The Recurrence of Tracheobronchial Papillomatosis Following Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a challenging disease to manage, due to its highly recurring nature and the lack of a definitive treatment. It is characterized by the presence of benign papillomatous lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can pose a threat to the patient's airway patency and restrict their breathing ability. We present the case of a 64-year-old patient with a history of papillomas in the trachea and bronchi, treated with endobronchial cryotherapy. However, tracheal and bronchial papillomas recurred 10 years after the initial treatment and two years after the diagnosis of prostate cancer and hormonal therapy. We also engage in a discussion of the clinical and radiological features of RRP.

Keywords: biopsy; bronchoscopy; cough; prostate cancer; recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Figure 1. Chest CT (lung window)

The image showed papillomas (black arrow) on the left wall of the trachea and significant emphysema in the lung parenchyma CT: computed tomography

Figure 2. Chest CT (mediastinal window)

The image showed papillomas (white arrow) in the right bronchus CT: computed tomography

Figure 3. Bronchoscopic examination

A: Papillomatous lesions of the trachea (black arrow). B) Papillomatous lesions of the right main bronchus (black arrow)

Figure 4. Histological examination of specimens obtained by bronchoscopy

Immunohistochemistry revealed p16 (+)