Diagnosis of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma by computed tomography.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a highly vascular neoplasms that tends to spread in the various fissures and foraminia of the nasopharynz. Polytomography and angiography have added greatly to the diagnosis and management of this tumor through accurate preoperative assessment. Computed tomography has given an additional sophisticated, precise method for evaluating the extent of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. Computed tomography shows, in detail, the extension of the tumor into the pterygopalatine fossa with widening of the pterygopalatine fossa and anterior bowing of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus. With this correct information about tumor location, surgical or radiation treatment can be appropriately planned, with a probable improvement of cure rates and reduction of recurrences.