Olfactory neuroblastoma in a cat.
METHODS
A 12.5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of dyspnea. Physical examination suggested upper airway disease. Computed tomography revealed the presence of a nasopharyngeal mass. Biopsies obtained via rhinoscopy led to a diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma.


OBJECTIVE
Olfactory neuroblastoma (or esthesioneuroblastoma) is a rare malignant neoplasm that arises from olfactory neuroepithelium. It was first described in human medicine in 1924. Clinical signs are variable, and diagnosis may prove challenging as this tumor, which is a differential for spontaneous intranasal tumors in cats, may be mistaken for poorly differentiated carcinomas or round cell tumors. Given its rarity, treatment options for this neoplasm have not been thoroughly evaluated and there is no standard treatment protocol.


METHODS
A review of veterinary and human literature is provided, encompassing clinical signs, staging and grading systems, treatment options and prognostic factors.
Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1600 South 16th Street, Ames, IA 50011-1250, USA. vparker@iastate.edu
Valerie J
VJ
Parker
Jo Ann
JA
Morrison
Michael J
MJ
Yaeger
D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018304:Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000473:pathology; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*