchial and pulmonary spread of the disease. He died at the age of 26 years because of squamous cell carcinoma which was related to the malignant transformation of the pulmonary papillomas.