Surge in Laryngeal HPV Cases: Risks for Newborns and Adults
A leading Portuguese specialist is sounding the alarm over a significant rise in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cases affecting the larynx. Dr. Clara Capucho, coordinator of the Voice Unit at Hospital Egas Moniz, warns that the surge is impacting both adults and newborns—some of whom are left fighting for breath shortly after birth.
Tragic Consequences for Newborns
In a sobering revelation, Dr. Capucho detailed how the virus is being transmitted from mothers to infants during childbirth. “There are children who are already born with HPV,” she told Lusa news agency. If a pregnant woman carries the virus, the baby can aspirate it while passing through the birth canal, especially during vaginal deliveries.
For these infants, the consequences can be “dramatic.” The virus often settles in the larynx, creating growths that obstruct the airway. In the most severe cases, young children require a tracheostomy—a surgical opening in the neck—just to breathe. This life-altering procedure also severely impairs their ability to speak.
Dr. Capucho noted that many of these pediatric cases involve immigrant populations from Latin America, Cape Verde, and Angola, where HPV vaccination rates may be lower. While some children eventually build the immunity to suppress the virus, others face a “long road” of repeated surgeries and constant monitoring to keep their airways clear.
Rising Cases in Adults
The warning comes ahead of World Voice Day on April 16. Beyond the pediatric cases, the hospital’s Voice Unit has identified a sharp increase in laryngeal HPV among adults, a trend Dr. Capucho attributes to changing sexual habits and increased global migration.
The virus manifests as cauliflower-like papillomas on the vocal cords. While technically considered a viral infection rather than a disease, HPV remains a major medical challenge because it cannot be cured with traditional medication; the body’s own immune system must clear it. “It is a situation that causes great concern because it is not 100% benign,” Capucho warned, noting that the virus is a high-risk factor for developing laryngeal cancer.
The Importance of Screening
Recent data from the Voice Unit highlights the scale of the issue. During screenings conducted last year, HPV was identified in 21% of the 120 people evaluated. Additionally, 7% were found to have leukoplakia—white mucosal lesions that are potentially precancerous.
Dr. Capucho praised the inclusion of both boys and girls in Portugal’s National Vaccination Program but stressed that older generations remain unprotected. She urged health authorities to rethink lifelong protection strategies, particularly as the population’s immune sensitivity has evolved following recent global pandemics.
To mark World Voice Day, the Voice Unit at Hospital Egas Moniz, supported by the GDA Foundation, will offer free screenings from April 14 to 17. These assessments aim for early diagnosis to prevent the “mutilation” caused by advanced laryngeal diseases.
Image: Pexels – Marek Piwnicki
