Simon Best, M.D.

Simon Best, M.D., is a fellowship-trained laryngeal surgeon whose clinical interests are focused on voice and airway disorders, including the comprehensive care of professional voice users and performers. Disorders he treats include recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), vocal cord paralysis, laryngeal cancer, precancerous vocal cord dysplasia, benign laryngeal lesions (polyps, cysts, nodules), and laryngeal and tracheal stenosis.  He has expertise in the operative management of vocal cord disorders, including laser surgery (KTP laser) and office-based management of vocal cord papilloma, dysplasia, and vocal cord paralysis.

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Program
Dr. Best has a particular clinical and research interest in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, and sees patients from across the county for specialized care for this disorder. 

Clinical Care
The clinical program directed by Dr. Best includes operative and office-based laser for papilloma, utilizing the KTP (Potassium Titanyl Phosphate) laser. This laser allows for very precise excision of papilloma while preserving underlying vocal function. Adjuvant therapy with bevacizumb (Avastin) is also available for aggressive cases of papilloma, and can help delay disease recurrence. The goal for almost all adult patients with RRP is to transition to office-based laser for papilloma, and Dr. Best has many papilloma patients who have been able to completely transition to office-based surgery, thus avoiding general anesthesia.

Research Program
In addition to treatment, the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Program includes the Best Laboratory which is a recipient of an NIH-funded grant.  Current research includes immunobiology of RRP and the development of novel immunotherapies to target the underlying viral infection. This research is conducted in collaboration with the Head and Neck Cancer and Cervical Cancer research groups at Johns Hopkins who also study HPV-related diseases.