Rhinopharyngeal angiofibroma in the pediatric age group. Clinical-statistical contribution.

The authors had the chance of treating two cases of rhinopharyngeal angiofibroma before the age of puberty, and were thus stimulated to re-examine the incidence of such neoplasms in the pediatric age group, i.e. under 12 years of age. From their clinical statistical studies, and in the light of their personal experience, they were able to make the following observations. 12.9% of angiofibromas occur by the age of 12 years. These tumours present a shorter period of symptomatological evidence with respect to those which occur later. They are histologically characterized by a greater richness of cellular and vascular components with respect to those of a fibrous nature. Among the equipment used in radiology, computerized axial tomography showed itself extremely useful. The paralateronasal path is the most commonly used among surgical paths, as it is able to throw more light on tumour. The frequency with which the neoplastic mass relapses during operation is proportionally greater the earlier the primitive tumour occurs.