Olfactory Neuroblastoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Olfactory Neuroblastoma?
Olfactory neuroblastoma is usually treated by a team of specialists. The team often includes an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, a neurosurgeon, and a cancer doctor called an oncologist. A primary care doctor can coordinate care and make referrals. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Olfactory neuroblastoma, also called esthesioneuroblastoma, is a rare cancer. It starts in the upper part of the nasal cavity in cells that help with the sense of smell. The tumor usually grows slowly, but it can spread to nearby areas such as the sinuses, the eye socket, or the brain if not treated.
Symptoms
Common signs include a stuffy or blocked nose that does not go away, frequent nosebleeds, and loss of part or all of the sense of smell. Other possible symptoms include headaches, trouble breathing through the nose, mucus dripping down the throat, or face pain. Large tumors can affect vision or how the eyes look and move. These symptoms usually have causes that are not cancer.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes olfactory neuroblastoma. It does not appear to run in families, and no lifestyle habit has been clearly linked to it. The tumor can appear at almost any age but is most often found in adults.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and a nasal endoscopy, which uses a thin tube with a light and camera to look inside the nose. Imaging scans such as CT or MRI show the size and location of the tumor. The final step is usually a biopsy, which tells doctors what kind of tumor it is.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread. Surgery is a common first step, and many surgeons can now remove the tumor through the nose. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery, and some people also receive chemotherapy. Outcomes vary based on tumor size and how early it is found.
When to see a doctor
Anyone with a blocked nose, frequent nosebleeds, or loss of smell lasting more than a few weeks should talk to a doctor. These symptoms usually come from something much more common, like allergies or a sinus infection, but it is worth getting checked. Seeing a doctor early gives the best chance of finding any problem while it is small.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can examine persistent nasal symptoms, treat common causes, and order basic imaging. They cannot treat this rare cancer themselves, so they would refer the patient to an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Common questions
Is olfactory neuroblastoma the same as a brain tumor?
It starts in the nose, not the brain. But it sits very close to the brain and can grow toward it. That is why both nose surgeons and brain surgeons are often part of the treatment team.
Can it come back after treatment?
It can come back, sometimes even years after treatment. For that reason, people who have been treated usually have regular follow-up visits and scans for many years.
Is it inherited?
There is no strong evidence that it runs in families. Most people who get it have no family history of the disease.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Esthesioneuroblastoma
- NCBI Bookshelf - Sacral Dysfunctions - Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
