Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma of nasal septum. A controversial entity

Abstract

The term extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma has been applied to vascular, fibrous nodules occurring outside the nasopharynx. The maxillary sinus is the most common site involved, while the nasal septum represents an extremely rare localization. Computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging are used to determine the tumour site and its extension. Surgical excision of the mass is the treatment of choice, and recurrence is rare. Typically, clinical characteristics of extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas do not conform with that of nasopharyngeal angiofibromas and, for this reason, these tumours must be regarded as a separate entity. Due to these different features, extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas can present a diagnostic challenge and a meticulous evaluation with a high index of suspicion is essential in establishing the correct diagnosis and treatment. We report the case of a 57-year-old female with a 1-year history of a slowly progressing right nasal obstruction due to the presence of a whitish mass adhering to the posterior nasal septum. The patient was succesfully treated surgically. Histopathological findings were compatible with a diagnosis of angiofibroma. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma must be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of nasal vascular tumours and nasal septum should be regarded as a potential, though exceptional, localization of these neoplasms.

Fig. 1

CT scan of the skull showing a mass arising from vomerian nasal septum and extending backwards within right choana (A: coronal view; B: axial view).

Fig. 2

Excisional biopsy specimen of a whitish mass measuring 3-4 cm in diameter.

Fig. 3

Histopathology of angiofibroma composed of fibrous connective tissue interspersed with endothelium-lined vascular spaces.