Symptoms of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Typical symptoms of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma include recurrent nosebleeds, nasal congestion, hearing loss or blocked ears, and early medical attention is required for diagnosis. This disease is common in adolescent males and is a rare but aggressive benign tumor. Early detection and treatment can effectively control the disease.

1. Repeated nosebleeds

The most common manifestation of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is recurrent nosebleeds without cause, especially when the bleeding is unilateral and the amount is large. The cause is that the tumor contains a rich network of blood vessels, and the surface of the proliferating tumor is prone to rupture and bleeding. Patients are advised to visit the otolaryngology department in time after similar situations occur, and further confirm the diagnosis through nasal endoscopy or imaging methods. Treatment usually involves surgical resection, and interventional embolization may be required before surgery to reduce intraoperative bleeding.

2. Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing

When the tumor is small, it may only cause mild nasal congestion, but as the tumor grows, it gradually blocks the nasal passage and even affects normal breathing. Most patients will experience persistent unilateral nasal congestion, and medication is ineffective. In this case, doctors can use CT or MRI to assess the size and location of the tumor, and use minimally invasive surgery or traditional resection if necessary.

3. Hearing loss or ear blockage

Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma may compress the opening of the Eustachian tube, causing a feeling of ear blockage or conductive hearing loss. Some patients also have symptoms of tinnitus or secretory otitis media. It is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner, cooperate with hearing tests, otoscopy, etc., to determine whether it is related to nasopharyngeal tumors. If there is concurrent otitis media, targeted medication for otitis media can be used on the basis of tumor treatment.

4. Other possible symptoms

When nasopharyngeal angiofibroma invades surrounding tissues, it may cause facial deformation, headache, diplopia or protrusion of the eyeball, which is a more serious situation. It is recommended to follow up regularly to understand the growth trend of the tumor and receive personalized treatment when necessary, including surgery, interventional treatment or postoperative adjuvant treatment.

Once nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is diagnosed, it needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent further tumor growth or complications. Early detection and standardized management are the key to ensuring a good prognosis. Patients with related symptoms are advised to go to a professional medical institution for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.