Source: news10now.com
Autor: Marcie Fraser

Scott Vitale certainly does not fit the criteria for the HPV virus which causes warts, and in rare cases, it’s found in the throat. Most often, infants get it from their mothers while they pass through the birth canal. Why or how he got the virus, no one knows for sure.

“In terms of the voice box areas, the throat, it is not that clear cut. We think there may be some sexual transmission but it’s hard to pin point how these patients actually get these papillomas,” said Dr. Stanely Shapshay, Laryngologist.

He had symptoms for about a year. He had trouble breathing and he nearly lost his voice. The tumors had obstructed his airway.

“Papilloma virus affects the vocal cords and the throat in general and some of our patients like you have seen today have little tumors called papilloma. Papillomas are viral caused tumors that either change the vocal cord function, in terms of the voice or sometimes even breathing,” said Shapshay.

Thankfully the tumors were not on his vocal cords. Laryngologist Dr. Stanley Shapshay was able to do tests right in the office with a high tech camera called the Distal Chip Technology. By simply numbing the nasal passage, this flexible scope can be inserted down the throat which provides clear 3D images.

“The Distal Chip Technology gives us a beautiful view, a panorama of the throat to be able to see detail we have not seen before,” said Shapshay. Once the tumors are located, a laser burns them off.

Those who have been diagnosed with HPV of the throat do have an increased risk of throat cancer its often linked to smoking cigarettes.

“If they are smokers and papilloma that is a deadly combination. Generally will come down to change of the papilloma into a malignant situation but these are benign and they are the most common benign tumor of the larynx or voice box,” said Shapshay.

It’s been several months and because the virus is so strong, more tumors have appeared. Although he will need more surgery, he’s pleased. His voice is strong and can easily breathe.