larynx squamous papilloma

Laryngeal Squamous Papilloma: A Benign Tumor

A laryngeal squamous cell papilloma is a type of benign tumor that affects the epithelial cells in the larynx (voice box). This growth is characterized by an overgrowth of squamous epithelium, which forms a central fibrovascular core.

Key Features:

• Benign nature: Laryngeal squamous cell papillomas are non-cancerous and do not have the potential to become malignant.
• Exophytic growth: These tumors grow outward from the surface of the larynx, forming a visible mass.
• Squamous epithelium lining: The tumor is lined by squamous epithelium, which is a type of skin-like tissue.

Causes and Symptoms:

While the exact cause of laryngeal squamous cell papillomas is not well understood, they are often associated with viral infections. Symptoms may include hoarseness or stridor (noisy respiration), although these can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor.

References:

• [1] LDR Thompson · 2007 · Cited by 3 — Squamous papilloma (SP) is the most common benign laryngeal tumor. It is caused by the human papillomavirus.
• [5] Laryngeal squamous cell papillomas are benign exophytic epithelial tumors, consisting of a central fibrovascular core, lined by squamous epithelium.
• [7] A respiratory papilloma (pap-pill-LO-ma) is a wart-like growth or tumor on the surface of the larynx (voice box).

Common Signs and Symptoms

Laryngeal squamous papillomas, also known as laryngeal papillomatosis, can cause a range of symptoms that may vary in severity. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Hoarseness: A change in voice quality is often the first symptom of laryngeal papillomatosis [5].
• Difficulty swallowing: Patients may experience difficulty swallowing due to the growths in the throat [7, 8].
• Choking: In severe cases, patients may choke on food or liquids due to the obstruction caused by the papillomas [8].
• Coughing: A chronic cough is another common symptom of laryngeal papillomatosis [13].
• Breathing difficulties: Patients may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing due to the growths in the airway [6].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, patients with laryngeal squamous papillomas may also experience:

• Stridor: A high-pitched sound while inhaling, which can indicate a more severe obstruction of the airway.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound while exhaling, which can be a sign of respiratory distress.

Important Note

It's essential to seek medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms. Laryngeal papillomatosis can lead to serious complications, including airway obstruction and respiratory failure, if left untreated.

Diagnostic Tests for Laryngeal Squamous Papilloma

Laryngeal squamous papilloma, also known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), is a condition characterized by the growth of benign tumors in the larynx. Diagnosing this condition requires a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Laryngoscopy: This is the primary diagnostic test for RRP, which involves using an endoscope to visualize the larynx and throat. A flexible or rigid laryngoscope may be used to examine the vocal cords and surrounding areas.
• Biopsy: A biopsy of the lesion is often performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions such as cancer. The biopsy sample is then sent for histopathological examination to determine the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 or 11, which are commonly associated with RRP.
• Imaging tests: Imaging studies like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) may be used to evaluate the extent of disease spread and rule out other conditions.

Other Diagnostic Tests:

• HPV DNA PCR: This test is used to detect the presence of HPV DNA in the biopsy sample.
• p16 staining: This immunohistochemical test is used to detect the expression of p16 protein, which is often overexpressed in RRP lesions.

References:

• [1] Diagnostic procedure of choice for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is initial flexible laryngoscopy in the clinic. [Source 5]
• [2] Laryngoscopy and biopsy are essential diagnostic tests for RRP. [Source 13]
• [3] Imaging studies like CT, MRI, and PET may be used to evaluate disease spread and rule out other conditions. [Source 11]

Note: The references provided are based on the search results within the context.

Treatment Options for Laryngeal Squamous Papilloma

Laryngeal squamous papilloma, also known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), is a condition characterized by the growth of benign tumors in the larynx. While there isn't a cure for this condition, various treatment options are available to manage its symptoms and prevent complications.

Antiviral Medications

• Cidofovir: This anti-viral medication has been used to treat individuals with RRP. It is administered intralesionally or systemically to target the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes the condition [6][1].
• Bevacizumab: Avastin, a monoclonal antibody, has been reported for use in the pediatric population through subepithelial injection to treat RRP [4].

Surgical Interventions

• Laser Surgery: Your healthcare provider may perform laser surgery to destroy the papillomas and prevent their growth. This procedure is often repeated as needed to manage the condition [2].
• Microdebridement, Angiolytic Laser, Cryotherapy, or Carbon Dioxide Laser: These surgical techniques are used for debulking and removing the papillomas from the larynx [5].

Other Therapies

• Indole-3-carbinol: Some studies have shown that this compound can reduce the development of papilloma in HPV-infected laryngeal tissue [8].
• Bevacizumab Injections: Adjuvant bevacizumab injections have been used to target the underlying cause of RRP, with promising results [7].

Important Note

While these treatment options are available, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and care. They will help determine the best course of action based on your specific condition and needs.

References:

[1] One of the most common antiviral medications used to treat individuals with RRP is Cidofovir [6]. [2] Your healthcare provider may perform laser surgery to destroy the papillomas and prevent their growth [2]. [3] Surgery-frequently multiple procedures-is the mainstay of treatment for laryngeal squamous papilloma, although additional medical therapies show promise [9]. [4] Avastin (Bevacizumab) at 25m/cc has been reported for use in the pediatric population by way of subepithelial injection ranging from 5 to 45 mg [4]. [5] The primary treatment involves repeated surgical debulking, usually by means of microdebridement, angiolytic laser, cryotherapy, or carbon dioxide laser [5]. [6] One of the most common antiviral medications that have been used to treat individuals with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is Cidofovir [6]. [7] Our technique for adjuvant bevacizumab injections involved using a laryngeal needle to inject a total of 0.5 mL of bevacizumab at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL [7]. [8] In some studies, indole-3-carbinol has been shown to reduce the development of papilloma in HPV-infected laryngeal tissue [8].

Differential Diagnosis of Laryngeal Squamous Papilloma

Laryngeal squamous papilloma, a benign tumor of the larynx, can be confused with other laryngeal lesions. The differential diagnosis includes:

• Vocal cord leukoplakia: A condition characterized by white patches or plaques on the vocal cords, which can be easily differentiated from laryngeal squamous papilloma through a biopsy.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of cancer that can affect the larynx and needs to be ruled out in cases of laryngeal squamous papilloma. A biopsy can help differentiate between the two conditions.
• Verrucous carcinoma: Another type of cancer that can affect the larynx, which requires a biopsy for differentiation from laryngeal squamous papilloma.

According to [10], these conditions can be easily differentiated with a biopsy of the lesion. It is essential to rule out malignancy in cases of laryngeal squamous papilloma, as it has a risk of malignancy.

Additionally, other conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal squamous papilloma include:

• Benign lung, laryngeal, or tracheal tumors: As mentioned in [6], these can be part of the differential diagnosis.
• Vocal cord polyps/nodules: A condition characterized by growths on the vocal cords, which can be differentiated from laryngeal squamous papilloma through a biopsy.
• Amyloidosis: A condition where abnormal proteins accumulate in various tissues and organs, including the larynx. It can be part of the differential diagnosis for laryngeal squamous papilloma.

It is crucial to consider these conditions in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal squamous papilloma to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.