Definition
Laryngeal papillomatosis is a benign tumor disease of the larynx and mostly of the vocal chords (larynx = larynx). It is characterized by the formation of small, wart-like mucous membrane growths called papillomas. Laryngeal papillomatosis is caused by the HP virus (human papilloma virus). A distinction is made between the juvenile (childlike) and the rather rare adult (adult) type. Although laryngeal papillomatosis is very easy to operate and treat, it still leads to recurrent diseases.
Cause
The cause of the disease is the so-called HP virus (human papilloma virus). This virus is mainly known for the cervical and anal carcinomas it also causes. Although many people are infected with HPV (high rate of infection), only very few of them manifest the disease, which is usually benign.
The virus acts on the cells of the mucosa of the infected area. It causes a change there, whereupon the mucosa reacts by multiplying the cells. HPV stands for “human papillomavirus” and describes a DNA-containing virus with a very wide distribution.
HPV is divided into more than 100 different types, which can be classified as low-risk and high-risk viruses. In 90% of cases, laryngeal papilloma is caused by the low-risk viruses HPV type 6 and HPV type 11. High-risk HP viruses are mainly type 16 and type 18, against which vaccination is recommended, especially for young girls.
The high rate of infection mainly affects children, as the immune system becomes stronger over time and a certain resistance develops. The HP virus is transmitted by contact. Since it mostly occurs in the genital area, the usual method of transmission is through sexual intercourse.
As a result, the virus spreads mainly in the vagina and anus, but also in the oral mucosa. In children, the virus is usually found in the throat and larynx. The reason for this is often transmission of HPV by the mother. Since children usually do not yet have a very pronounced immune system, laryngeal papillomatosis (juvenile type) occurs especially in children.