Diagnosis and management of esthesioneuroblastoma

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Published Dec 27, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v103i10.5572
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Vol. 103 No. 10 (2025): Tunis Med Oct 2025

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Malika El Omri
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Linda Mosbah
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Maroua Naouar
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Mouna Bellakhdher
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Monia Ghammem
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Jihene Houas
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Abir Meherzi
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Wassim Kermani
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.
Moncef Mokni
Pathology Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
Mohamed Abdelkefi
Department of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse,University of Sousse, Tunisia.

Abstract

Introduction: Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), also known as olfactory neuroblastoma, is a rare malignant tumor that develops in the nasal cavity. It accounts for only 1.2% of malignant nasosinus tumor and arises from the olfactory epithelium.


Methods: This retrospective study presents olfactory neuroblastoma cases treated in our ENT department over a period of 36 years, from January 1986 to December 2023.


Results: The study results indicate that the series consisted of 10 cases of olfactory neuroblastoma, with seven females and three males, and a mean age of 40 years. Based on the Kadish classification, 6 cases were classified as stage B, 3 as stage C, and 1 as stage D. Of the 8 patients who underwent surgery, 6 patients also received radiotherapy, while 2 cases were inoperable. After surgery followed by radiotherapy, complete remission was observed in 3 cases. Tumor progression was observed in 2 cases, after 8 and 3 months respectively and tumour recurrence was observed in one patient.


Conclusion: Although the imaging features of olfactory neuroblastoma are non-specific, there are patterns of disease that should strongly suggest and stage this disorder. This is fundamental for surgical planning.

Keywords:

Olfactory neuroblastoma, Imaging, Treatment, Prognosis

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