Expert Care for Optimal Results
Juvenile
nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is the most common benign tumor of the
nasopharynx, the space at the back of the nasal cavity that connects the nose
to the mouth.
These
tumors tend to develop in young men between 10 and 25 years old. Androgen
hormones can play a part in the growth of these tumors.
Specialists
at UT Southwestern are experts in applying the latest in image guidance and
microsurgical techniques to treat JNA while preserving quality of life for each
patient.
Symptoms
Common
symptoms of JNA include nasal obstruction and severe or repeated nosebleeds. If
the tumor grows large enough, it can cause:
- Change in facial appearance
- Complete obstruction of both sides of the nose
- Facial pain or headaches
- Visual disturbance
Over
time, the tumor can invade the eye socket or cranial cavity, causing blindness
or other significant neurologic problems.
Diagnosis
At UT
Southwestern, physicians use nasal endoscopy as well as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) studies
to diagnose JNA.
Because these
tumors occur in a typical location in the nasopharynx and have characteristic features
on radiologic studies, a biopsy is not usually required for planning treatment.
Treatment for Juvenile Nasopharyngeal
Angiofibroma
Surgical
removal is the primary treatment for JNA. These tumors have a large blood
supply and many blood vessels, which could cause significant blood loss during
surgery. To reduce the amount of bleeding at the time of surgical removal, a
procedure called angiography with embolization is frequently performed the day
before surgery.
The traditional
method for surgically removing JNA involved facial incisions or cuts through
the roof of the mouth. Modern endoscopic techniques have replaced these older
approaches. With appropriate equipment and expertise, even very large tumors can
be removed with an endoscopic approach through the nostrils. This approach results
in an unchanged external appearance, reduced discomfort after the surgery, and
shorter healing times.
Because JNA
tumors have the potential to recur after surgical removal, regular nasal
endoscopic examination and imaging studies are often used to monitor for tumor
recurrence in the years after surgery. Recurrent tumors that demonstrate growth
are usually removed.
In rare,
very advanced, or aggressive cases, radiation therapy can be considered as a
treatment option.
Clinical Trials and Research
Patients
also benefit from the leading research conducted at UT Southwestern, which
often includes clinical trials offered at few other centers in the country and
helps speed better treatment to patients.