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olfactory neuroblastoma

(ol-FAK-tuh-ree NOOR-oh-blas-TOH-muh)
A rare type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the upper part of the nasal cavity (space inside the nose). This area is near the bone that separates the nasal cavity from the brain. These tissues are involved in the sense of smell. Olfactory neuroblastoma may spread from the nasal cavity to the bone around the eyes, the sinuses, the front part of the brain, or the lymph nodes in the neck. It is the most common type of nasal cavity tumor in children, especially in teens. Also called esthesioneuroblastoma.
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Drawing shows areas of the body where esthesioneuroblastoma tumors may form, including the olfactory nerve endings, olfactory bulb, nasal cavity, nasal sinuses, and brain.Enlarge this image in new window
Esthesioneuroblastomas form in the olfactory nerve endings in the upper part of the nasal cavity. The olfactory nerves (sense of smell) pass through the many tiny holes in the bone at the base of the brain to the olfactory bulb. Esthesioneuroblastomas may spread from the nasal cavity to the nasal sinuses or to nearby tissue. They may also spread to the brain or to other parts of the body (not shown).
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