Skull Base Neoplasm refers to a tumor or abnormal growth that arises within or around the skull base, which forms the foundation of the skull and supports important structures of the head, such as the brain, cranial nerves, blood vessels, and spinal cord. These neoplasms can occur in any of the bones that make up the skull base or in the surrounding soft tissues.
Skull Base Neoplasms can be categorized into different types, including both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors. Examples of skull base tumors include meningiomas, schwannomas, pituitary adenomas, chordomas, and chondrosarcomas. The location, growth pattern, and aggressiveness of the neoplasm determine the symptoms and clinical presentation.
Due to their anatomical location and potential involvement of essential structures, skull base tumors often present with distinct symptoms such as headache, facial pain, hearing loss, balance problems, vision changes, difficulty swallowing, or numbness in the face or other areas.
Diagnosis of skull base neoplasms typically requires a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, radiologists, and oncologists. Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to visualize the tumor's size, location, and characteristics.
Treatment options for skull base neoplasms may vary depending on tumor type, size, location, and patient-specific factors. It can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these modalities. The goal of treatment is to achieve complete or partial tumor removal, minimize neurological deficits, prevent tumor recurrence, and improve the patient's quality
