Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) (The James)

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) (The James)

 

What is Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis?

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is a disease in which wart-like tumors called papillomas grow inside your respiratory tract. The respiratory tract includes your nose, mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), trachea, bronchus and lungs. Tumors may grow anywhere in your respiratory tract and can be different sizes. The larynx is the most common place where the tumors grow. Most tumors are not cancer (benign). RRP is a chronic condition, which means it usually cannot be cured.

 

What causes RRP?

RRP is caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 200 different types of HPV that can affect the body. Adults and children can get HPV but not everyone who gets HPV will have problems.

Most HPV infections will cause a wart-like tumor to grow on the body. The 2 types of HPV that cause RRP are HPV-6 and HPV-11.

Genital warts are the most common problem caused by HPV-6 and HPV-11. It is thought that these types of HPV are most often spread by sexual contact or when a mother with genital warts passes HPV to the baby during childbirth. HPV is passed from person to person by direct contact, most often with the mouth or genital areas.

 

What are the symptoms of RRP?

RRP may cause the following symptoms:

  • Hoarse voice
  • Chronic coughing
  • Shortness of breath

A hoarse or weak voice is the most common symptom of RRP. If the tumor grows fast and gets too big, it could block the airway and cause problems with breathing.

 

How is RRP diagnosed?

An Otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. This doctor can use a thin flexible tube called an endoscope to look at the back of your throat. The end of the scope has a light and camera so the doctor can see your throat. The scope is placed into your nose and then passed down into your throat. This procedure can be done in the doctor’s office.

 

How is RRP treated?

There is no known cure for RRP. The tumors can be removed but they often come back. The most common treatment for RRP is surgery. Surgery may be done in an operating room or in the clinic. This will depend on the size and location of the tumors.

When surgery is done in the clinic, the doctor will use a laryngoscope with a special laser light. The laser light is used to destroy or vaporize the tumors. When surgery is done in an operating room, you will be asleep under general anesthesia and the tumors will be removed. Your doctor will talk with you about what type of surgery is best for you.

 

 

© April 14, 2022. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care.