Olfactory neuroblastoma treated with minimally invasive surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ON) is a rare tumour of the olfactory neuroepithelium that is characterized by a pattern of slow growth and local recurrences. Combination of surgery and radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, is considered to be the standard of care for primary site disease. Recent literature supports the view that endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy correlates with better outcome. In this short communication, we present a case report of olfactory neuroblastoma arising in the right nasal sinus in a 34-year-old male. This patient was treated with endoscopic resection and external beam radiotherapy to the right nasal sinus with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique. After 2 years follow-up, the patient is free of tumour without any late effect related to therapies. We believe that, in such patients, a treatment strategy including endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy may be effective and feasible and should be considered the gold standard of care.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma Managed with Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

“…Imaging modalities such as CT and MRI are considered as gold standard imaging modality to diagnose ONB. [ 9 18 ] ONB appears on contrast-enhanced CT as homogeneous soft-tissue mass with moderate and uniform enhancement. [ 19 ] CT with no contrast is used to assess the presence of speckled calcification and bone erosion of the cribriform plate, lamina papyracea, and fovea ethmoidalis.…”

Geographic and Socioeconomic Factors on Survival in Esthesioneuroblastoma

“…1,2 It is a relatively rare malignancy, accounting for approximately 3% of all cancer cases originating in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. 2,3 Despite its name, there is no consensus on the source of this malignancy. Possible proposed origins are neuroendocrine cells, the neuroepithelial olfactory cells, or the olfactory epithelium.…”

“…Possible proposed origins are neuroendocrine cells, the neuroepithelial olfactory cells, or the olfactory epithelium. [2][3][4][5] ENB equally affects both sexes and is most common in the sixth and seventh decades of life. 1,6 ENB spreads to cervical lymph nodes in 10%-33% of cases and can invade local structures, such as the brain and orbit.…”