angiofibroma of nasopharynx

From Diagnosis To Treatment: An Overview Of Angiofibroma of Nasopharynx

Published 2019-03-19 | By editor

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

Posted in Children ENT Problem | Tagged angiofibroma of nasopharynx, diagnostic methods and treatment options of angiofibroma of nasopharynx, JNA, juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromam

Basic Information About Angiofibroma of Nasopharynx In Children

Published 2019-03-12 | By editor

Angiofibroma of nasopharynx in children, also known as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), is a relatively rare benign tumor of the nose. Unfortunately, it’s an aggressive tumor that can spread into the neighboring structures resulting in serious complications. But when it’s completely removed, the prognosis is generally good – and, indeed, it is good news for parents with children affected by the disease.

Risk Factors

Researchers have yet to identify the risk factors associated with JNA. Patients typically come from diverse ethnic, racial and geographical backgrounds.

But the rare tumor is almost exclusively seen in adolescent boys ranging in age from 7 to 19 years. It’s also considered rare for another reason – only 0.05% of all reported head and neck tumors are JNA. It’s also hardly known to occur in girls within the same age range in particular and in females in general.

Parents, if you’re blaming yourself or others for your son’s condition, you shouldn’t for this reason. The best thing to do is find the best doctor specializing in JNA and take it from there.

Causes and Symptoms

As with the risk factors, researchers have yet to identify definitive causes for JNA. The widely held theory, nonetheless, points to hormonal influence for the growth of the tumor. As a boy enters puberty, the hormonal changes may contribute to the tumor’s development; the androgen hormones are thought to be behind the mechanism.

While the causes are as yet unknown, the symptoms of JNA are observable. Keep in mind that many of these symptoms are also present in other illnesses and, thus, the importance of a medical consultation cannot be overemphasized.

Stuffy nose
Nosebleeds
Headaches
Decreased sense of smell
Deafness
Disfigurement of the nose and face

In some cases, the tumor can spread into the brain tissue resulting in neurological symptoms. Anemia resulting from severe bleeding in the tumor may also happen.

Your doctor will perform a series of medical examinations including laboratory and imaging tests to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. As with all types of tumors, you may want to consider a second opinion.

Treatment Options

Early detection is important in the effective treatment of nasopharynx angiofibroma. But the successful and complete removal of the tumor is even more important in its treatment.

Aside from complete surgical excision, your doctor will also consider other treatment options for your child. These include radiation therapy and arterial embolization, which have their share of pros and cons for serious consideration. Your doctor may suggest one or more of these treatments depending on your child’s condition, among other factors.

Children can enjoy a full life after JNA treatment, thanks to the good prognosis. Parents, take note that the prognosis itself can be affected by complications and, in rare cases, by the transformation of the benign tumor into a malignant tumor.

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.