What Is Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma?
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, benign tumor. JNA tumors contain many blood vessels and are called benign vascular tumors. They usually grow deep in the sinonasal cavity (nose and sinuses). As they grow, they can also spread through the sinuses, eye sockets, or skull. JNA tumors usually affect males between 10鈥25.
Is a JNA Tumor Cancer?
JNA tumors are noncancerous. Because they occur near the eyes, major blood vessels, nerves, and brain, they can cause significant damage. Untreated JNA tumors can interfere with breathing, hearing, vision, speech, and smell.
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Symptoms
Patients with JNA tumors may notice a variety of symptoms:
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Congestion
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Severe or frequent nosebleeds
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Facial swelling
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Runny nose
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Vision changes
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Popping feeling in ears
Speak with your primary care provider about these symptoms. JNA symptoms can be related to other conditions. Your primary care provider may recommend you visit with an otolaryngologist (ENT) specialist. An ENT specialist can diagnose JNA tumors
What Causes Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma?
The exact cause of JNA tumors is unknown. Experts believe hormone changes during puberty may play a role.
Find a Specialist
What To Expect at Your Visit With a Skull Base Tumor Specialist
A skull base tumor specialist will make sure you understand your tumor. During your visit, they will explain your treatment options. They will answer any questions you might have. They may schedule imaging tests to review images of your tumor.
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Treatment
Surgery is the most common treatment option for a JNA tumor. If the tumor can鈥檛 be surgically removed, your health care provider may recommend other treatment options.
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Surgery
Specialists who perform endoscopic sinus surgery and skull base surgery are trained to remove JNA tumors. The surgeon cuts out JNA tumors via an endoscopic approach. This means the surgeon goes through your nose to remove the tumor without external cuts if possible.
Before surgery your surgeon will perform a procedure to block the blood vessels before removing your tumor. This process is called endovascular embolization. Your surgeon inserts a small, flexible tube called a catheter into the tumor area. They inject materials into the blood vessels of the tumor to reduce bleeding. This also improves visualization during surgery.
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Preparing for your surgery鈥揧our surgeon orders imaging tests before your surgery. These images help your surgeon pinpoint the exact location of the tumor. Your surgeon may also order lab tests to check your blood levels. You will need to stop eating and drinking the night before surgery.
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During your surgery鈥揧our surgeon reaches the tumor through your nose. They use an endoscope鈥攁 small tube with a camera鈥攖o see the tumor. They will then remove the tumor. If the tumor has grown into the base of your skull, your surgeon will reshape the affected tissue. In rare cases, surgery may also include going through the top of the skull.
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Surgery may take 3鈥4 hours for a small tumor. If your tumor has spread or is more complex, surgery may take 8鈥9 hours.
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Surgery recovery鈥揧ou will stay in the hospital for 3鈥4 days after surgery. Avoid lifting more than ten pounds for the first month. Flush your nasal area with saline every day to keep it clean. You won鈥檛 have a visible scar in cases performed only through the nose. Your surgeon will follow up with you to see how you鈥檙e recovering. You can expect to return to everyday activities in 3鈥4 weeks.
Surgery Complications and Risks
Your surgeon takes every step to ensure you have a safe surgery. As with any procedure, there are risks:
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Blood loss鈥揃ecause JNA tumors have many blood vessels, they may bleed a lot when removed. Your surgeon may recommend an embolization to close off blood vessels first.
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Change in smell鈥揧our sense of smell may change. For most people, the change is temporary.
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Infection鈥揟here is a small risk of infection, as with any surgery. Your surgeon follows steps to ensure a safe procedure and reduce the risk of infection.
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Spinal fluid leak鈥揑f the JNA tumor has grown into the skull base, there is a very small risk of a spinal fluid leak. If a leak happens, your surgeon will repair it during the surgery and take measures to reduce your risk of infection.
Meet With a Skull Base Tumor Specialist
Our skull base tumor specialists are part of 91麻豆天美直播鈥檚 Skull Base Surgery Program. Our team of surgeons specializes in both lateral and anterior skull base tumors.
If you would like to meet with a skull base tumor specialist to talk about your JNA tumor, ask your ENT for a referral. You can also contact us directly; we鈥檒l help arrange a referral. Give us a call at 801-585-6065.
