The esthesioneuroblastoma- a retrospective 20-year analysis of ENT patients at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Introduction The esthesioneuroblastoma is a very rare malignant tumor of the olfactory neuroepithelium with an age peak between the 4th and 7th decade of life. The established classification systems are based on histomorphological criteria (Hyams) and tumor size (Kadish). Depending on the location, extent, age and symptoms, multimodal therapy methods are used. Due to the low incidence, a case analysis on long-term survival is the object of this study.

Patients and method In this retrospective study, 32 patients (18 women, 14 men, ages 14-80 years) with an esthesioneuroblastoma, who were treated at the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Medizin Berlin from 2000-2020, were included. The main symptoms were epistaxis, hyposmia, or nasal obstruction. In one case the tumor stage was Kadish A, in 11 cases a Kadish B and in 17 cases Kadish C.

Results Surgical removal of the tumor was performed in 27 patients, 23 patients received adjuvant radiation therapy and 7 received chemoradiotherapy. 5 patients were initially inoperable. The post-therapeutic follow-up period was 4.87 years on average. 9 patients died, 7 within the first 2 years after diagnosis.

Discussion The prognosis of the esthesioneuroblastoma varies greatly from person to person, as there are both slowly progressive and aggressive forms. The differentiated histological classification and an interdisciplinary multimodal approach, especially in advanced stages, are decisive for the success of the therapy. A locally very destructive salvage surgery has a special position to improve the quality of life and long-term survival rate.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2022