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An angiofibroma is a benign neoplasm which affects fibrous tissue.
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What is an angiofibroma?
An angiofibroma is a benign neoplasm which affects fibrous tissue.
Juvenile angiofibroma?
DefinitionJuvenile angiofibroma is a noncancerous growth of the back of the nose or upper throat.Alternative NamesNasal tumor; Angiofibroma - juvenile; Benign nasal tumorCauses, incidence, and risk factorsJuvenile angiofibroma is not very common. It is usually found in adolescent boys. The tumor contains many blood vessels, spreads within the area in which it started (locally invasive), and can cause bone damage.SymptomsDifficulty breathing through the noseEasy bruisingFrequent or repeated nosebleedsHearing lossNasal discharge, usually bloodyProlonged bleedingStuffy noseSigns and testsThe doctor may see the angiofibroma when examining the upper throat.Tests that may be done include:Arteriogram to see the blood supply to the growthCT scan of the headMRI scan of the headX-rayBiopsy is generally not recommended due to the high risk of bleeding.TreatmentTreatment is required if the angiofibroma is growing larger, blocking the airways, or causing repeated nosebleeds. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.Surgery may be needed to remove the tumor. Removal is often difficult because the tumor is not enclosed and may have spread deeply to other areas.A procedure called embolization may be done to prevent the tumor from bleeding. The procedure may correct the nosebleeds by itself, or it may be followed by surgery to remove the tumor.Expectations (prognosis)Although not cancerous, angiofibromas may continue to grow. Some may disappear on their own.It is common for the tumor to return after surgery.ComplicationsAnemiaPressure on the brain (rare)Spread of the tumor to the nose, sinuses, and other structuresCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you often have nosebleeds.PreventionThere is no known way to prevent this condition.ReferencesCummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2005.Anslow P. Ear, nose and throat radiology. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 62.
What causes bloody noses?
A nosebleed or nosebleedage, medically known as epistaxis, is the relatively common occurrence of hemorrhage (bleeding) from the nose, usually noticed when it drains out through the nostrils.The cause of nosebleeds can generally be divided into two categories, local and systemic factors.Anatomic deformitiesChemical inhalantInflammatory reaction (eg. acute respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and environmental irritants)Foreign bodiesIntranasal tumors (Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in adult, and nasopharyngeal angiofibroma in adolescent males)Nasal prong O2Nasal spraySurgery (such as septoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery)TraumaEndometriosisDrugs - Aspirin, Fexofenadine/Allegra/Telfast, warfarin, ibuprofen, clopidogrel, desmopressin and othersAlcohol (due to vasodilation)AllergiesBlood dyscrasiasHeart failure (due to an increase in venous pressure)Hematological malignancyHypertensionInfectious diseasesMalnutrition (especially anemia)NarcoticsVascular disordersNose-picking (especially in children)Muscle tightness as caused by scoliosis (the tightened muscles cause blood vessels to become constricted, resulting in nosebleeds from the same side as the tightened muscles).11. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_nose
