040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
Skull Base Tumor: Signs, Causes, And How To Treat
A skull base tumor is an abnormal growth that develops at the bottom part of the skull. This type of tumor can impact various structures and tissues surrounding the skull base, potentially causing health issues. The primary impact of a skull base tumor on health is that it can lead to compression or displacement of vital structures like nerves and blood vessels in the head and neck region. This can result in various health complications and affect overall well-being.
What are the Symptoms of Skull Base Tumor?
Skull base tumors may present with various symptoms related to their location and size.
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Hearing loss
- Balance issues
- Facial numbness or weakness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Changes in speech
- Nasal congestion or discharge
- Neck pain
- Seizures
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionCauses of Skull Base Tumor
Skull base tumors can develop due to abnormal cell growth in the bones, nerves, or tissues at the bottom of the skull.
- Meningiomas
- Pituitary adenomas
- Chordomas
- Chondrosarcomas
- Esthesioneuroblastomas
- Sarcomas
- Germ cell tumors
- Lymphomas
- Metastatic tumors from other cancers
Types of Skull Base Tumor
Skull base tumors can be broadly categorized into different types based on their location and cell origin within the skull structure.
- Meningioma: A common type of skull base tumor that arises from the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Chordoma: A rare tumor that typically occurs at the base of the skull or along the spine, arising from remnants of the notochord.
- Pituitary Adenoma: A benign tumor that develops in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, often causing hormonal imbalances.
- Craniopharyngioma: A tumor that forms near the pituitary gland and can affect vision, hormone regulation, and overall brain function.
- Chondrosarcoma: A malignant tumor that originates in cartilage cells and can occur in the skull base, leading to symptoms such as headaches and facial numbness.
Risk Factors
Skull base tumors are commonly associated with risk factors such as exposure to radiation, genetic conditions, and certain viruses, which may contribute to their development. Risk Factors for Skull Base Tumor:
- Genetic factors
- Exposure to radiation
- Certain viruses and infections
- Age
- Gender
- Family history of tumors
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Schedule Your Appointment
Diagnosis of Skull Base Tumor
Skull base tumors are typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests and a thorough examination of symptoms by a healthcare provider.
- Imaging tests: MRI, CT scan
- Biopsy
- Neurological examination
- Blood tests
Treatment for Skull Base Tumor
Skull base tumors are typically treated using a combination of different approaches that aim to remove or manage the tumor while preserving neurological function and quality of life.
- Surgery: Surgery is a common treatment for skull base tumors, aiming to remove the tumor while preserving surrounding structures.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells in the skull base area.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, either taken orally or through intravenous infusion.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to help recognize and destroy cancer cells in the skull base region.
Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!
040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
What is a skull base tumor?
A skull base tumor is an abnormal growth that develops at the bottom of the skull, close to the brain, nerves, and blood vessels.
What are the symptoms of a skull base tumor?
Symptoms may include headaches, vision changes, hearing loss, facial numbness, difficulty swallowing, and balance problems.
How is a skull base tumor diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, biopsy for tissue analysis, and neurological exams to assess symptoms.
What are the treatment options for a skull base tumor?
Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.
What is the prognosis for patients with a skull base tumor?
The prognosis varies depending on the type of tumor, its size, location, and how early it was detected. Treatment success rates have improved with advancements in medical technology.
Feeling unwell?
Request a callback!
