What are the manifestations of pediatric laryngeal papilloma?

  Papilloma of the larynx is a benign tumor of the larynx and is relatively common in clinical practice. Although laryngeal papilloma is histologically benign, it has the characteristics of being multiple and easily recurring, and it can easily cause airway obstruction, and multiple surgeries can cause laryngeal stenosis and vocal disorders, causing heavy economic and psychological burdens to patients and their families. Especially in recent years, with the increase of sexually transmitted diseases and infectious diseases, the trend of pediatric laryngeal papilloma has increased significantly. The annual incidence of juvenile onset laryngeal papilloma (JLP) ranges from 3.6/100,000 to 4.3/100,000, with 80% occurring before the age of 7 years, especially under the age of 4 years.  Pediatric laryngeal papilloma can occur in children of any age, but it is most common in children younger than 4 years of age, with the youngest age of onset being 1 day of age. The most common symptom is progressive hoarseness, and in larger tumors, laryngeal stridor or even loss of voice may occur, leading to respiratory distress in severe cases. Laryngoscopy reveals broad-based multiple or single light or dark red, uneven surface, cauliflower or papillary tumors.  Papilloma can occur in all parts of the respiratory tract from the nasal vestibule to the lungs, but the larynx is the most commonly involved part, with about 96% of children affected. The vocal folds are the most easily invaded part of the larynx, affecting the normal closure of the vocal folds during vocalization, leading to hoarseness. When children are infected with the more virulent HPV, it can spread widely through the respiratory tract and reach the lung parenchyma, which can be fatal when the lungs are involved.  Parents should learn to observe the patient’s respiratory condition and determine whether the patient has respiratory distress based on the presence of laryngeal tinnitus, blue lips and irritability, etc. If there is any abnormality, the patient needs to go to the hospital promptly.