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Olfactory neuroblastoma behavior inside and outside the olfactory cleft

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Abstract

Purpose

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant tumor of the nose. The currently available evidence links this disease with cells of the olfactory epithelium. The detailed description of tumor site and its extension is the key of treatment. The aim of the present study was to describe the way ONB develops inside and outside the olfactory cleft.

Methods

Thirteen consecutive patients treated between 2004 and 2014 for ONB with unequivocal pathologic diagnosis, complete diagnostic imaging and endonasal endoscopy surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study. The site of origin and local extension of each tumor were studied in detail based on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, surgical report, registered videotape of the surgery, and pathological reports.

Results

This series shows the behavior of a tumor arising either in the olfactory clefts (11 cases) or in the ethmoidal labyrinth (2 cases). When the setting begins with a tumor located in the olfactory cleft (below or in contact with the cribriform plate), the further step can be the extension to the ethmoidal labyrinth before intracranial or intraorbital extension. When tumors originate inside the ethmoidal labyrinths, the extension can first be into frontal sinus or orbital cavity.

Conclusions

This fine anatomic and radiologic description shows the natural behavior of ONB inside and outside the olfactory cleft. As a consequence, the staging system developed by Kadish seems inadequate and Dulguerov’s staging system could be improved. However, the preliminary proposed modification has to be evaluated in a prospective and large, multicenter cohort of patients.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Drs Bruno TOUSSAINT, M.D. and Cécile RUMEAU, M.D., Ph.D. (Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, France), Drs Marie Christine KAMINSKY, M.D. and Lionnel GEOFFROIS, M.D. (Oncology, Cancer Institute of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France)), Dr Pierre GRAFF, M.D., Ph.D. (Radiotherapy, Cancer Institute of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France), Dr Béatrice MARIE, M.D. (Department of Pathology- University hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, France) for their expert opinion both in clinical setting, multidisciplinary decision and for their participation in this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University hospital of Nancy - Hospital of Brabois, Morvan street, 54511, Vandoeuvre les Nancy cedex, France

    Roger Jankowski, Adrien Russel, Patrice Gallet & Duc Trung Nguyen

  2. Department of Radiology, Cancer Institute of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy Cedex, France

    Philippe Henrot

  3. Department of Pathology, University hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France

    Jean Michel Vignaud

Authors
  1. Roger Jankowski
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  2. Adrien Russel
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  3. Patrice Gallet
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  4. Philippe Henrot
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  5. Jean Michel Vignaud
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  6. Duc Trung Nguyen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Duc Trung Nguyen.

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Jankowski, R., Russel, A., Gallet, P. et al. Olfactory neuroblastoma behavior inside and outside the olfactory cleft. Surg Radiol Anat 37, 507–515 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1375-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-014-1375-6

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