The German Association of Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors has stated that nasopharyngeal fibroma is a benign tumor affecting the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the pharynx located behind the nasal cavity where inhaled air passes after going through the nose.
The association clarifies that the exact causes of nasopharyngeal fibroma are still unknown; however, doctors suspect that it may be related to genetic factors or external influences on the nose. It also notes that young males represent the group most at risk for this tumor for reasons that are also unclear.
Symptoms include nasal breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, nasal obstruction/runny nose, recurrent nosebleeds, loss of smell, and recurrent middle ear infections, in addition to severe headaches, eye pain, and bulging eyes.
Due to its location in the nasopharynx, the tumor can obstruct the opening of the Eustachian tube, which is responsible for equalizing pressure between the middle ear and the pharynx. If the position of the tube is altered, it will no longer be possible to equalize pressure in the middle ear, potentially leading to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss in the affected ear.
Surgery is the primary treatment for nasopharyngeal fibroma, where the surgeon may endoscopically remove the tumor; radiation therapy can also be employed.
