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  • Skull Base tumor

Skull Base Tumor: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | I D Cancer Center

Skull base tumors are rare growths that develop in the complex area where the brain, nerves, blood vessels, and important structures meet. These tumors can be benign or malignant, but even non-cancerous tumors may cause significant symptoms due to their location.

At I D Cancer Center, Lucknow, we provide advanced imaging, multi-disciplinary planning, precise radiotherapy, and individualized care for all types of skull base tumors.

What Are Skull Base Tumors?

The skull base is the bottom portion of the skull that supports the brain. Tumors in this region can arise from:

  • Brain tissue

  • Nerves

  • Pituitary gland

  • Sinuses

  • Bone

  • Meninges (brain covering)

Skull base tumors often grow slowly but can press on important structures, causing symptoms.

Types of Skull Base Tumors

Benign Tumors

  • Meningioma

  • Pituitary adenoma

  • Schwannoma (Acoustic/Trigeminal)

  • Craniopharyngioma

  • Glomus jugulare tumor

  • Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Malignant Tumors

  • Chordoma

  • Chondrosarcoma

  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

  • Esthesioneuroblastoma

  • Skull base metastases

  • Sinonasal malignancies

Risk Factors

Skull base tumors may arise due to:

  • Genetic syndromes (NF2, MEN syndrome)

  • Exposure to radiation

  • Family history of tumors

  • Chronic sinus infections (in rare cases)

In many patients, no specific cause is identified.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on tumor location and size. Seek evaluation if you notice:

  • Persistent headaches

  • Nasal obstruction or bleeding

  • Double vision or blurred vision

  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ear

  • Facial numbness or weakness

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Balance problems

  • Hormone changes (for pituitary tumors)

  • Recurrent sinus infections

Any persistent neurological or ENT-related symptom should be evaluated early.

How Skull Base Tumors Are Diagnosed at I D Cancer Center

We use advanced imaging and expert evaluation for accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tests

  • MRI brain with skull base protocol – gold standard

  • CT scan – detailed bone anatomy

  • Endoscopic nasal examination

  • Hormonal profile (for pituitary tumors)

  • Biopsy (when safe and indicated)

  • PET-CT for metastatic or aggressive tumors

Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center

Treatment depends on the tumor type, size, location, and impact on nerves or brain structures. Our multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, ENT skull base surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and endocrinologists.

1. Surgery

Skull base surgery requires high expertise and modern tools.

Surgical Approaches

  • Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA)

  • Microsurgical craniotomy

  • Combined neurosurgery-ENT approach

Goals:

  • Maximal safe tumor removal

  • Preservation of vision, nerves, and brain function

2. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy plays a major role for many skull base tumors—either after surgery or for tumors not suitable for surgery.

At I D Cancer Center, we use:

  • IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)

  • VMAT / Arc Therapy

  • IGRT (Image-Guided Radiotherapy)

  • SRS / SRT (Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Radiotherapy) – for small tumors

  • Adaptive Radiotherapy for high precision

Benefits:

  • Non-invasive

  • High control rates

  • Minimal damage to surrounding nerves and brain tissue

3. Chemotherapy

Used for selected malignant tumors such as:

  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

  • Skull-base metastases

  • Certain sinus cancers

  • Pediatric skull base tumors

Often combined with radiotherapy (concurrent chemoradiation) for better outcomes.

4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Some skull base cancers respond to advanced systemic therapies:

  • EGFR inhibitors

  • Anti-PD1 immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab)

  • Targeted agents for chordoma/chondrosarcoma

Prognosis

Prognosis varies depending on tumor type, size, and stage.
Early diagnosis and multi-disciplinary treatment significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Benign tumors often have excellent control with surgery + radiotherapy.

Why Choose I D Cancer Center for Skull Base Tumor Treatment?

  • Comprehensive skull base team

  • Advanced IMRT/VMAT/IGRT/SRS radiotherapy

  • Collaboration with expert neurosurgeons & ENT surgeons

  • Multidisciplinary tumor board

  • Personalized treatment plans

  • Modern imaging and precision treatment

  • Compassionate support for patients and families

When to Consult an Oncologist?

Consult an expert if you experience:

  • Persistent headaches

  • Vision or hearing problems

  • Facial numbness or weakness

  • Nasal blockage or bleeding

  • Hormonal abnormalities

Early evaluation leads to better outcomes and safer treatment options.