The Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma

Abstract

• Between 1948 and 1975, we have seen 48 patients with nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice for most patients. A dose of 3,000 rads in three weeks leads to thrombosis, fibrosis, and tumor regression, although a latent period up to two years may elapse before final disappearance. Coronal tomography demonstrated tumor extension into the accessory air sinuses in 26 of 29 patients examined. Radiation controlled the tumor both clinically and radiologically from two to 20 years in 28 (80%) of 35 patients treated for the first time. Ten patients, initially treated by surgery, underwent irradiation for recurrence, and in seven the tumor was controlled. Overall, ten (22%) of 45 tumors were not controlled by the first course of radiotherapy; seven of these were controlled by a second course and three were treated by surgery. Hormonal study results on 12 patients were normal. (<i>Arch Otolaryngol</i>106:234-236, 1980)