Laryngeal Papilloma: Etiologic and Therapeutic Considerations

A study of 13 patients with laryngeal papillomas is presented, with an analysis of epidemiologic factors, electron microscopic study of the lesion, and therapeutic trial of frequent microlaryngoscopic surgery and application of idoxuridine. Five of the nine children in this group were delivered by mothers who had condyloma accuminatum at time of delivery. These five children developed symptoms and required surgery much earlier than the other four. This correlation is shown to be statistically significant. The electron microscopic study of tissue specimens from all our patients failed to find any actual virus particles. The comparison study with skin and genital warts, however, showed ultrastructural details linking the three lesions. Results of the therapeutic program showed an overall improvement in frequency of recurrence, but no complete cures. This improvement is felt to be related to frequent complete surgical excision, and not to application of idoxuridine.