Snoring is so common that most people dismiss it as a common sleep-related issue or tiredness. But in rare cases, persistent snoring can point to something much more serious. One such condition is olfactory neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that originates in the upper part of the nasal cavity.
To understand this unusual disease better, we spoke to Dr Mandeep Singh, Chief Oncologist, Art of Healing Cancer, Delhi, who explained its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
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What Is Olfactory Neuroblastoma?
Olfactory neuroblastoma, also called aesthesioneuroblastoma, is an extremely rare type of tumour that develops from the neural crest cells. These are specialised nerve cells located at the roof of the nasal cavity, responsible for our sense of smell.
“If any tumour develops in these cells, it is called olfactory neuroblastoma,” explained Dr Singh. According to StatPearls Publishing, this rare cancer accounts for 2-6% of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancer cases and 0.3% of all upper aerodigestive tract malignancies.
Early Signs And Symptoms Of Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Because olfactory neuroblastoma begins in the cells that control smell, loss of smell, or anosmia, is often the first noticeable symptom. But the tumour can grow in different directions, either towards the nasal cavity or upward towards the brain, causing a variety of symptoms.
When the tumour grows into the nasal cavity, patients may experience:
- Snoring and nasal obstruction
- Persistent congestion or blocked nose
- Repeated nosebleeds
- Facial pain or pressure
- Difficulty in breathing
- If the tumour extends towards the brain or eye region, symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Eye pain
- Vision changes or blurred vision
- Protrusion of the eyeball
Snoring, though common in many conditions, is one of the symptoms of olfactory neuroblastoma and should not be ignored if it persists alongside other nasal issues, shared Dr Singh.
Why Diagnosis Can Be Challenging
Since snoring and nasal congestion are such common issues, olfactory neuroblastoma is often overlooked in the beginning. Patients may initially receive treatment for sinus infections or allergies. Only when the symptoms worsen, such as vision problems or repeated nosebleeds, do doctors investigate deeper.
This delay makes early diagnosis crucial. According to Dr Singh, it is a complex disease with overlapping symptoms, but in the differential diagnosis of snoring, rare conditions like olfactory neuroblastoma must also be considered.
Also Read: The Quiet Emergency: Why Rare Cancers In India Deserve Urgent Attention
Treatment Options
The choice of treatment depends largely on the stage at which the cancer is detected. Some of the treatment options include:
- Early-stage tumours can often be treated with surgical removal. Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery may be used to completely remove the tumour.
- Radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells. In very small tumours, advanced radiation techniques like Gamma Knife therapy may also be used.
- Advanced-stage disease may require chemotherapy. The patient’s response to chemotherapy plays a key role in determining the prognosis.
“If the tumour responds well to chemotherapy, the outcome is usually positive. However, if the response is poor, the prognosis can be more challenging,” Dr Singh explains.
Conclusion
Snoring is usually harmless, but it can sometimes point to more serious underlying health conditions. Olfactory neuroblastoma is one such rare cancer that often begins quietly but can cause significant complications if ignored. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical for better outcomes.