Chennai: February 29th 2024: MGM Healthcare, a multi-speciality quaternary care hospital in the heart of Chennai, today announced the successful surgical breakthrough in the diagnosis and treatment of an uncommon case of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) mistaken earlier for enlarged adenoids in a 13-year-old boy. This remarkable incident sheds light on the relatively uncommon occurrence of JNA tumors in India, co-existing with a physiological enlargement of adenoid tissue in children with similar clinical symptoms. This is to emphasize the need for awareness and specialized medical attention for such clinical entity.
The patient underwent a tonsillectomy and removal of adenoids surgery in Kolkata in February 2023. Unfortunately, ten days’ post-surgery, he experienced severe hemorrhage, which was addressed in the same hospital with a diagnosis of secondary hemorrhage due to possible infection as a related cause. Subsequently, complications persisted, affecting his respiratory function, unprovoked bleeding from time to time and overall well-being. He was battling severe complications post the tonsillectomy procedure done in Kolkata for nearly ten months. The patient was brought to MGM Healthcare with acute symptoms and complaints of inability to swallow, breathing difficulty, and profound nose bleed during the third week of February 2024.
Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant and Head, Institute of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MGM Healthcare, thoroughly examined the patient and arrived at a diagnosis of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA), a relatively uncommon vascular tumor of the skull base.
Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty’ s expertise in head and neck surgeries proved pivotal in identifying the pathology, which had masqueraded as adenoid hypertrophy, an obstructive condition related to enlarged adenoids with similar clinical symptoms. The recurrent spontaneous torrential bleeding episodes actually clinched the diagnosis, which was arrived at with diagnostic endoscopy & radiology scans.
The co-existence of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma with adenoid hypertrophy had initially had gone unnoticed and untreated, which led to the series of complications in this patient.
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma is an uncommon condition, in clinical practice generally. In India, this case is unique and extraordinary one because of the clinical presentation and history narrated by the aggrieved family. Despite its non-malignant status, JNA can grow rapidly and extensively, affecting various compartments in the head, including the sinuses, orbit, and even the brain.
Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty’s expertise and the cutting-edge facilities at MGM Healthcare played a crucial role in achieving a positive outcome for the young patient. The patient underwent minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, guided by a special telescope (endoscope), and the tumor was successfully removed in toto. The trans nasal endoscopic method was used to avoid any scarring on the boy’s face. This ground-breaking approach not only addressed the rare condition but also marked a significant milestone in the young patient’s journey towards recovery.
Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant & Head, Institute of ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, MGM Healthcare, remarked, “Despite being non-malignant, JNA tumors pose significant challenges due to its potential to rapidly spread and affect various compartments in the head. These tumors can be aggressive, extending into areas such as the sinuses, orbit, and even the brain. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and specialized care. Our team at MGM Healthcare is committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements to provide optimal solutions for even the most uncommon conditions.”
The patient was discharged within two days of surgery and is doing well. MGM Healthcare is dedicated to providing advanced and personalized healthcare, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care, even in the face of rare conditions.
