Esthesioneuroblastoma: About 12 Cases - Abstract
Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignant tumor developed at the expense of the neuro-olfactory epithelium, and is among the rarest of nasal cavity
tumors. It is often manifested by rhinological signs, the ocular damage may be inaugural or appears during the evolution of the secondary orbital damage.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging allow a very precise local and general assessment. The diagnosis is anatomo -pathological and
treatment usually relies on surgery and radiotherapy.
Methods: Retrospective study of 12 cases within ENT department of the CHU HASSAN II of FEZ over a period of 10 years.
Results: The average age of our patients was 45 years with no clear gender predominance. The average consultation time was 8 months. Rhinosinus
syndrome was the predominant sign of clinical symptomatology, sometimes associated with ophthalmologic or neurological signs. All our patients benefited from
a radiological assessment that allowed to highlight the tumour as well as its locoregional extensions. Four cases of intracranial expansion were detected. Of the
12 cases, 10 patients received surgical management (either endonasal alone in six cases, combined in three cases, or external alone (paralateronasal type of
Moure) in a single patient) followed by complementary radiotherapy. Evolution has been satisfactory. In the remaining 2 cases, treatment was only palliative
(chemotherapy or radiotherapy) due to the extension of the tumor.
Conclusion: Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare tumour, first described by Berger in 1924, it mainly affects humans and occurs most often during the
second and third decades. Clinical revealing manifestations are dominated by rhinological signs (uniform or bilateral nasal obstruction, epistaxis, anosmia).
Neurological signs are common and ophthalmologic manifestations, such as exophthalmia, reflect tumor expansion at the orbital level. The precise diagnosis
can only be made by anatomopathology. Treatment is based on surgical removal combined with radio chemotherapy