Esthesioneuroblastoma as a collision tumor

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Head and Neck Surgery

Background:

• Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant neoplasm affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses.
• Collision tumors, where two distinct malignancies coexist, are exceptionally uncommon in this anatomical region.
• Previous history of head and neck cancer increases the complexity of diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an extremely rare case of a collision tumor involving esthesioneuroblastoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
• To highlight the diagnostic and clinical challenges presented by such rare co-occurrences.
• To contribute to the literature on rare head and neck malignancies.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological examination of a nasal mass biopsy.
• Review of patient's medical history, including previous squamous cell carcinoma treatment.
• Clinical correlation of imaging and biopsy findings.

Main Results:

• Biopsy confirmed the presence of both squamous cell carcinoma and esthesioneuroblastoma within the nasal mass.
• The patient had a prior history of irradiated squamous cell carcinoma of the uvula.
• The collision tumor presented as a bleeding nasal mass.

Conclusions:

• Collision tumors of the nasal cavity, particularly with esthesioneuroblastoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are exceedingly rare.
• Accurate histopathological diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of complex sinonasal masses.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in patients with a history of prior malignancies.