Health condition
Olfactory neuroblastoma
Olfactory neuroblastoma (esthesioneuroblastoma) is a rare cancer arising from the smell nerve lining at the top of the nose; craniofacial or endoscopic resection with radiotherapy achieves durable control in most, with follow-up stretching over decades.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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Arises from olfactory epithelium at the roof of the nasal cavity, adjacent to the brain
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Presents with one-sided blockage, nosebleeds and, characteristically, loss of smell
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Treated with skull base resection plus radiotherapy at specialist centres
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Late recurrences - beyond ten years - make lifelong surveillance standard
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
This tumour grows where the nervous system meets the nose: the olfactory epithelium beneath the skull’s cribriform plate. Symptoms build gradually - a blocked nostril, intermittent bleeding, fading smell - and imaging reveals a mass that may push through the thin bone toward the frontal lobes, a dumbbell shape characteristic enough to raise the diagnosis before biopsy confirms it. Grading (Hyams) and stage steer how aggressive treatment must be.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
The modern standard combines complete resection of the tumour with the cribriform plate and olfactory bulbs - increasingly through purely endoscopic approaches in experienced hands - with post-operative radiotherapy; chemotherapy joins for high-grade or advanced disease. Neck nodes can appear years later and are treated successfully when caught, one reason surveillance imaging continues far longer than for most cancers. Permanent smell loss on the treated side is an anticipated trade-off worth discussing beforehand. If you are waiting for results or want a second opinion on a proposed plan, a private consultation with a specialist who treats this condition regularly can usually be arranged quickly, and most will review your existing scans, biopsy reports and MDT correspondence.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant ENT surgeon. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Olfactory neuroblastoma.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is Olfactory neuroblastoma?
Olfactory neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the affected tissue or organ. Understanding the specific type, stage, and grade is central to planning the most appropriate treatment, and a specialist multidisciplinary team will usually be involved in your care.
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What causes Olfactory neuroblastoma?
As with most cancers, the exact cause is often not a single factor but a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and sometimes chance cellular changes over a lifetime. Your specialist can discuss any risk factors relevant to your specific situation.
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What are the symptoms of olfactory neuroblastoma?
Symptoms depend heavily on the location and stage, and early stages may cause few or no noticeable symptoms at all, which is why screening and prompt investigation of new symptoms both matter. As it progresses, symptoms specific to the affected organ or tissue typically become more apparent.
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Is olfactory neuroblastoma serious or dangerous?
Cancer diagnoses are always taken seriously, but outlook varies enormously depending on the type, stage at diagnosis, and how well it responds to treatment — many cases are highly treatable, especially when caught early. Your oncology team can give you a much clearer picture based on your specific results.
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Is olfactory neuroblastoma hereditary?
Some cancers have a recognised inherited component, particularly when there's a strong family history or a known genetic mutation, while many others occur without any clear inherited link. Genetic counselling and testing can clarify your personal risk if there's a family history worth investigating.
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How is olfactory neuroblastoma treated?
Treatment usually involves a combination tailored to the individual, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or newer targeted and immune-based therapies, decided by a multidisciplinary team. Your treatment plan will be personalised to the type and stage of cancer, as well as your general health and preferences.
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How long does olfactory neuroblastoma last?
Recovery and outlook depend on the type and stage of cancer and how well it responds to treatment, and your oncology team will give you a personalised sense of timescales as your treatment plan develops. Follow-up care usually continues for some time after initial treatment finishes.
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What's the difference between benign and malignant in this context?
A benign growth doesn't spread to other parts of the body and is generally less dangerous, whereas a malignant (cancerous) growth can invade nearby tissue and spread elsewhere, which is why accurate diagnosis through biopsy is so important. Your specialist will confirm which applies to your specific case and explain what it means for treatment.
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When should I see a doctor about olfactory neuroblastoma?
See a doctor if symptoms are new, worsening, or affecting your daily life. On the NHS, routine referrals to a specialist can take 20 to 45 weeks or longer depending on your area; with private healthcare you can typically see a consultant within about 2 weeks, which can be worthwhile if you want a faster diagnosis or reassurance.
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Can lifestyle changes help manage olfactory neuroblastoma?
Alongside medical treatment, factors such as a balanced diet, regular appropriate exercise, stopping smoking, and managing stress can support recovery and reduce the risk of the condition worsening or recurring. Your healthcare team can advise which lifestyle changes are most relevant to your specific condition.