Our Summary

This research paper talks about a rare case of angiofibroma, a type of benign tumor, found in the nasal septum (the wall that separates the two nostrils) of a 51-year-old woman. Usually, this type of tumor is found in the nasopharynx (the area above the back of the throat) of adolescent males.

The study found that this type of tumor behaves differently in older women compared to adolescent males. Even though medical imaging suggested that the tumor had a lot of blood vessels (highly vascularised), it didn’t bleed as much as it would in younger males.

The tumor was diagnosed through a biopsy (a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken for examination) and was successfully removed using endoscopy (a procedure where a flexible tube with a light and camera is used to examine and perform procedures inside the body), with minimal bleeding.

The study concludes that even though these tumors are rare, they should be considered as a possible cause when patients of any age have a nasal blockage due to a mass in the nose, with or without nosebleeds.

FAQs

  1. What is a nasal septal angiofibroma and who typically experiences it?
  2. How are nasal septal angiofibromas diagnosed and treated?
  3. Can nasal septal angiofibromas occur in females and older individuals?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient undergoing nasal polyp removal to avoid blowing their nose forcefully for a few days post-procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding and discomfort. It is also important for the patient to follow any post-operative care instructions provided by the doctor to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal include those who present with nasal obstruction, recurrent sinus infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, and chronic sinusitis. In some cases, nasal polyps can also lead to symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, and loss of smell. Additionally, patients with nasal polyps that do not respond to medical treatment, such as corticosteroids, may also be candidates for surgical removal.

Timeline

  • Patient experiences nasal obstruction and possibly epistaxis due to a nasal mass
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI to identify the nasal polyps
  • Patient undergoes biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of nasal polyps
  • Patient undergoes endoscopic resection of the nasal polyps with minimal bleeding
  • After the removal of the nasal polyps, the patient experiences relief from nasal obstruction and epistaxis
  • Patient may need follow-up appointments to monitor for recurrence of nasal polyps

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications of nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. What is the recovery process like after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  3. Will I need any follow-up appointments or treatments after the surgery?
  4. How long will it take for me to see improvements in my symptoms after the surgery?
  5. Are there any restrictions or precautions I should take after the surgery?
  6. Will I need any medication or nasal sprays after the surgery to prevent the polyps from returning?
  7. How likely is it that the polyps will come back after they have been removed?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options for nasal polyps that I should consider?
  9. How experienced are you in performing nasal polyp removal surgeries?
  10. Can you explain the specific technique you will be using to remove the polyps in my case?

Reference

Authors: Law S, Burgess C. Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2021 Feb;103(2):e48-e49. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.7027. PMID: 33559557