14-Year-Old’s ‘Cold & Allergy’ Symptoms Turn Out to Be a Dangerous Tumour

Bengaluru: Imagine living with repeated nosebleeds, persistent nasal blockage and chronic cough, symptoms that hamper your daily life without any clear explanation or lasting relief.

This was the reality for 14-year-old Rohan, who spent nearly two years visiting multiple hospitals, where he was repeatedly misdiagnosed and treated for common cold and allergies. Despite continuous hospital visits and medications, his condition only worsened over time.

It was only when he reached Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, that the true cause of his prolonged discomfort was finally identified - a rare and dreaded nasal tumour called Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA), feared for its extreme vascularity and high risk of severe bleeding during surgery.

Rohan was diagnosed with Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) - post undergoing Endoscopy and Contrast CT scan. Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, benign but highly vascular tumor that occurs exclusively in adolescent boys.

Considering the early symptoms resemble common infections like colds or allergies, JNA is often misdiagnosed, which delayed Rohan’s appropriate treatment for almost two years.

At Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Rohan underwent a minimal access trans-nasal endoscopic procedure, which is the current standard of care for JNA worldwide. This approach allowed doctors to remove the tumor completely through the nose without any external cuts.

The surgery resulted in minimal blood loss, and he was discharged within a day. The procedure was led by Dr. Susheen Dutt, Additional Director – ENT, Cochlear Implant & Skull Base Surgeon, who used an endoscopic camera inserted through the nasal passage to safely access and remove the tumour.

Dr. Susheen Dutt, Additional Director – ENT, Cochlear Implant & Skull Base Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru said, “Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma is a rare and complex condition, and the key to successful treatment lies in precise diagnosis and careful surgical planning.

In this case, we were able to perform the entire procedure trans-nasally via endoscopy, resulting in minimal blood loss and a quick recovery. Early recognition of symptoms like persistent nasal bleeding and blockage in adolescent boys is important for timely management.”

Dr. Ashish Rao, Consultant – Endoscopic Sinus Surgeon, Allergy & Vertigo Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, added, “Symptoms like frequent nosebleeds, chronic nasal obstruction and persistent coughing often get mistaken for allergies or sinus infections, especially in young patients.

This case reinforces the importance of investigating persistent or unusual symptoms early. A structured evaluation can help identify rare conditions like JNA before they progress, ensuring better outcomes and faster recovery Rohan has now resumed his normal routine and is completely symptom free.”

Sharing her experience, Rohan’s mother said, “For two years, we were worried because none of the treatments seemed to help him. Seeing Rohan recover so quickly after the surgery has been a huge relief for our family. We are truly grateful to the doctors for identifying the real problem and treating it with such care.”

Dr. Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, added, “This case highlights the importance of correct diagnosis and the expertise of our ENT team in managing rare head and neck tumours.

At Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, we are committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care using minimally invasive techniques that ensure faster recovery and better outcomes”