Skull Base Tumors Treated in Southern California

Skull Base Tumors Information

Tumors which grow alongside areas under the brain or in the bottom part of the skull are called skull base tumors. Although most skull base tumors are non-cancerous, their growth can cause problems due to the proximity of nerves and the brain. This can include cancer in the head and neck which spreads to the base of the skull. The most common types of skull base tumors are osteomas, chondromas, hemangiomas, dermoid and epidermoid, and plasmacytoma plasma cell tumors. 

There are a large variety of tumors which may originate in the skull base. The area directly across from your eyes and nasal cavities is what is known as the base of the skull. The foramina (holes) located in the skull base allow the spinal cord and blood vessels to reach the brain. Because skull base tumors reside so closely to important spinal and other structures, they pose a challenge for a surgeon who is attempting to remove them. Recent technological developments have aided with the accessibility of the tumor and the ease of surgery.

Medical Center Serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, & San Diego

Skull base tumors may not produce noticeable or even any symptoms until they are large enough to cause the surrounding tissue harm. The symptoms depend on the section of the skull base the tumor is in. Some symptoms which may be caused by skull base tumors include:

• Headaches which may not respond to typical treatment
• Facial numbness or pain
• Sinusitis
• Nasal obstruction
• Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
• Hearing loss

A careful examination should be done by a doctor in order to diagnose skull base tumors. You may require a MRI or CT scan in order to further examine the skull base.

If you have been diagnosed with skull base tumors, or would like to speak with a doctor, please contact Contact Southern California Center for Neuroscience and Spine at Chapman Medical Center today.