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Living with Esthesioneuroblastoma

A rare cancer high in the nose that grows from nerve tissue tied to the sense of smell.

Understanding Esthesioneuroblastoma

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the upper part of the nasal cavity, near the base of the skull.

It grows from nerve tissue involved in the sense of smell (the olfactory nerve). GARD says it makes up about 5% of cancers of the nasal cavity and nearby sinuses. It can occur at any age but is typically found in adulthood.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and cancer specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with American Cancer Society
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What tests will confirm the diagnosis and show where the cancer is?
What treatment options are available for me?
Which specialists should be on my care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult and as an Older Adult

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

Neurological

Also known as: asthesioneuroblastoma; esthesioneuroepithelioma; olfactory esthesioneuroblastoma; olfactory neuroepithelioma

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · EsthesioneuroblastomaGARD ID 2197 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Esthesioneuroblastoma.

Explore the Esthesioneuroblastoma blog

Explore research for Esthesioneuroblastoma

Explore actively recruiting Esthesioneuroblastoma studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Esthesioneuroblastoma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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