Skull base tumors are growths that form in bones that come together at the skull’s base to support your brain. These bones include the:
- Ethmoid: Separates the nasal cavity and brain
- Frontal: Forms the forehead and upper eye sockets
- Occipital: Creates the skull’s back and base
- Temporal: Makes up the sides of the skull
- Sphenoid: Forms the sides of the eye sockets and part of the skull base
Skull base tumors can begin in the bones or in the hollow spaces between skull bones known as the nasal cavity. Tumors that begin in the skull base are primary tumors, but not all skull base tumors are cancer.
When cancer travels from elsewhere in the body to the skull base, the tumor is a secondary (metastatic) tumor.
If you have a skull base tumor, you may not have any symptoms at all. Sometimes, skull base tumor symptoms include:
- Balance problems
- Blurry vision
- Breathing troubles
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Different types of tumors can form in the skull base. Some of these tumors are brain tumors. Doctors will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on the skull base tumor type. We treat:
Acoustic neuroma
This slow-growing tumor is not cancerous (benign). An acoustic neuroma can affect balance and hearing.
Chondroma
Chondroma is a usually benign tumor that grows in the bones or soft tissue of the skull base. Occasionally, chondromas can become cancer.
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcomas form in the connective tissue called cartilage at the base of the skull.
Meningioma
Meningiomas are tumors that begin in the tissue layers that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer
Tumors can form in the hollow spaces in and around the nose (paranasal sinuses) and in the nose itself.
Skull base cancer is a neurologic cancer. The 果冻视频 cancer team diagnoses skull base tumors in several ways.
We start with a physical examination. We also talk with you about any symptoms you’re having and any family history of health problems. Your doctor will test neurologic functions such as:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Memory
- Reflexes
- Strength
We also check your hearing and vision. Depending on your test results, we may refer you to a 果冻视频 neuroscience expert for further testing.
Our doctors may also do:
- Blood tests
- Endoscopy
- Imaging tests
Our doctors use different types of cancer treatments to treat skull base tumors. We consider the tumor’s location and whether cancer is spreading to develop a treatment plan for your specific needs.
We use:
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
Our experts and partners also research new ways to treat cancer. Please read about our work at 果冻视频 Research Center.