Skull Base Olfactory Neuroblastoma (Esthesioneuroblastoma)

What is an olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma)?

Olfactory neuroblastomas, also known as esthesioneuroblastomas, are very rare, malignant tumors that develop in the nose. These tumors are believed to start in the olfactory nerve, which transmits impulses related to smell from the nose to the brain.

Pre-op image of olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastomas)

Post-op image of olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastomas)

Symptoms of an olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma):

The following are the most common symptoms of an olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma). However, an individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include the following:

• nasal obstruction
• nosebleed (epistaxis)
• changes in sense of smell (hyposmia)
• nasal discharge
• facial pain
• changes in vision
• excessive tearing from the eyes (lacrimation)
• facial numbness
• neck mass

Treatment for an olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma):

Treatment for an olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma) may include surgery, radiation therapy, and possibly chemotherapy. The surgical approaches most often used to remove this type of brain tumor includes the transcranial approaches and the endoscopic transnasal approaches.

To make an appointment or request a consultation, contact the Johns Hopkins Skull Base Tumor Center at 410-614-0585.