Metastatic olfactory neuroblastoma: A small round blue cell puzzle on fine-needle aspiration cytology

Diagn Cytopathol. 2022 Jan;50(1):E13-E17. doi: 10.1002/dc.24868. Epub 2021 Sep 7.

Abstract

Small round blue cell tumors (SRBCTs) are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms that can be challenging to distinguish on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Ancillary tests as well as clinico-radiological correlation are often required to make an accurate diagnosis. FNA is a low-cost, low-infrastructure test, making it a coveted diagnostic tool, especially in low-resource settings. Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare SRBCT encountered in both pediatric and adult patients. Awareness of the cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical features of ONB is important in the workup of a SRBCT. This case report describes the primary diagnosis of metastatic ONB on FNA cytology.

Keywords: cytology; fine-needle aspiration; metastatic; olfactory neuroblastoma; small round blue cell tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle
  • Child
  • Cytodiagnosis
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory* / diagnosis
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory* / pathology
  • Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory* / secondary
  • Humans
  • Nasal Cavity / pathology
  • Nose Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Nose Neoplasms* / pathology