Angiofibroma

Angiofibromas are benign tumors of the fibrous connective tissue within the nasopharynx. They are invasive and aggressive. Angiofibromas are genetic and primary affect adolescent males. Angiofibromas are known to cause tubercous sclerosis, which is caused by an abundance of endothelium in the lined vascular spaces. Angiofibromas can cause nasal obstruction, abnormal speech, and difficulty swallowing.If left untreated, it can develop into ear canal obstruction. Angiofibormas are visualized with either CT or MRI. There are used to determine the size of the tumor and if there is any encroachment into other structures.
Angiofibroma - Angiofibromas are treated with surgery. Embolization of the tumor is preformed before the tumor is excised. If the tumor is not able to be removed, radiation may be utilized in an attempt to shrink the tumor’s size.