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Juvenile angiofibroma

Nasal tumor; Angiofibroma - juvenile; Benign nasal tumor; Juvenile nasal angiofibroma; JNA

 

Juvenile angiofibroma is a noncancerous growth that causes bleeding in the nose and sinuses. It is most often seen in boys and young adult men.

Causes

 

Juvenile angiofibroma is not very common. It is most often found in adolescent boys. The tumor contains many blood vessels, spreads within the area in which it started (locally invasive ), and can cause bone damage.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Easy bruising
  • Frequent or repeated nosebleeds
  • Hearing loss
  • Nasal discharge , usually bloody
  • Prolonged bleeding
  • Stuffy nose

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider 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

 

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 tumor. The tumor 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 tumor removal surgery less invasive.

A procedure called embolization may be done to prevent the tumor from bleeding. The procedure may correct the nosebleeds by itself, but it is most often followed by surgery to remove the tumor.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Although not cancerous, angiofibromas may continue to grow. Some may disappear on their own.

It is common for the tumor to return after surgery.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Anemia
  • Pressure on the brain (rare)
  • Spread of the tumor to the nose, sinuses, and other structures

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you often have nosebleeds.

 

Prevention

 

There is no known way to prevent this condition.

 

 

References

Haddad J, Keesecker S. Acquired disorders of the nose. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW III, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 377.

Nicolai P, Castelnuovo P. Benign tumors of the sinonasal tract. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 48.

 
  • Nasal mucosa - illustration

    The mucosa, or mucous membrane, is a type of tissue that lines the nasal cavity. Mucous membranes are usually moist tissues that are bathed by secretions such as in the nose.

    Nasal mucosa

    illustration

    • Nasal mucosa - illustration

      The mucosa, or mucous membrane, is a type of tissue that lines the nasal cavity. Mucous membranes are usually moist tissues that are bathed by secretions such as in the nose.

      Nasal mucosa

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

       

      Review Date: 8/5/2015

      Reviewed By: Sumana Jothi MD, specialist in laryngology, Clinical Instructor UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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