Olfactory Neuroblastoma (Esthesioneuroblastoma) in a 2-Year-Old Boy

Abstract

A 2-year-old boy presented with sudden blindness and epistaxis resulting from olfactory neuroblastoma with intracranial extension. This disease is uncommon in children, with only 27 cases reported in patients less than 17 years of age. This article reviews the clinical and histological features of this tumor and discusses treatment. Therapy has generally consisted of surgery and radiation. Our child and 2 others treated with radiation and combination chemotherapy (including cyclophosphamide and anthracyclines) have done well with follow-ups of up to 9 1/2 years. Chemotherapy is an important form of adjuvant therapy in this disease.

Key Words:

• blindness
• chemotherapy
• esthesioneuroblastoma
• olfactory neuroblastoma