A skull-base tumor diagnosis can be frightening. If you are facing this condition, the good news is that these tumors are rarely cancerous. And experts close to home have access to the most advanced care in the region for these tumors. The Brain and Spine Institute at WMCHealth specializes in highly effective and minimally invasive treatments for skull base tumors. We offer a range of personalized treatment options, including radiation and leading-edge surgical options, with less pain and quicker recovery times than ever before.
What Are Skull-base Tumors?
Skull-base tumors are brain tumors that grow along the base of the skull. These tumors are generally noncancerous and slow-growing. This means that there is an excellent chance of successful treatment and a full recovery.
Symptoms of Skull-base Tumors
Symptoms for a skull-base tumor vary depending on the type. Initially, a patient may have no symptoms, and they may only begin to emerge slowly as the tumor grows and puts pressure on other structures in the brain. If they do arise, symptoms of skull-base tumors include:
Headaches
- Memory loss
- Balance issues
- Vision problems
- Impaired hearing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Altered sense of smell
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
These symptoms can be a sign of many other conditions, and skull-base tumors are rare. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor. A neurologist at WMCHealth can get to the bottom of your symptoms for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosing a Skull-base Tumor
Initially, your doctor will begin with a physical exam and ask questions about your current symptoms, overall health, and family history. They will also likely perform a neurological examination to check:
- Balance
- Hearing
- Reflexes
- Memory
- Coordination
You may be sent for some imaging tests If the initial tests warrant it. These may include:
- MRI
- PET
- CT scan
- Endoscopy
These tests can help determine a tumor’s presence, size, and location. If a pituitary tumor is suspected, a blood test to check your hormone levels may be necessary.
Treatment for Skull-base Tumors
Observation
Not all skull-base tumors require immediate treatment. Your doctor may recommend monitoring a small tumor that causes no symptoms or disruptions to your daily life, as many skull-base tumors are slow-growing and may require no further treatment if no changes occur. If surgery is needed, the renowned neurosurgeons at the Brain and Spine Institute at WMCHealth can expertly treat these tumors with access to advanced technologies and minimally invasive surgeries.
Skull-base Surgery
While many skull-base tumors are noncancerous, they may cause disruptive symptoms and need to be surgically removed. WMCHealth uses highly advanced technology to remove these tumors with minimally invasive techniques, including:
- Orbeye 4K™ 3D Exoscope
- BrainPath® and Vycor Viewsite™
- Minimally Invasive Craniotomy
- Modifications of Traditional Craniotomy
Radiation Therapy
Your doctor may recommend radiation therapy after surgery if the tumor is cancerous or located in an inoperable area. WMCHealth offers stereotactic radiosurgery with TrueBeam™ technology, which can be completed in as little as one session, leading to fewer trips to the hospital and a quicker road to recovery.