1. More Than Just a Stuffy Nose
Found most commonly in adolescent boys, juvenile angiofibromas are uncommon benign nasal tumors located in the nasopharyngeal region (upper nose or at the back of the throat). Juvenile angiofibromas are aggressive and invasive, but usually only to the area in which they are located; they more infrequently spread beyond the nasal passages and into other areas, such as the sinuses or the base of the skull. The tumor does have the capability to erode bone over time.
2. Don't Ignore Frequent Nosebleeds
In many cases, these nasal tumors grow and cause problems. Juvenile angiofibromas can manifest in a variety of symptoms, which are usually present for some time prior to an initial medical examination. Most often, there is marked congestion or stuffiness in the nose. Nasal breathing may be difficult. A bloody discharge from the nose or frequent nosebleeds are indicative of angiofibromas. Much less common symptoms include hearing loss (due to obstruction of the Eustachian tube), headaches, eye pain, middle ear infections (otitis media), double vision and the inability to smell (anosmia).
3. Probing the Proboscis
Depending on the size and location of the tumor, it can often be seen upon visual examination of the back of the throat. A CT scan (or more commonly an MRI) and X-ray of the head will be performed to determine the exact location and physiology of the tumor. A nasal mucosal biopsy (removing tissue from the inner lining of the nose) may be done as well, and only after a CT scan has been completed, though in most cases this procedure is deemed unnecessary and is even considered potentially dangerous.
4. When Juvenile Angiofibroma Gets to Be a Complicated Issue
There does exist the potential for complications to arise due to juvenile angiofibromas. Anemia may result from tumors causing prolonged bleeding. Though most angiofibromas are contained to the nasopharyngeal area, there are times when the tumor can spread into other areas. Sometimes it may penetrate the sinus cavities and enter other areas of the cranium. The potential exists for intercranial pressure and the erosion of bone. Very rarely, angiofibromas can cause pressure on the brain.
5. Breathing Easier
Removing the nasal tumor by surgical means is one form of treatment, though due to the invasive nature of the growth is not always completely successful (recurrence of this type of tumor is high). As angiofibromas have many blood vessels, clotting these vessels (a process called embolization) can stop any bleeding. Less commonly, radiation therapy might be used, though this is not usually a first choice due to the young age of most patients.
