Skull base tumors

What is a skull base tumor?

Skull base tumors, also known as cranial base tumors, are a diverse group of growths that develop in or around the base of the skull. The skull base or cranial base includes the area behind your eyes and nose and forms the bony ridge in the back of your head. Because this area is filled with nerves and vessels that carry information to and from the brain, skull base tumors are among the most challenging and technically demanding tumors to treat. Penn Medicine gives you access to experienced neurologists who are trained to deliver a precise diagnosis and treatment plan for your skull base tumors.

Types of skull base tumors

A skull base tumor typically appears as a lump at the base of the skull. They may be cancerous or noncancerous and are categorized by the tumor type and location within the skull base.

Noncancerous skull base tumors

Cancerous skull base tumors

Skull base tumor symptoms

As a skull tumor grows, symptoms may appear and worsen gradually as the tumor puts pressure on nearby structures in the brain. These symptoms vary depending on the tumor's type, size, and location. Common skull base tumor symptoms include:

Altered sense of smell
Blurred or double vision
Difficulty breathing
Headaches
Hearing loss
Trouble swallowing

Additional symptoms may include loss of balance, nausea and vomiting, memory loss, and nose bleeds. If the tumor is not removed and continues to grow, it can interfere with nerve function or block the flow of fluid around the brain, leading to various neurological symptoms like numbness in the face or sinuses, vision problems, seizures, or changes in behavior or personality. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to contact Penn Medicine as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis.

What causes a cranial base tumor?

Skull base tumors often develop without a clear cause. However, certain factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing these tumors, including:

Exposure to specific chemicals, such as arsenic, herbicides, and vinyl chloride, though the direct link remains unclear
Genetic or familial predispositions
Previous radiation therapy to the head and neck

Not everyone with these risk factors will develop skull base tumors, but awareness of these factors is important for early detection and proactive care management. If you have any risk factors, consider discussing them with your Penn Medicine doctor so you can get the appropriate screening or treatment.

Diagnosing skull base tumors

To diagnose a skull base tumor, your doctor will begin with a comprehensive review of your symptoms and your personal and family medical history. This will be followed by a thorough neurological exam and may include non-invasive imaging techniques and blood tests. Depending on your unique situation, biopsy procedures may be performed in the nasal or sinus area to gather tissue samples for further analysis. Our advanced diagnostic capabilities, including state-of-the-art imaging technologies and expert neuropathologists, ensure the most accurate and detailed evaluation of skull base tumors.

MRI

An MRI provides high-resolution images of the brain, spine, and many other structures in the body.

PET scan

A PET scan helps us diagnose diseases and plan treatment as early as possible.

Treatment for skull base tumors

Penn Medicine specialists collaborate to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient depending on your tumor type and location. Treatment options may include observation for small tumors, or surgical procedures and radiation therapies for more complex tumors. We offer access to innovative clinical trials and advanced treatment options to ensure you receive the most effective care available.

Nerve grafting (nerve transplant)

During this surgical procedure, a healthy nerve is used to repair peripheral nerve injuries.

Proton therapy

This noninvasive, precise radiation therapy uses high-energy protons to damage the DNA in cancer cells.

Gamma Knife

Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a blade-free surgical option for brain tumors and disorders.

Microvascular decompression (MVD)

A procedure to treat facial pain or spasms from nerve pressure caused by enlarged blood vessels.

Immunotherapy

This treatment boosts the immune system, enhancing its ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells.

Chemotherapy

This treatment uses strong medicines to target and eliminate cancer cells and to prevent their spread.