MEDCIAL MANAGEMENT:
Medical management has been investigated over the last 20 years with some varying success. These medical therapies include Interferons, photodynamic treatment, anti-virals like Acyclovir, BCG which is the TB vaccine and intralesional injections e.g. with the mumps vaccine. An acid suppressant (PPI) must always be used.
COMPLICATIONS:
In severe cases the patient may die from airway obstruction. Scarring, especially of the anterior larynx can occur with repeated surgery. The papilloma disease can extend into the lungs (especially if a tracheostomy is done). The papilloma can also progress rarely into squamous carcinoma. Hoarseness which was the presenting symptom, may also be permanent.
PREVENTION:
Recently the HPV vaccine (Gardasil) has been strongly recommended in especially pre-teen girls. This may eradicate the disease in years to come.