Nasopharyngeal Angiofibromas (NA) are rare tumors derived from blood vessels. In the nose these lesions are typically referred to as Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibromas (JNA) as they are almost exclusively found in adolescents. In addition to being found in younger patients, these lesions are exclusively found in men.
Although benign, these tumors can be very destructive and surgical removal is warranted. As a result of being derived from blood vessels, significant blood loss can occur during surgery. The risk is significant and steps are taken for each case to ensure safe removal. For example, prior to surgery a procedure called "embolization" is usually performed by an interventional radiologist to reduce the blood supply to the tumor. Blood products are also made available in case a transfusion is required to replace blood lost during surgery.
These lesions usually become apparent during adolescence due to symptoms such as bleeding from the nose or nasal obstruction/ difficulty breathing through the nose. It is very rare for older adults to be diagnosed with this condition.
This research paper details a case of a 62-year-old male that presented with a JNA. While it is unique for a patients to present at an advanced age with a JNA, this case goes to show that JNA's should be considered even in older patients.
Original Article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31040732
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