Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: rare presentations

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are benign neoplasms typically affecting adolescent males.
• While usually confined to the nasal cavity, extensive local invasion can occur.
• Atypical presentations and extranasal spread are rare but documented.

Observation:

• This report presents two cases of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma with highly unusual clinical manifestations.
• Case 1: Angiofibroma presented as a large polypoid mass exiting the right nostril and as an intraoral tumor.
• Case 2: Angiofibroma exhibited polypoid nasal mass and caused severe respiratory obstruction due to soft palate bulging.

Findings:

• These cases highlight the potential for nasopharyngeal angiofibromas to exhibit significant extranasal extension and diverse clinical symptoms.
• The observed atypical growth patterns underscore the importance of considering wide differential diagnoses in nasopharyngeal masses.
• Detailed imaging and thorough clinical examination are crucial for diagnosing and managing these rare presentations.

Implications:

• Understanding these rare presentations can improve diagnostic accuracy for nasopharyngeal angiofibromas.
• This knowledge aids in surgical planning and management of complex cases with extensive tumor spread.
• Further research into the factors influencing atypical angiofibroma growth may offer insights into tumor behavior.