Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is not known.
Clinical presentation
Patients with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma present with nasal obstruction on one side and reduced or loss of sensation of smell with headache on the other. There is hearing loss, ear pain [otalgia]. Discharge of mucus from one side of nose is observed. Chronic bleeding from nose [epistaxis] can occur.
Investigations
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Physical examination of nose reveals mass in the posterior nasal cavity. Routine blood test is done. X-ray, CT scan and/or MRI scan to determine the extent of tumor is required.
Treatment
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is treated with surgery. Patient is given anti-hemorrhagic medicine for 2-3 weeks before surgery to reduce blood loss. In some cases, preoperative embolization with angiography may be done to reduce blood loss during surgery. Radiation therapy helps in cases where the tumor is not removed completely with the surgery or in case of recurrence.
Complications
Complications such as anemia, localized spread of tumor may occur.
When to Contact a Doctor
One must consult a doctor if one has recurrent epistaxis.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.
Systems involved
Respiratory system, circulatory system
Organs involved
Nose, pharynx, ear
