Skull-Base Tumors

The term skull-base tumors refers to a group of tumors that have a tendency to grow along various regions of the bottom part of the skull, mostly on the inside but occasionally also on the outside of the skull. The types of tumors seen in this group include meningiomas, schwannomas, chordomas, glomus jugulare tumors and metastatic tumors. Although these are mostly common tumors, the difference is in the surgical approach to their removal that separates skull base tumors from other tumors.

Symptoms

The symptoms are completely dependent on the size and location of the tumor.

Diagnosis

As always, the first steps in diagnosis are a careful history and physical examination. CT and MRI scans performed without and with intravenous contrast enhancement are frequently used together to define these tumors.

Treatment

The treatment for skull base tumors frequently involves quite radical surgery. Sometimes, the neurosurgeon will work as a team with a head and neck surgeon (ENT) or a plastic surgeon. Further treatment can include radiation therapy and or stereotactic radiosurgery.

Call 773-250-0500 to schedule an initial consultation with an NOHC Physician.