Malignant transformation of a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

Makek MS; Andrews JC; Fisch U

doi:10.1288/00005537-198210000-00021

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Journal article

Malignant transformation of a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.

Makek MS Department of Pathology, Zurich University Hospital, Switzerland.
Andrews JC
Fisch U

1989-10-01

Published in:

The Laryngoscope. - 1989

English The malignant transformation of a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare occurrence. This report describes the development of a fibrosarcoma in a patient over a 20-year period after four surgical procedures and two courses of radiation therapy to control a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. A review of the literature revealed similar descriptions of this problem. Radiation likely plays a major role in causing the malignant change. An initial complete surgical excision can prevent recurrence of a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma as well as sarcomatous transformation. With the availability of surgical procedures that can completely and safely resect almost all nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, radiation therapy can be avoided.

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