Juvenile angiofibroma

Alternative names:

angiofibroma; angiofibroma - juvenile; benign nasal tumor; nasal tumor

Treatment:

Treatment is required if the angiofibroma is enlarging, obstructing the airway, or causing chronic nosebleeds. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.

Surgical treatment includes removal of the tumor.

Clotting of the vessels of the tumor (embolization) may cause the tumor to scar and stop bleeding. Embolization is performed by injecting a substance into the blood vessel to block blood flow through it. Embolization may be adequate by itself to correct the nosebleeds, or it may be followed by surgery to remove the tumor.

Expectations (prognosis):

Although not cancerous, angiofibromas may continue to expand. They may disappear spontaneously.

Complications:

• expansion of the angiofibroma to the nose, the sinuses, and other structures
• anemia from chronic blood loss
• pressure on the brain from expansion of the angiofibroma (rare)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if repeated or frequent nosebleeds occur.