Is nasopharyngeal angiofibroma serious?

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma may cause serious complications. If not treated in time, it may lead to nasal bleeding, facial deformity or affect the function of adjacent organs. Especially when the disease progresses, high vigilance is required. In the early stage, patients often show unilateral nasal congestion, nose bleeding and hearing loss. Any similar symptoms should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma mainly occurs in adolescent males. The exact cause is still unclear, but it may be related to genetic factors, fluctuations in hormone levels in the body, and abnormal local vascular proliferation. Early lesions are limited to the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. As the disease progresses, the tumor can invade the orbit, skull base, and even the skull, threatening life. Common symptoms include long-term unilateral nosebleeds (usually painless), nasal obstruction or blockage, a sensation of swelling in the nasopharynx, and difficulty breathing with the mouth open. The doctor will confirm the diagnosis through imaging examinations (CT or MRI) and nasal endoscopic biopsy. In the later stages of the disease, it may also monitor manifestations that affect cranial nerve function.

Surgical resection is currently the treatment of choice. Commonly used procedures include minimally invasive surgery under nasal endoscopy, resection-type lateral skull base surgery, and combined catheter embolization to reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding. Blood preparation and selective vascular embolization are often required before surgery to minimize the difficulty of the operation. If the tumor is found to invade bone structures or other organs, radiotherapy is added if necessary to control recurrence. After surgery, regular imaging follow-up is required to ensure that there is no tumor residue or regrowth. Pay attention to rest more in daily life, avoid strenuous activities or contact with irritating factors that affect the nasal cavity, and eat a light diet to help with postoperative recovery.

If you or someone around you experiences recurrent nasal bleeding or nasal congestion, regardless of the severity of the condition, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible and undergo professional examination to rule out the possibility of potential nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.