Tonsillar Olfactory Neuroblastoma With Cervical Node Involvement: A Rare Case and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Pathology

Background:

• Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant tumor arising from neuroendocrine cells of the olfactory epithelium.
• Ectopic ONB, occurring outside the nasal cavity, is exceptionally rare.
• Cervical lymph node involvement in tonsillar ONB has not been previously reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of tonsillar olfactory neuroblastoma with cervical lymph node metastasis.
• To discuss the diagnostic considerations and management strategies for this rare presentation.
• To contribute to the understanding of ectopic ONB in the head and neck region.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a patient with tonsillar ONB and cervical lymph node involvement.
• Review of diagnostic imaging and histopathological findings.
• Description of the treatment protocol, including induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Main Results:

• Complete remission was achieved following the multimodal treatment approach.
• The case demonstrates the feasibility of treating advanced tonsillar ONB with standard oncological modalities.
• Successful management of cervical lymph node metastasis from ectopic tonsillar ONB.

Conclusions:

• Tonsillar olfactory neuroblastoma with cervical lymph node involvement is a rare but manageable condition.
• A multidisciplinary approach combining chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy is effective in achieving remission.
• This case underscores the importance of considering ectopic ONB in the differential diagnosis of head and neck tumors.