Esthesioneuroblastoma

About esthesioneuroblastoma in children

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare cancerous tumor that arises in the roof of the nasal cavity. It is sometimes referred to as "olfactory neuroblastoma", although no definite connection between this tumor and neuroblastoma has been established. Common presenting symptoms include nasal obstruction, nose bleeds, disturbance in smell, visual symptoms and headache. This tumor has a tendency to spread to the brain cavity and to the lymph glands in the neck. Small tumors are treated with surgery and radiation therapy. Advanced tumors are treated with combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Children are at risk for developing long term side effects due to therapy.

Research

Researchers at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center have led a multicenter study that showed that esthesioneuroblastoma in children responds to chemotherapy. 

We are currently researching ways to minimize the side effects of treatment in children. In order to further research in understanding these tumors and achieve better outcomes, the North American Pediatric Esthesioneuroblastoma Registry has been established to collect information on children with esthesioneuroblastoma. Email us at raretumors@texaschildrens.org to get information on how to enroll in the registry.

Second opinions

We welcome oncologists and patient-families to contact us for second opinion consultations about the care and management of individual patients.

Publications

Venkatramani R, Haduong J, Paulino A, Giannoni C, Chintagumpala M. Multimodality treatment of pediatric esthesioneuroblastoma. 28th annual meeting of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Phoenix, Arizona, 2015.