What Are Skull Base Tumors? 

Skull base tumors develop in the bowl-shaped region under your brain called the skull base. The skull base starts at your forehead. It runs behind your nose, inside your ears and toward the back of your head. 

A group of fused bones forms the skull base. Openings in the bones allow blood vessels, nerves and your spinal cord to pass through. Because of the complexity of the skull base, tumors that form in this area can be difficult to treat. They often require a team of specialists and a high degree of expertise.  

Types of Skull Base Tumors 

Skull base tumors are rare types of brain tumors. They can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign), slow or fast-growing. 

Some skull base tumors start in the skull base (primary tumors). Others spread there from cancer elsewhere in the body, such as the breast, prostate or lung (metastatic tumors). Metastatic skull base tumors are less common than primary skull base tumors.

Cancerous tumors are a concern because they can spread to other areas of the brain and body. Non-cancerous tumors can also be a problem if they press on or grow into nearby structures. 

Many types of tumors occur in the skull base. Some of the more common types we treat include: 

Skull Base Tumor Symptoms 

Because skull base tumors are often slow-growing, they may not cause any symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they vary depending on the tumor type, location and size. 

Symptoms may include: 

• Headaches 
• Changes in vision, hearing and smell  
• Confusion and unusual behavior 
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing 
• Facial numbness, weakness and paralysis 
• Loss of balance and difficulty walking 
• Memory loss  
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Seizures 

Tumors that grow in or near the pituitary gland can also disrupt hormone production. These hormone changes may cause problems with essential processes, such as: 

• Blood pressure 
• Growth 
• Metabolism 
• Reproduction  

Diagnosing Skull Base Tumors 

Diagnosis typically starts with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will perform a neurological exam to assess thinking, reflexes, senses and other aspects of brain function. 

Tests your doctor may use to diagnose a skull base tumor include:  

• Biopsy: A biopsy is a key test for diagnosing cancer. It involves collecting and sending a tissue sample to a laboratory for analysis. We use surgery and transnasal (through the nose) techniques to collect biopsies in the skull base. When possible, we remove the entire tumor. Due to the remote location of some tumors, it’s not always possible to perform a biopsy.  
• Blood tests: These tests measure hormone levels and chemical markers that may suggest cancer.  
• Genetic tests: Your doctor may test the biopsied tissue for genetic changes. This test provides more information about the tumor and helps us select the most effective treatments.  
• Imaging tests: CT, MRI and PET scans produce images of your brain. We use them to detect tumors and document their size and location. Advanced imaging also allows us to map the tumor and surrounding tissues to plan treatment.

Treating Skull Base Tumors 

Team-based care is vital for skull base tumor treatment. Depending on the type of tumor, your team may include: 

• Neurosurgeons: Neurosurgeons treat diseases and injuries of the brain, spine and nerves. 
• Neuroradiologists: Neuroradiologists perform medical imaging tests to diagnose brain and spine conditions. 
• Medical oncologists: Medical oncologists treat cancer with medications. 
• Otolaryngologists: Otolaryngologists treat conditions of the ear, nose and throat (ENT) and perform head and neck surgery. 
• Pathologists: Pathologists analyze tissue samples to diagnose diseases. 
• Radiation oncologists: Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to destroy tumors. 

Team members work together to develop a personalized treatment plan. The goal of treatment is usually to remove or destroy the tumor while minimizing damage to nearby tissues. For smaller tumors that aren’t causing symptoms, we may opt to watch and wait. 

If tumor removal isn’t possible, we focus on reducing tumor growth, easing symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Treatments we offer include: 

Skull Base Tumors: Why Choose Memorial Neuroscience Institute? 

Our neurosurgeons collaborate with specialists across Memorial Healthcare System to deliver exceptional care, featuring:  

• Experienced, multispecialty teams: You receive care from fellowship-trained doctors with expertise in diagnosing and treating skull base tumors. With our neuroscience, cancer and rehabilitation institutes, you have a large team of caring and dedicated professionals on your side.  
• Advanced treatment options: Our doctors are continually improving the treatments we offer. Better surgical techniques and radiation therapy protocols translate to better outcomes for patients.  
• Timely appointments for new diagnoses: We offer same-day appointments for people with a new skull base tumor diagnosis so we can start planning treatment right away. 
• Clear point of contact: Your team includes a navigator to guide you and your family through the stages of care. This person is available to answer questions and help resolve any problems that might come up.  
• Personalized approach: Your needs are important to us. We spend time getting to know you and helping you understand your condition and treatment options. Your care plan reflects your personal goals for treatment. 
• Ongoing care: Skull base tumors may require lifelong care. Our team provides support and guidance throughout your journey to help you live your healthiest life.