Concurrent Respiratory and Cutaneous Papillomatosis with Human Papillomavirus Type 11

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a chronic upper respiratory condition caused by diffuse epithelial infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms include hoarseness and airway obstruction. In severe cases, patients may present in airway distress. HPV stimulates hyperproliferation of mucosal epithelium resulting in benign nonkeratinizing squamous papillomas. RRP most commonly involves the larynx but may affect the trachea, esophageal inlet, nose, mouth, and pharynx. RRP is associated with HPV types 6 and 11, the same HPV subtypes that cause vaginal condylomata. Cutaneous warts are also caused by HPV, but of various different subtypes, typically 2 and 4. We present the first reported case of laryngeal and cutaneous papillomas that were both caused by HPV-11.