NASOPHARYNGEA L ANGIOFIBROMA
SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
INTRODUCTION TO NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA • Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma is a noncancerous growth of the back of the nose or upper throat. • Is a vascular tumor of the nasopharynx occuring almost entirely in adolescent males (7-19 years woth a mean of 14 years). The tumor has a tendency to regress after puberty. • Although the tumor is benign, it is locally invasive and behaves as malignant due to the anatomical structure of the nasopharynx
CAUSES OF NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA
Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma is not very common. It is usually found in adolescent boys. The tumour contains many blood vessels, spreads within the area in which it started (locally invasive), and can cause bone damage
SYMPTOMS OF NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA • Difficulty breathing through the nose • Easy bruising • Frequent or repeated nosebleeds • Hearing loss • Nasal discharge, usually bloody • Prolonged bleeding • Stuffy nose
EXAMS AND TESTS FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA The doctor may see the angiofibroma when examining the upper throat. Tests that may be done include: • Arteriogram to see the blood supply to the growth • CT scan of the head • MRI scan of the head • X-ray
Biopsy is generally not recommended due to the high risk of bleeding.
TREATMENT FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA • You will need treatment if the angiofibroma is growing larger, blocking the airways, or causing repeated nosebleeds. In some cases, no treatment is needed. • Surgery may be needed to remove the tumour. The tumour may be hard to remove if it is not enclosed and has spread to other areas. Newer surgery techniques that place a camera up through the nose have made tumour removal surgery less invasive.
TREATMENT FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA • A procedure called embolization may be done to prevent the tumour from bleeding. The procedure may correct the nosebleeds by itself, but it is usually followed by surgery to remove the tumour.
PROGNOSIS FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMA Although not cancerous, angiofibromas may continue to grow. Some may disappear on their own. It is common for the tumour to return after surgery. Possible complications regarding Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma • Anaemia • Pressure on the brain (rare) • Spread of the tumour to the nose, sinuses, and other structures
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