From Diagnosis To Treatment: An Overview Of Angiofibroma of Nasopharynx

Does your child have difficulty in breathing, nosebleeds, and headaches, perhaps accompanied by ear aches, decreased sense of small, and even facial deformation that hasn’t been there before? If you answered yes, then you should have your child checked by your ENT doctor since he may have angiofibroma of nasopharynx.

The earlier the rare tumor of the nose, also called juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), is detected, the better the prognosis when appropriate treatments are provided promptly.

Diagnostic Methods Used

Even when your child exhibits the abovementioned symptoms, you have to remember that it doesn’t mean that he has JNA. Your child’s ENT doctor will perform a series of medical examinations that usually includes:

• A thorough physical examination, especially of the nose area
• A complete medical history
• Radiological studies using x-rays, CT scans, and/or MRI scans
• Vascular angiography study, a useful tool during surgery (i.e., the surgeon uses it to minimize the bleeding)
• Biopsy of the tumor (i.e., the excised tumor will be subjected to a pathological exam to determine its nature, whether benign or malignant)

The biopsy cannot be performed on a partially excised tumor since it can result in considerable bleeding during the process. The tumor must then be completely removed.

During the initial diagnostic exams, your ENT doctor will likely perform other diagnostic tests to rule out other medical issues. This is because JNA has symptoms similar to other types of cancer, among other medical conditions.

The need for early detection and definitive diagnosis also comes from the concern of considerable complications associated with JNA. These include severe and prolonged bleeding resulting in anemia, neurological issues caused by the tumor’s spread into brain tissue, and severe anxiety issues as a result of cosmetic concerns.

When the tumor isn’t completely removed, it can regrow and spread to the surrounding structures. In rare cases, it can even become malignant (i.e., cancerous).

Treatment Options Available

Your doctor should discuss your child’s treatment plan in detail so that you know the risks and rewards that come with each option. You may or may not let your child in on the treatment process depending on his age, maturity level, and willingness to participate.

But it’s best to explain the treatments in a way that he will understand, especially as there will be side effects and complications no matter the treatment option.

• Arterial embolization involves blocking the tumor’s blood supply resulting in its death.
• Hormonal therapy can decrease the size of the tumor thereby making it easier to target with other types of treatment.
• Radiation therapy is usually used against a locally invasive tumor. There are two types, namely: first, stereotactic radiation therapy wherein radiation is delivered via an external device; and second, conformal radiation therapy, a three-dimensional procedure with more accurate results.
• Complete removal of the tumor via surgery is the treatment of choice since its partial removal can cause significant complications, such as heavy bleeding and its recurrence.

Since JNA can cause facial deformity, you should consider reconstruction cosmetic surgery to bring back your child’s beautiful appearance.

If you wonder if your child suffers from angiofibroma of nasopharynx, it is suggested to consult an ENT Specialist for the appropriate ENT services as soon as possible. HK ENT Specialist Ltd. is a professional Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre to offer ENT Services. Please contact us for an appointment at 3100 0555.

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

https://www.hkentspecialist.hk