Papillomas are caused by a virus. Papillomas may appear in children as young as 1 year old. A papilloma may cause hoarseness, sometimes severe enough to prevent speaking, and may obstruct the airway. The diagnosis is made by using a laryngoscope to view the voice box and is confirmed by performing a biopsy of the papilloma. Treatment consists of either surgical removal or laser vaporization of the papillomas.
Recurrence is common, but at puberty, the papillomas usually disappear on their own.
From The Merck Manual of Medical Information Home Edition , edited by Mark H. Beers and Robert Berkow.