title: Malignant transformation of a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma.
abstract: The malignant transformation of a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare occurrence. This report describes the development of a fibrosarcoma in a patient over a 20-year period after four surgical procedures and two courses of radiation therapy to control a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. A review of the literature revealed similar descriptions of this problem. Radiation likely plays a major role in causing the malignant change. An initial complete surgical excision can prevent recurrence of a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma as well as sarcomatous transformation. With the availability of surgical procedures that can completely and safely resect almost all nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, radiation therapy can be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Zurich University Hospital, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Makek
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Fisch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005354:Fibrosarcoma / Q000473:pathology*; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000473:pathology; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors