A Case of Angiofibroma Arising in Parapharyngeal Space

Rho, Young Soo; Park, Il Seok; Kim, Jung Hyun; Kim, Sung Dong

Abstract

Angiofibromas are rare histologically benign tumors that predominantly affect adolescent males and account for approximately 0.5% of all neoplasms of the head and neck. Although angiofibromas are histologically benign, but locally invasive. These tumors are highly vascular and associated with extension to the nose, paranasal sinus, pterygomaxillary fossa, infratemporal fossa, intracranium, and neck. The morbidity and mortality associated with these tumors are related to its prominent vascularity and its propensity for aggressive local growth. Pre-operative embolization is useful for reducing intraoperative blood loss and the risk of incomplete excision of the tumor. These tumors virtually arise from the nasopharynx in the region of the sphenopalatine foramen and pterygopalatine fossa. We present a unique case of an angiofibroma limited to the left parapharyngeal space, without involvement of the sphenopalatine foramen or nasopharynx. We treated this case with transparotid-cervical approach after pre-operative embolization.