Vocal Fold Papilloma  

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a disease that affects the vocal folds and upper aerodigestive tract in which papilloma, or wart-like tissues, grow over previously normal tissue. Vocal fold (cord) papillomas are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the same virus responsible for warts, cervical cancer in females, and some forms of head and neck cancer.  Although many people are infected with the human papilloma virus, only some individuals have vocal fold (cord) papillomas.  While papillomas mostly occur along the surfaces of the vocal folds they can spread to involve tissues of the oronasal cavity and throat, or to the trachea and lungs.

Papillomatosis can cause numerous symptoms including:

Diagnosis

Patients with these complaints are evaluated in the University Voice and Swallowing Center at the UC Irvine Medical Center.   The examination will be performed with a high-definition distal chip laryngoscope which is recorded for archiving and to allow patients to better understand the disease being treated.

Vocal Fold Papilloma Treatment

Treatment of papillomatosis requires surgery.  Previously all surgeries took place in the operating room – however, at the University Voice and Swallowing Center located at the University of California – Irvine Medical Center, Dr. Verma has the ability to treat these lesions in office, without sedation or even an I.V.  Energy from a KTP laser is applied which targets the blood vessels of the diseased tissue.  Patients are able to drive themselves to and from this in office procedure and do not have to worry about excessive missed time from work.   

For some patients treatment is better suited in the operating room.  Dr. Verma  will be able to discuss this with you during your office visit.

To Make an Appointment with our voice specialists Dr. Verma and Dr. Crumley please call 714-456-7017 or click here to request an appointment via the web.