Angiofibroma: a flow cytometric evaluation of 31 cases

Angiofibromas are histologically benign but locally aggressive tumors that often extend beyond the nasopharynx to involve contiguous structures. In addition, attempts to remove the tumors surgically are often frustrated by local recurrences. We studied 31 angiofibromas by flow cytometry to determine if tumor ploidy could be used to identify those tumors that might behave more aggressively. The patients, all males between 5 and 23 years of age, were divided into two groups. The 21 patients with tumors confined to the nasopharynx or paranasal sinuses were regarded as having local disease, the ten with tumors involving the infratemporal fossa, orbit, cheek, or intracranial structures were regarded as having extensive disease. Of the ten with extensive disease, six bad intracranial involvement. All patients were treated with surgery and only one received postoperative irradiation. Follow-up was available in 24, eight of which developed local recurrences (33%). All tumors, including recurrences and those with intracranial extension, were found to be diploid. We therefore conclude that tumor ploidy cannot be used to predict the clinical course of angiofibromas.