Esthesioneuroblastoma: 10 Critical Symptoms You Need to Know

5. Vision Loss

Vision loss is another symptom patients may experience when esthesioneuroblastoma spreads to other parts of the nervous system. This is typically coupled with eye pain and headaches. The tumor can destroy visual nerves and cause pressure against the eyes and skull, and some patients present with a bulging eye due to the tumor behind it. If someone experiences sudden pain in one or both eyes, coupled with the partial or total loss of vision, they should see a specialist immediately. Even if the condition isn't caused by cancer, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to save as much vision as possible.

6. Persistent Headaches, Especially Behind the Eyes

While headaches are common, the ones associated with esthesioneuroblastoma are often **persistent, progressively worsening, and frequently localized behind the eyes or in the forehead region.** This isn't a typical tension headache; it's caused by the tumor’s expanding mass within the confined spaces of the nasal cavity and potentially the skull, creating increased pressure on surrounding structures and nerves. These headaches may not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers and can be accompanied by a sense of fullness or pressure in the face. Their stubborn nature and specific location should raise a significant red flag, demanding a thorough neurological and imaging workup.