Late intracranial metastasis from esthesioneuroblastoma: case report and review of the literature.

Review of the literature reveals much disparity regarding the incidence, natural history, and survival rate in patients harboring esthesioneuroblastoma (olfactory neuroblastoma). The metastatic tendencies of this tumor have been highly variable in the literature, and reported intracranial involvement has been via local extension from the tumor's origin near the cribriform plate. Our present case describes a metastasis of esthesioneuroblastoma to the right parietal cortex and meninges in a patient without evidence of local recurrence after combined surgical and radiation therapy 5 years previously. The broad spectrum of biological behavior of this tumor, and its response to various therapies are discussed. The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of this unusual tumor are also presented. Recommendations are made for the management of these patients, including regular serial neurological examinations, serial computed axial tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck, and, in the initial management, chemotherapy.