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Okafor et al. Mini-invasive Surg 2024;8:28 Mini-invasive Surgery
DOI: 10.20517/2574-1225.2023.128

Review Open Access

Olfactory neuroblastoma

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Somtochi Okafor 1 , Saad AlShammari , Vanessa Helou 2 , Matthew Mitchell , John B Finlay , Bradley
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Goldstein , David Jang 1 , Ralph Abi Hachem 1
1
Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
3
Texas A&M Medical University School of Medicine, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Correspondence to: Prof. Ralph Abi Hachem, Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke
University Hospital, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC 27710, USA. E-mail: ralph.abi.hachem@duke.edu
How to cite this article: Okafor S, AlShammari S, Helou V, Mitchell M, Finlay JB, Goldstein B, Jang D, Hachem RA. Olfactory
neuroblastoma. Mini-invasive Surg 2024;8:28. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1225.2023.128
Received: 15 Nov 2023 First Decision: 8 Aug 2024 Revised: 10 Oct 2024 Accepted: 22 Oct 2024 Published: 8 Nov 2024

Academic Editor: Giulio Belli Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
Originating from the olfactory neuroepithelium, olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of the nasal
cavity that typically affects adults between the ages of 35 and 70. Clinical presentation predominantly consists of
nonspecific symptoms such as nasal obstruction, nasal drainage or epistaxis, thus illustrating the need for a
thorough diagnostic workup. In addition to a complete head and neck examination, rigid nasal endoscopy, biopsy
and imaging are necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis as well as plan for treatment. Computed tomography
(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the primary imaging modalities utilized to assess for bony
invasion and soft tissue involvement, respectively. Hyams grading system provides a histologic assessment of
disease severity while various staging systems correlate severity of disease to anatomic location/progression.
Treatment relies on both surgical intervention and radiation. In addition, ongoing research trials are investigating
therapeutic targets. Given the risk of recurrence, extended post-treatment surveillance remains necessary.

Keywords: Olfactory neuroblastoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, sinonasal tumors, malignancy endoscopic sinus
surgery, radiation therapy

INTRODUCTION
Initially described in 1924 by Berger et al., esthesioneuroblastoma, now widely referred to as olfactory
neuroblastoma, is an uncommon malignant tumor of the nasal cavity that originates from the sensory

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