Management dilemmas in the treatment and follow-up of advanced juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Advanced juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) (i.e. disease with intracranial extension) is reportedly uncommon. The optimum management form of such a clinical situation currently remains controversial. This review, of the recent English published literature, discusses the common JNA classification systems advocated, shows the advantages and disadvantages of surgical approaches used (both open, endoscopic or combined), and re-evaluates the current role of radiotherapy (for initial management or treatment of residual/recurrent disease). We also discuss the typical presentation of these patients, the role of pre-operative embolization, as well as surgical techniques to minimize recurrence, and advocate a post-treatment follow-up protocol. Copyright (c) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel