[Chromosomal alterations in juvenile angiofibromas]

Abstract

Introduction: Despite their benign histological appearance, juvenile angiofibromas, which occur mainly in adolescent males, have a locally aggressive growth pattern. beta-catenin-mutations represent their only known genetic abnormality.

Material and methods: Angiofibroma tissue from seven patients was available for comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).

Results: In six out of the seven angiofibromas, CGH detected various abnormalities on 18 different chromosomes. Frequent chromosomal gains were observed on chromosomes 4q, 6q, and 8q. In four out of seven angiofibromas a complete loss of the chromosome Y was detected.

Conclusions: CGH is a suitable method for the examination of angiofibromas for genetic alterations. Considering the sex distribution of this neoplasm, the frequent loss of chromosome Y is of particular interest.