Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are vascular neoplasms, which origina te characteristically in the posterior lateral wall of the nasopharynx. Alt hough angiofibromas extend beyond the nasopharynx commonly, they rarely ori ginate outside the nasopharynx. Reports of primary extranasopharyngeal angi ofibromas have appeared sporadically in the literature. We present an unusu al case of an angiofibroma arising from the middle turbinate. The clinical characteristics of extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas do not conform to that of nasopharyngeal angiofibromas. Therefore, they can present diagnostic ch allenges. A methodic evaluation and a high index of suspicion are essential in establishing the proper diagnosis and treatment. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.