Esthesioneuroblastoma

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic offers the latest in screening and diagnostic services. When physicians suspect esthesioneuroblastoma, they perform a complete physical exam, giving particular attention to the nasal and sinus areas. They may ask questions about a person's symptoms and risk factors and may order blood tests and X-rays. Biopsy scheduling and results can be available with 24- to 48-hour turnaround.

To diagnose esthesioneuroblastoma, physicians may use one or more of the following methods and technologies.

• Rhinoscopy, in which a fiber-optic scope is used to look at the nasal passageways, sinuses, and upper airway.
• Biopsy. When specialists see suspicious tissue, they can take a biopsy (small tissue sample) during the endoscopy. Pathologists examine the tissue in a laboratory to identify any unusual cells.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans generate two-dimensional images of internal organs to reveal the location of a tumor. New technology available at Mayo Clinic enables
  three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT images.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create two- and three-dimensional views of the head and body.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) is a noninvasive imaging technique that creates three-dimensional images of the body's organs.