Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (NA) are rare tumor-like lesions characterized
by architecturally irregular vessels set in a fibrous stroma. The unique m
orphology, the strong predilection for male adolescents, and the uncertaint
y about its etiology contributes to significant confusion regarding the cla
ssification of NA, which still has not been solved today. Based on immunohi
stochemical and electron microscopic examinations, we demonstrate in detail
the various unusual vascular architectural features of NA. They represent
discontinuous vascular basal laminae, focal lack of pericytes, and pronounc
ed irregularity of the smooth muscle layers. In thick smooth muscle layers
and pads, the orientation of muscle cells is frequently disturbed, and the
individual cells differ in size and shape. Occasionally; the muscle layers
disperse peripherally into individual cells, creating the impression of ves
sel-independent smooth muscle cells within the stroma. The summation of all
morphological irregularities demonstrated in this paper allows the conclus
ion that NA represent vascular malformations.