GENETIC ALTERATIONS IN JUVENILE NASOPHARYNGEAL ANGIOFIBROMAS

Abstract: Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare benign neoplasm of the nasopharynx that accounts for 0.5 % of all head and neck tumors. Although histologically be-nign in appearance, JNAs are locally aggressive and destruc-tive, spreading from the nasal cavity to the nasopharynx, para-nasal sinuses, and orbit skull base with intracranial extension. The gender selectivity of JNA and the relatively young age at di-agnosis suggest hormone-dependent development. Hormonal disorders have been reported in patients with JNA, and andro-gen and estrogen receptors have been identified in tumor tissue; however, a hormonal influence on JNA is controversial. Recent studies have attempted to further delineate the pathogenesis of JNA through analysis of genetic and molecular changes. Under-standing of the molecular mechanisms involved in JNA might improve prevention, prognosis, and treatment of this tumor. In this review, we discuss published studies addressing the possi-ble molecular pathways that might be involved in the develop