Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Abstract

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (NAF), occurring mostly in young men, is histological a benign tumor with aggressive clinical behavior that includes repeated epistaxis and intractable nasal obstruction.Methods: This paper reviews our experience regarding clinical features and the treatment of NAF in E.N.T. Department-Timisoara. 37 patients with diagnosis of NAF from 1984-2009 were included, and their clinical presentations, imaging studies (C.T. and M.R.I.), treatments and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. The duration of symptoms in the current study was 8-9 months. The current treatment modality was in all cases surgery. The patients underwent combined transpalatal or retropalatal and lateral rhinotomy approach.Results: In present series there were 4 recurrences due to failure in complete removing of the tumor. They were all reoperated by lateral rhinotomy approach and they are now free of disease. The follow up period was at least 12 month for all patients, even in cases of recurrences.Conclusions: Contemporary radiographic methods (C.T., M.R.I.) improve the evaluation of the patients, and provide essential information for the surgeon regarding the approach to use. Complete surgical excision may be impossible and may carry significant morbidity and potential mortality