OLFACTORY NEURO-BLASTOMA

Olfactory neuroblastoma is an uncommon malignant tumor arising from olfactory epithelium. Generally considered to be a tumor of slow growth, it varies in aggressiveness and may cause death by distant metastasis or local invasion. The pathologic diagnosis is difficult, and this tumor is often erroneously diagnosed. Nine previously unreported cases are presented, and a review of the various treatment modalities and course of the disease is given. Maximum therapeutic success is best achieved by radical excision followed by a full course of radiation. Because of the high incidence of local recurrence (46%) and slow growth, patients should be followed up closely for life.