Esthesioneuroblastoma : neurosurgical implications

Six histologically confirmed cases of esthesioneuroblastoma re reported. Two case had presented with primarily an intracranial mass, two had intracranial extension of a nasal tumour and the remaining two had only nasal growth. Local recurrence in the form of a swelling at the root of nose and metastases to the cervical vertebra, dorsal extradural space and lumbar subarachnoid space were seen in one case each. Aggressive treatment with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy improved the qualityof life in locally recurrent and metastatic disease. CT scan findings and the role of chemotherapy in the primary metastatic esthesioneuroblastoma are discussed.