Juvenile angiofibroma is a noncancerous growth of the back of the nose or upper throat.

Juvenile angiofibroma is relatively uncommon. It typically is discovered in adolescent boys. The tumor contains many blood vessels, is locally invasive, and can cause bone damage.

• Frequent or repeated nosebleeds
• Stuffy nose
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Nasal discharge, usually bloody
• Hearing loss
• Prolonged bleeding
• Easy bruising

The doctor may see the angiofibroma when examining the upper throat.

Tests that may be done include:

• X-ray or a CT scan of the head
• Nasal mucosal biopsy

Treatment is required if the angiofibroma is growing larger, blocking the airway, or causing repeated nosebleeds. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.

Surgery may be needed to remove the tumor. Removal is often difficult because the tumor is not enclosed and may have spread deeply to other areas.

A procedure called embolization may be done to prevent the tumor from bleeding. The procedure may correct the nosebleeds by itself, or it may be followed by surgery to remove the tumor.

Although not cancerous, angiofibromas may continue to grow. Some may disappear on their own.

It is common for the tumor to return after surgery.

• Spread of the tumor to the nose, the sinuses, and other structures
• Anemia
• Pressure on the brain (rare)

Call your health care provider if repeated or frequent nosebleeds occur.

There is no known way to prevent this condition.

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2001.