Atypical angiofibroma: a very rare case report and review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Background Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma (ENPA) has been stratified to nodules consisting of blood vessels and fibrous tissue, which occur outside the nasopharynx. ENPA is histologically similar to nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (NA), differing in clinical and epidemiologic characteristics. Since these differences, ENPA considers as a diagnostic challenge and a painstaking appraisal with a high index of doubt is major in determining the true diagnosis and treatment. Fewer than a hundred cases of “atypical angiofibroma” are represented in the international literature, with only 6 cases having been reported previously about ENPA originating from the nasal septum. Case presentation We submit a summarized literature review with a case of ENPA emerging from the nasal septum in a 6-year-old child. Under general anesthesia and endoscopically, the mass that emerged from the septum was resected. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of ENPA. No recurrence over 1 year after surgery. Our patient had an age of onset and site of lesion different from most ENPAs, supporting the rareness of this case. Conclusion Our aim is to shed light on a very rare clinical presentation, describe the diagnostic and therapeutic workup, and suggest that ENPA must be regarded as a differential diagnosis with any complaint of nasal occlusion and epistaxis accompanied by a unilateral nasal tumor.