Angiofibroma is a medical term used to describe a type of benign tumor that grows in the nasal cavity. The spelling of this word can be broken down into its phonetic components, which are represented by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /æn-dʒi-oʊ-faɪ-brəʊ-mə/. The first syllable "angio" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and a soft "g" like "j." The second syllable "fibroma" has a long "i" sound and is pronounced with a silent "o." This term is commonly used by medical professionals when discussing treatment options for patients with nasal tumors.
Angiofibroma is a medical term used to describe a benign tumor that develops in the blood vessels and fibrous tissues of certain areas of the body, most commonly the nasal cavity or the area behind the nose (postnasal space). It is a non-cancerous growth that typically affects adolescents and young adults, predominantly males.
This type of tumor is characterized by its slow and progressive growth. Angiofibromas are composed of a mixture of blood vessels and fibrous tissue, hence the name. They can vary in size, ranging from small and localized to large and infiltrating the surrounding tissues.
The exact cause of angiofibromas is not fully understood, but hormonal imbalances, particularly increased levels of testosterone, have been suggested to contribute to their development. They often present with symptoms such as nasal congestion, recurrent nosebleeds, facial pain or swelling, and in some cases, obstructive sleep apnea.
Diagnosis of angiofibromas is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical history assessment, and imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, but may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
Overall, angiofibromas are considered a relatively rare condition, but they can cause significant discomfort and affect the quality of life of those affected. With appropriate management and timely intervention, the prognosis for individuals with angiofibromas is generally favorable.
An angioma with overgrowth of the connective-tissue framework; telangiectatic fibroma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "angiofibroma" is derived from two roots: "angio" and "fibroma".
1. "Angio" is derived from the Greek word "angeion", which means "vessel" or "container" and is often used in medical terminology to refer to blood vessels. It can also be traced back to the Greek word "aggeion", which means "vessel" or "receptacle".
2. "Fibroma" is derived from the Latin word "fibra", which means "fiber" or "straw". In medical terminology, it refers to a benign tumor or growth composed of fibrous connective tissue.
Therefore, when combined, "angiofibroma" refers to a tumor or growth composed of fibrous connective tissue originating from blood vessels or vascular tissue.