BACKGROUND: Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare tumor in nasal cavities. This study retrospectively reviewed its symptoms, stage, treatment modalities and prognosis. METHODS: There were 5 males and 3 females with a mean age of 41.9 years. Clinical manifestations were nasal obstruction (50%), rhinorrhea (37.5%), epistaxis (25%), neck mass (25%) and exophthalmos (12.5%). There were 4 early cases (stageA/B) and 4 late cases (stage C). Surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy was the main treatment modality. Seven cases were expired. CONCLUSION: It is difficult to early diagnose this tumor. Surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy is the main treatment modality. Local and distant metastasis result in treatment failure.