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 10–25.
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’t 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–Your 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–Your surgeon reaches the tumor through your nose. They use an endoscope—a small tube with a camera—to 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 3–4 hours for a small tumor. If your tumor has spread or is more complex, surgery may take 8–9 hours.
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Surgery recovery–You will stay in the hospital for 3–4 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’t have a visible scar in cases performed only through the nose. Your surgeon will follow up with you to see how you’re recovering. You can expect to return to everyday activities in 3–4 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–Because 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–Your sense of smell may change. For most people, the change is temporary.
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Infection–There 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–If 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 University of Utah Health’s 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’ll help arrange a referral. Give us a call at 801-585-6065.
