Pathogenesis and treatment of juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is the most common caus e of laryngeal tumors in children. This disease is caused by infection of t he human papillomavirus, a virus whose complete genetic structure is now kn own. New, more directed agents show promise for improved control of papillo matosis in preliminary studies. Concurrently, there is an increasing awaren ess of methods to reduce surgical morbidity. At present, the role of preven tive efforts including elective caesarian section remains uncertain.