Esthesioneuroblastoma

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic offers rapid, coordinated diagnostic testing and assessments by a team of skilled doctors with specialized expertise in esthesioneuroblastoma, using the latest testing options. Diagnosis usually begins with a medical history review and physical exam, with a special focus on your nasal and sinus areas. The tests used to diagnose esthesioneuroblastoma may include those described below.

Imaging tests

Mayo Clinic has an international reputation for top-quality imaging and rapid test results. In tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of radiation overexposure. Your doctor may recommend one or more of these scans to diagnose esthesioneuroblastoma:

• Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan creates a computer-generated 2- or 3-dimensional image of the internal organs, tumor and surrounding tissue.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the head and body.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan. PET scans can help reveal the location of tumor cells in your body and extent of tumor spread using a low dose of radioactive sugar (glucose) that is injected into a vein.

Other tests

• Endoscopy. A special fiber-optic camera (endoscope) transmits images to a video screen to help your doctor view your nasal passageways, sinuses and upper part of the airway.
• Biopsy. A small sample of the suspected tumor may be removed during the endoscopy for examination by a pathologist. Mayo Clinic's pathologists are internationally known for their esthesioneuroblastoma expertise.