Multiple papillomatosis of the lower respiratory tract. Clinical and pathologic study of eleven cases

Abstract

Eleven cases of multiple papillomatosis of the lower respiratory tract are reported and the clinicopathologic picture is studied. These cases include some extremely rare varieties and a 44-year follow-up. When the disease starts during childhood, it usually appears to be self-limiting if properly managed. In adults, however, the disease sometimes runs a more protracted course with a higher risk of developing cancer. This study illustrates the difficulties of management and diagnosis and establishes the disease as a definite clinicopathologic entity.