Ectopic olfactory neuroblastoma: case study and literature review

Olfactory neuroblastoma, also known as esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), is a slow-growing malignant tumor of that originates mainly in the neuroectodermal cells in the nasal cavity. The peak incidence of ENB is at age 53, with the majority of cases occurring between 40 and 70 years, and mostly among men. There are a few reports of ENB in the ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses, or in the pituitary and nasopharynx. This tumor usually presents as an invasive disease with a tendency for later recurrence. The most frequent dissemination of ENB is to the cervical lymph nodes, which represents a worse prognosis. Its symptoms are nonspecific and nasal obstruction is the most common complaint. Imaging tests are important for the diagnosis of ENB, along with histopathological and immunohistochemical tests to help in the differential diagnosis. Surgical treatment of craniofacial resection associated with radiotherapy can achieve the best results for survival. We present a discussion of an illustrative clinical case of the disease in a male patient aged eight months, an unusual age for ENB, brought to atten