Juvenile Angiofibromas

ByUdayan K. Shah, MD, MBA, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Reviewed/Revised Apr 2022 | Modified Sept 2022
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Juvenile angiofibroma is a rare noncancerous (benign) tumor that grows in the back of the nose, in the same area where the adenoids are located.

A Look Inside the Throat

Juvenile angiofibromas occur most commonly among adolescent boys. The tumor contains many blood vessels. It can grow slowly, spreading into the area around the brain and into the orbits of the eye.

Symptoms of Juvenile Angiofibromas

Typically, the tumor causes a stuffy nose or headache, often with nosebleeds, which are sometimes very severe. The face may swell, or an eye may bulge. A mass may protrude from the nose, or the nose may become disfigured. If the tumor grows slowly, people may have few symptoms.

Diagnosis of Juvenile Angiofibromas

  • Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

  • Often angiography

Doctors suspect the diagnosis of juvenile angiofibroma based on symptoms.

To confirm the diagnosis, doctors do the imaging tests computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Another imaging test called angiography (x-rays of blood vessels taken after a dye is injected in the veins to outline them) is often done so that the tumor's blood vessels can be blocked (embolization) before surgery, which reduces bleeding.

A partial biopsy of the tumor may be done but is usually avoided because it can result in severe bleeding.

Treatment of Juvenile Angiofibromas

  • Surgical removal and sometimes radiation therapy

Usually, the tumor is surgically removed.

Occasionally, radiation therapy is also used, especially if complete removal of the tumor is difficult or impossible or if the tumor reappears.

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