OLFACTORY NEUROBLASTOMAS Meaning and
Definition
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Olfactory neuroblastomas, also known as esthesioneuroblastomas, are rare and aggressive malignant tumors that originate in the olfactory neuroepithelium, the specialized tissue lining the upper part of the nasal cavity responsible for detecting odors. This type of cancer mainly affects adults, with the median age of diagnosis ranging from 40 to 50 years.
Olfactory neuroblastomas are characterized by their slow-growing nature and tendency to invade nearby structures, such as the sinuses, skull base, and brain. They typically arise in the superior aspect of the nasal cavity and can cause symptoms like nasal obstruction, epistaxis (nosebleeds), anosmia (loss of sense of smell), and facial pain or numbness. Furthermore, due to their anatomical location, these tumors can extend beyond the nasal cavity into the ethmoid sinuses, orbit (eye socket), and frontal lobe of the brain.
Diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastomas involves a combination of imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Treatment options for olfactory neuroblastomas typically include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, often used in combination to maximize effectiveness.
Due to their rarity, olfactory neuroblastomas pose diagnostic challenges and require a multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. Long-term follow-up care is crucial for monitoring potential recurrence or metastasis. Prognosis varies depending on the tumor stage at presentation, but early detection, comprehensive treatment, and regular surveillance play pivotal roles in improving survival rates for individuals diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastomas.
Common Misspellings for OLFACTORY NEUROBLASTOMAS
- ilfactory neuroblastomas
- klfactory neuroblastomas
- llfactory neuroblastomas
- plfactory neuroblastomas
- 0lfactory neuroblastomas
- 9lfactory neuroblastomas
- okfactory neuroblastomas
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- oofactory neuroblastomas
- oldactory neuroblastomas
- olcactory neuroblastomas
- olvactory neuroblastomas
- olgactory neuroblastomas
- oltactory neuroblastomas
- olractory neuroblastomas
- olfzctory neuroblastomas
- olfsctory neuroblastomas
- olfwctory neuroblastomas
- olfqctory neuroblastomas
- olfaxtory neuroblastomas
Etymology of OLFACTORY NEUROBLASTOMAS
The word "olfactory" is derived from the Latin word "olfactus", which means "sense of smell". It is related to the verb "olfacere", meaning "to smell". "Neuroblastomas" is a combination of two words: "neuro-" meaning "nerve" or "nervous system", and "-blastoma" which is a medical term denoting a type of cancerous tumor. Thus, "olfactory neuroblastomas" refer to cancerous tumors that originate from the nerve cells associated with the sense of smell.
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