Understanding Skull Base Tumors
Many different tumor types originate from or extend into the skull base/Cranial base. Skull base tumors can be classified based on their specific location in the head (the tumor site) or based on the cell structure and identifying characteristics of the tumor (the tumor type).
The skull base is the area behind the eyes and nose that slopes down to the back of the head. It forms the floor, or base, of the skull. The spinal cord, multiple nerves and the major blood vessels of the brain, head and neck pass through openings in the skull base.
Not all tumors in the skull base are malignant (cancer). Even benign (non-cancerous) tumors can cause symptoms or threaten the health and well-being of the patient.
At ACH, physicians and specialists treat patients with both cancerous and noncancerous tumors of the skull base.
How to differ Skull Base Tumors?
Tumors of the skull base are categorized based on the unique characteristics and cell structure of each type. Tumor typing is determined during the patient’s diagnostic workup. Radiologists and pathologists who have special expertise in tumors of the head and brain work closely with the head and neck surgeons and the neurosurgeons to determine tumor type.
The tumor type, together with the unique health profile and needs of each patient, helps the skull base team specifically tailor treatment for each patient.
Related type of Tumors include :
Salivary gland tumors. (The most common types of salivary gland cancers are mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma.)
Skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma that can travel along nerves and spread to the brain and skull base.
Risk Factors associated with Skull Base Tumors :
Anything that increases your chance of getting this tumor is a risk factor. Since skull base tumors are rare, risk factors are hard to determine.
- Previous exposure to ionizing radiation and certain occupational exposures have been identified as risk factors for meningioma, some sarcomas and certain sinonasal malignancies.
- Exposure to wood dust, heavy metals and a history of working with leather are also risk factors for developing some sinus and nose cancers. Certain types of nasopharyngeal cancers are related to childhood exposure with the Epstein-Barr virus.
- Sometimes, inherited genetic conditions are linked to cranial base tumors. In these cases, our genetics experts are part of the patient’s care team.
The types of tumors that may be caused by genetic conditions include:
Bilateral acoustic neuromas , as well as other brain and spine tumors, may be caused by the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 2.
Paragangliomas (also called glomus tumors or carotid body tumors) may be caused by a familial predisposition for other tumors.
Pituitary tumors may be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1) or family isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) which may be familial and predispose to other tumors.
Not everyone with risk factors gets affected. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.
Some cases of skull base tumors can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you.
How ACH can help you :
ACH’s team approach to these types of tumors, brings together renowned experts from many specialties to give you comprehensive, personalized care. Our team is comprised of surgeons dedicated exclusively to cranial base tumors and sub-specialized to different types of skull base tumors. Although skull base tumors are rare, we see dozens of patients and perform skull base surgery every day.
A group of specialists meets regularly to discuss your needs and options. This exchange of ideas sets the stage for delivering the highest level of care for skull base tumors.
Our approach begins with your first visit and continues through diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up. Your team may include surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, ophthalmologists, nutritionists, nurses and social workers. And they have at their fingertips the latest technology and techniques to diagnose and treat you, including minimally invasive surgery, innovative radiotherapy and one of the few proton therapy centers in the nation.
Surgery is often part of the treatment for this tumor type. The location deep in the structures of the head presents significant challenges because important nerves, blood vessels and brain structures may be involved.
Our surgeons have pioneered techniques and surgical approaches that allow for maximum safe removal of tumors in this delicate and complex area. They are experts in open and minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical approaches to skull base tumors.
Treatment options for patients :
For patients with skull base tumors that are responsive to irradiation, radiation oncologists prepare three-dimensional treatment plans for the precise delivery of radiation therapy. ACH provides an additional treatment option for patients with specific tumors that are well suited to this innovative therapy.
Giving patients with skull base tumors the opportunity and the tools to enjoy life fully is an important part of care at ACH. Skull base tumor patients may experience symptoms of tumors and side effects from treatment, like changes in hearing, vision, balance, smell, speech or memory. We understand that quality of life is an important consideration during cancer treatment and recovery. Many patients can overcome limitations caused by such tumors in the skull area or treatment effects with the help of caring professionals, who may include audiologists, speech and language and swallowing therapists, behavioral psychologists, neuropsychologists, ophthalmologists, nutritionists, and occupational and physical therapists.
Treatment for tumors of the skull base may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of therapies. Surgeons use both open and minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical approaches, depending on each patient’s unique characteristics. For patients with tumors that are responsive to irradiation, radiation oncologists plan three-dimensional treatment algorithms for the precise delivery of radiation therapy. And at ACH, proton radiation therapy now provides an additional treatment option for patients with specific tumors that are well suited to this innovative, state-of-the-art therapy.