Juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is the most common cause of laryngeal tumors in children. This disease is caused by infection of the human papillomavirus, a virus whose complete genetic structure is now known. New, more directed agents show promise for improved control of papillomatosis in preliminary studies. Concurrently, there is an increasing awareness of methods to reduce surgical morbidity. At present, the role of preventive efforts including elective caesarian section remains uncertain.