Article
Long-term results of treatment for esthesioneuroblastoma
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Published: | April 22, 2008 |
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Introduction: Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumour which arises from the olfactory epithelium. The aim of this study is to share our observations regarding clinical behaviour of this tumour.
Patients and methods: Between 1994 and 2006 12 patients with esthesioneuroblastoma were treated in our institution. There were 5 women and 7 men in the group whose ages ranged from 3 to 70 years. According Cantu classification six patients had T4N0 tumour, two patients had T3N0 and three patients had T2N0 and one patient T2N2 tumour. In all the patients various types of maxillectomy including craniofacial resection were combined with radiotherapy.
Results: CT and MRI well defined extent of tumours and particularly intracranial invasion which was present in 5 cases. The overall survival for the 10 patients followed for more than five years was 90% at three years an 70% at 5 years. The 5 year survival for T4N0 patients was 60% (3 of 5 cases). Two T3N0 and two T2N0 patients were alive at the end of five years. A T2N2 patient died four years after combined treatment.
Conclusion: Treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma requires multidisciplinary and multimodal approach. The size and location of tumour appear to be essential prognostic factors.