Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

**Semantic type:** Neoplastic Process

**Definition:** A rare disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly types 6 and 11, that affects tissue along the respiratory tract with the majority of cases affecting the larynx. The disease has a bimodal distribution and manifests in those younger than age 5, juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP), and those older than age 40, adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (AORRP). JORRP is more common and more severe in presentation than AORRP. In a small percentage of patients, respiratory papillomas may undergo malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinomas that have a poor prognosis.

**Synonyms:** - RRP