Living with Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
A rare viral disease in which wart-like growths form in the airways, causing a hoarse voice and breathing trouble.
Understanding Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
There are juvenile-onset and adult-onset forms. The growths vary in size, can grow quickly, and may return after removal. They rarely become cancerous, but can cause long-term airway and voice problems.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Hoarse voice
- Trouble producing voice sounds (dysphonia)
- Long-lasting cough
- Breathing difficulty
- Choking episodes
- Growths in the windpipe
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include ear, nose, and throat specialists and lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by two types of human papillomavirus, HPV 6 and HPV 11. It can pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or birth, and between adults through oral sex. GARD says the HPV vaccine can help prevent infection.
Also known as: rrp
Patient organizations
- Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis FoundationRecurrent respiratory papillomatosis · United States
- HPV AllianceRecurrent respiratory papillomatosis · United States
- Voice Health InstituteRecurrent respiratory papillomatosis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
Explore research for Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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