Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a benign, often multi-focal neoplasm. A potentially fatal manifestation of human papilloma virus infection, the condition is characterised by multiple warty excrescences on the mucosal surface of the respiratory tract. RRP is rare--incidence is estimated at 3.5 per million person-years, with a prevalence of 4 in 100,000 children. Affected children usually require multiple interventions; the impact on patients, their families, and the healthcare system is considerable. Treatment of RRP accounts for an estimated dollar 109 million annual expenditure in the USA.