Angiofibroma: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Angiofibroma is a small and benign but locally aggressive tumor that forms at the internal end of the nasal cavity. The condition of Angiofibroma is almost exclusive to adolescent males where boys of mostly 7-19 years of age are affected by it. In this condition the tumor may grow and spread through the skull into the adjoining organs as well thereby developing into something more serious. The symptoms of the condition include obstruction of the nose on one or both sides, frequent nasal discharge with blood, distortion of the face, eye pain if the tumor spreads into the eye orbits, or hearing difficulty if it spreads into the ear. Spreading tumor may compress adjacent nerves and cause nerve palsy. The condition is diagnosed by physical examination and by imaging tests like CT scan or MRI scan. Biopsy is not recommended since the tumor is made almost entirely of blood vessels and severe bleeding can occur.

Treatment for the condition is done primarily with the help of a surgery. The minimally invasive endoscopic surgery method is normally preferred. The endoscopic surgery may be performed by transpalatine, endonasal, infratemporal, or transmaxillary approaches. The endonasal endoscopic approach is most preferred since it is the least invasive procedure. An endoscope is inserted through the nasal cavity which follows the sinuses to reach the tumor to visualize it. Small scale surgical instruments are inserted along with the endoscope and the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Medications and radiotherapeutic treatments used to be followed previously, but are no longer in use. The tumor is benign and hence does not perform metastasis to other parts of the body.

The condition is found almost exclusively in preadolescent and adolescent males and show symptoms like nasal obstruction, runny nose with bleeding, facial distortion, etc. Diagnosis is performed by physical examination and imaging tests and treatment is performed is a positive diagnosis is made.

Some other conditions may show symptoms similar to nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. These conditions do not require treatment for fibroma.

There are a number of significant side effects associated with an endoscopic surgery which is required for the treatment of Angiofibroma. There may be a risk of heart attack, trouble in breathing, pneumonia, infection due to the surgery. Bleeding excessively can also be another side effect to the surgery. Patients may also suffer from a recurrence due to the complications in the surgery. Other side effects may include: upper teeth numbness, brain bleeding and meningitis as well.

Patients have to be very careful about not exposing themselves to the danger of developing angiofibroma again. A regular follow up is required in order to keep a check on the sign and symptoms of recurrence as well.

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma treatment is a simple procedure and complete recovery can be made in four to six weeks.

Cost of treatment in India ranges between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 20,000, and goes up higher in very rare cases if further complications develop.

The tumor is benign and does not perform metastasis, hence results of the treatment are permanent.

There are no alternative treatments for nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.